Recognition of Prior Learning:
The Process for Higher Education Students
The information below is provided as a general guide. Please keep in mind that within Swinburne's higher education sector, the RPL assessment process is left to the discretion of each faculty and may differ from case to case or course to course.
- When to Apply for RPL
- Obtaining Credit Without Formal Assessment
- Obtaining a Formal RPL Assessment
- Preparing a Portfolio
- Lodging an Application
- Testing
- Assessment
- Faculty-Specific RPL Information
When to Apply for RPL
Prospective Students
It is suggested that prospective Australian (domestic) higher education students submit their application for recognition of prior learning with their course application or first enrolment form.
Current Students
Current students are expected to apply for recognition of prior learning prior to the commencement of study.
Obtaining Credit Without Formal Assessment
Higher education students interested in obtaining RPL must first contact the relevant faculty office. This will allow them to determine whether credit in relation to any types of informal learning is available without the need for the preparation of a portfolio or a formal RPL assessment.
If credit without a portfolio or formal RPL assessment is available, the student must complete an Application for RPL form and lodge it at the faculty office.
Appropriate supporting documentation such as course records, references and transcripts should be attached to the document.
There is no charge for current students or students applying for enrolment when making this application.
Obtaining a Formal RPL Assessment
For circumstances in which credit is not already available for a specific type of informal learning, prospective or current higher education students will be advised to either:
- Prepare a portfolio of their prior learning for assessment by Swinburne.
- Contact an external agency about obtaining an RPL assessment.
Preparing a Portfolio
An RPL portfolio should contain a document which outlines the link between learning experiences and the learning outcomes of the course in which the student is seeking credit.
It should also contain documents detailing the type of learning undertaken.
Credentialled Learning
In the case of credentialled learning - covering skills and knowledge acquired from a provider other than a university or TAFE institute, such as employer-based programs, professional bodies and private providers - the portfolio should include:
- A certified copy of a statement of satisfactory completion of a course.
- Documentation stating the objectives, learning outcomes and content of the course.
- Details of the contact hours of the course (timetable or other supporting documentation required).
- Details of the presenter.
Uncredentialled Learning
In the case of uncredentialled learning - covering skills and knowledge acquired through work experience, life experience or informal training - the portfolio should include:
- Details of uncredentialled learning.
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A letter of support from an appropriate person/organisation who can verify these details.
Lodging an Application
Students who have prepared a portfolio or obtained an external RPL assessment must lodge an Application for RPL form with their faculty office, listing the subject(s) for which recognition of prior learning is sought.
Their application must also include their portfolio.
Testing
Students may be required to undertake some form of test or assessment to demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes stated.
Assessment
All applications for recognition of prior learning will be assessed by either the relevant faculty RPL Committee or by a faculty nominee.
In considering applications, the RPL Committee or nominee will determine the extent to which the student’s prior learning experiences and resultant learning outcomes, match the learning outcomes of the course in which they seek credit.
Faculty-Specific RPL Information
Please remember that the RPL assessment process outlined above is a general guide based on the Swinburne RPL Higher Education Policy. Individual faculties have discretion over their own RPL assessment and it may differ from case to case or course to course.
Because of this, it is extremely important that you contact the relevant faculty before beginning the application process:
| Faculty | Phone | Website |
| Business & Enterprise | (03) 9214 5554 | |
| Design | (03) 9214 6755 | |
| Engineering & Industrial Sciences | (03) 9214 8372 | |
| Information & Communication Technologies | (03) 9214 5505 | |
| Life & Social Sciences | (03) 9214 8859 | |
| Higher Education, Lilydale | (03) 9215 7200 | Visit Lilydale's RPL website |
