Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

Accredited Prior Learning (APL) recognises previous study or relevant experience that meets the learning outcomes of your chosen course. This can include formal qualifications, known as Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL), or skills and knowledge gained through work or other experience, known as Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

What is Accredited Prior Learning (APL)?

APL is a formal way of recognising learning you achieved before starting a course. It can reduce the amount of study needed or, in some cases, help meet entry requirements where you do not hold standard qualifications. Credit is used to measure academic progress, and an honours degree typically requires 360 credits across Levels 4, 5 and 6.

Up to 75% of a qualification may be awarded through APL, depending on the course. A minimum amount of credit must still be completed at Herts at specific levels. Advice is available on what can be considered and how much credit may be awarded.

Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL)

APCL refers to learning that has already been formally assessed by another education provider. It must be supported by official certification and is then reviewed by Herts to determine the amount and level of credit it can contribute towards your award. This process ensures that your previous study is fairly mapped against Herts modules.

If you’ve previously studied at another university and now want to continue your studies at Herts – perhaps due to moving home or changing job – APCL can help you avoid repeating learning. If your completed modules match the learning outcomes of modules on your Herts programme, you may be able to transfer credit in multiples of 15 credits and use this towards your degree.

There is no charge for APCL at Herts. Formal certificated learning is assessed without a fee when determining the credit that can be counted towards your award.

To apply, email our Ask Herts team with the programme you’re interested in. You’ll need to provide formal evidence of your previous study, such as certificates and module transcripts, so they can arrange to match your learning to the relevant Herts modules and confirm how much credit can be awarded.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

APEL recognises learning gained through experience rather than formal education. This could include work, volunteering, community roles, creative practice or other life experiences. To be considered for credit, your learning must be at the same academic level as modules offered at the University of Hertfordshire and be clearly evidenced. APEL focuses on what you’ve learned from your experience, not the activity itself.

You’ll need to show how your knowledge and skills match the learning outcomes of a Herts module or programme. This is usually done through a portfolio, which may include reflective writing alongside evidence such as reports, documents, professional outputs or creative work. The key requirement is your ability to explain and reflect on your learning.

APEL is subject to a fee, which will depend on the amount of credit you are seeking, but it will not exceed 50% of the standard module fee for the academic year. We will explain the exact costs before you decide to proceed.

If you think APEL could support your entry or progression, your first step is to email our Ask Herts team with the degree you’re interested in. They will advise you on suitability and guide you through the initial stages. You will then need to prepare your portfolio, mapping your experiential learning to Herts learning outcomes and gathering evidence to support your claim.