Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is when we recognise knowledge you've gained from work, study or other life experiences.
This could help you get a place on one of our courses, or give you credits toward your qualification, so that you can complete it faster.
Recognition of prior learning can be useful if you:
- want to build on existing qualifications and progress in your career
- are looking to retrain or change careers
- have been out of education for a time and feel you lack qualifications
- are unemployed and looking for ways to demonstrate your learning to employers.
Types of learning we recognise
We recognise two categories of prior learning: experiential, from life and work experiences, and accredited, from formal assessments.
Examples of the kind of learning we might recognise include:
- informal learning or training in the workplace or community
- other community activities, such as volunteering
- extra-curricular activities at school
- study at a college, university or other learning and training provider.
How to apply
Send an expression of interest form (DOCX, 109.7KB) to the most suitable person from the list below. We will contact you to begin the process.
During the process we will ask you to tell us about your experiences and demonstrate what you have learned.
We'll also look for evidence that your learning is at the right level for the qualification you want to study.
Assessment fees
We don't currently charge a fee for undergraduate or postgraduate applications.
First point of contact
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
John Freeman (College contact)
0114 225 5485
j.p.freeman@shu.ac.uk
Beth Fielding-Lloyd (Academy of Sport and Physical Activity)
0114 225 5799
b.fielding-lloyd@shu.ac.uk
Colette Fegan (Allied Health Professionals)
0114 225 2581
c.m.fegan@shu.ac.uk
Catherine Duckett (Biosciences and Chemistry)
0114 225 6611
c.duckett@shu.ac.uk
Rachael Spencer (Nursing and Midwifery)
0114 225 3890
Rachael.Spencer@shu.ac.uk
Dave Johnson (Social Work, Social Care and Community Studies)
0114 225 5932
david.johnson@shu.ac.uk
College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Francis Awololo (Finance, Accounting and Business Systems)
0114 225 2812
i.f.awololo@shu.ac.uk
Kiefer Lee (Management)
0114 225 5198
k.lee@shu.ac.uk
Deborah Fitzgerald (Service Sector Management)
0114 225 2918
d.m.fitzgerald@shu.ac.uk
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Tom Payne (Culture and Media)
0114 225 4331
t.s.payne@shu.ac.uk
Richard Evans (Art and Design)
0114 225 3013
richard.evans@shu.ac.uk
Peter Griffith (Law and Criminology)
0114 225 5452
p.j.griffith@shu.ac.uk
Josie Wilson (Natural and Built Environment)
0114 2254 166
j.a.wilson@shu.ac.uk
Gary Taylor (Psychology, Sociology and Politics)
0114 225 5592
g.w.taylor@shu.ac.uk
Jemma Monkhouse (Sheffield Institute of Education)
0114 2252 932
j.monkhouse@shu.ac.uk
Get help
For help with Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact:
Admissions Office
0114 225 5555
