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Accreditation of Prior Learning (APEL)

  • Key information

    Course length
  • Part Time,
  • Entry requirements

    The APEL short course awards students 240 credits at levels 4 and 5 and are awarded based on the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) from either prior work-based learning or certificated learning at degree level or a combination of both.

    This would normally include learning from either paid work or volunteering activities completed over the last 5 years.

    If you feel that you can demonstrate and evidence learning of an appropriate standard and volume, you can be assessed in relation to the learning outcomes of a module or programme.

    For some courses, where entry is at Level 5 or 6, this is a pre-requisite for the course. For example, our L6 Leadership and Professional Development programme.

    As an APEL applicant, you will have developed skills, strengths and knowledge from a range of experiential learning. Learning must be at an equivalent level to that on the modules offered on our programmes and you must be able to evidence it.

    For more information, please contact the Programme Lead Chandra Tester at: c.tester@herts.ac.uk

About the course

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning or APEL is learning which has been achieved through experiences outside the formal education and training systems, normally associated with a working environment.

This can be assessed and recognised for an award of credit by the University. It is different from formal learning as it is often unstructured and can be more personal and individualised.

Study and Portfolio

The APEL short course involves 4 online workshops (usually held on a Saturday) and the presentation of an evidenced portfolio online which demonstrates your work.

You will study independently as the course is highly personalised but will have the guidance of an APEL Tutor and/or Subject specialist. This may be through group workshops or on a one-to-one basis.

In the portfolio, you will be asked to reflect on your learning and there will be a need for other forms of evidence too, even artefacts such as artwork.

Your portfolio will be assessed by the APEL Tutor and/or Subject specialist and also seen by a Moderator and an External Reviewer.

You will also need to attend for a Viva to discuss your learning.

Course fees

A one-off payment of £750 per delegate.

N.B. This cannot be paid via Student Finance England.

Want to know more? Please contact us on business-academy@herts.ac.uk