Recognition of prior learning
Get credit where credit is due with Macquarie’s Recognition of Prior Learning
You’ve worked hard to get where you are – whether that’s through prior study, work experience or community involvement. At Macquarie, we recognise all of the different elements that come together to make you you.
With our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, you could get credit for all that hard work, reducing the duration of your course and freeing you up to get to your future sooner. We’ll review your previous learning experiences – whether they’re formal qualifications or other types of non-formal and informal learning. You could get a head start for both entry into and credit towards your course.
We consider two main forms of prior learning for potential credit:
Formal Learning
Formal Learning is part of a structured program that leads to the full or partial achievement of an officially accredited qualification undertaken at a tertiary institution (eg, a university, TAFE, or private college).
Examples of officially accredited qualifications include:
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas
- Associate Degrees
- Bachelor Degrees
- Postgraduate Degrees
You can find more information and definitions of RPL in the Macquarie University RPL Policy.
Evidence of Formal Learning
To be assessed for credit based on formal learning, you will need to supply the following items:
| Transcripts | A copy of your official transcripts for all relevant previous studies, including any currently enrolled units you intend to complete prior to commencing at Macquarie. Please contact your previous institution to obtain a copy of your official transcripts. |
| Enrolment Advice | If any of your currently enrolled units that you intend to complete prior to commencing at Macquarie are not listed on your transcripts, an official enrolment advice should be provided. Please contact your current institution to obtain an official enrolment advice. |
| Unit Outlines | Detailed unit guides or outlines (or course syllabus) must be provided for each unit on your transcript you wish to have assessed for credit. Unit guides should normally include information on the course content covered, learning outcomes, required readings, and assessment methods. Unit outlines are not required if you are applying for an articulation listed on the Articulations Register. |
Note: Supporting documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
RPL assessment criteria
In assessing your prior learning, consideration is given to the following currency and relevancy criteria:
Currency | Prior formal learning attained within ten years of the date of application for credit will generally be considered current. |
Relevancy | Prior formal learning will be considered relevant where there is evidence to demonstrate that:
|
Articulation and credit transfer arrangements
Macquarie has developed many articulation arrangements based on qualifications from other institutions - please check the Articulations Register for existing arrangements. If you are applying for an articulation arrangement listed on the register, you do not need to provide unit outlines. Only your transcripts and enrolment advice will be needed as your qualification has already been pre-assessed for credit.
Macquarie has also assessed a number of individual units from other institutions for equivalency to Macquarie units - please check the Credit Transfer Register for unit equivalencies.
Assessment of Overseas Qualifications
Macquarie assesses overseas qualifications using Australian Government guidelines to determine their comparability to qualifications on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Informal and Non-formal Learning
Informal Learning is gained through work, social, family, hobby or leisure activities and experiences.Informal Learning is not organised or externally structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support.
Non-formal Learning takes place through a structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification.
Evidence of Informal / Non-formal Learning
In order to obtain entry or credit at Macquarie based on informal or non-formal learning, a statement and documentary evidence must be provided to support your claim. Evidence needs to document your prior learning and demonstrate either:
- a standard of learning required for admission to your specified Macquarie degree program
and/or - achievement of the specific learning outcomes of the unit(s) for which credit is sought.
Some examples of documentary evidence for informal and non-formal learning include:
- Certificates and statements of attainment from courses sponsored by employers or professional bodies, including information about the course of study
- Results from other non-accredited courses from various education and training providers (eg. MOOCs), including outlines of any units studied
- Employment history and employment position descriptions
- Letters of reference from employers, including direct supervisors, verifying your knowledge, skills and experience
- Letters/documents from clients, verifying work activities
- Copies of documents you have completed as part of your work (eg. budgets, reports, memos, spread sheets, estimates, etc.)
- Details of community activities involving significant responsibilities
- Samples, photographs or videos of your work that are related to the credit sought
In some cases, students may be required to perform a challenge test to further demonstrate their prior learning.
You can find more information and definitions of RPL in the Macquarie University RPL Policy.
RPL Assessment Criteria
| Currency | Prior informal/non-formal learning attained within ten years of the date of application for admission and/or credit, will generally be considered current. |
Relevancy for admission | Prior informal/non-formal learning will be considered relevant for admission where:
|
| Relevancy for credit | Prior informal/non-formal learning will be considered relevant for credit where there is evidence to demonstrate that:
|
How to apply
International students
Prospective international students should request an RPL assessment as part of their application for admission. Further information is provided below.
If you have already commenced your studies at Macquarie, please review the RPL application process for current students.
Undergraduate RPL
International students are assessed for RPL towards undergraduate programs at the point of application for admission. Please indicate in the appropriate section of the application form that you wish to be considered for RPL.
When you apply, you will need to provide additional supporting documentation (eg, unit guides) as outlined in the sections above on formal and informal/non-formal learning.
Additional documentation is not required when applying for an articulation listed on the Articulations Register. However, if further information is needed, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
Postgraduate RPL
International students are assessed for RPL towards postgraduate programs at the point of application for admission. Please indicate in the appropriate section of the application form that you wish to be considered for RPL.
Students with a completed Bachelor or higher qualification in the same or related discipline as their intended postgraduate degree may qualify for RPL. Work experience may also be considered for both entry and credit towards some degrees. Information on RPL towards postgraduate programs at Macquarie is available on Coursefinder.
When you apply, you may need to provide additional supporting documentation. Documentation requirements can vary depending on the degree and on what basis you are requesting entry and/or credit - please contact us for advice.
Additional documentation is not required when applying for an articulation listed on the Articulations Register. However, if further information is needed, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
Summary
Identify | Read the information on formal and non-formal/informal learning above If you believe you meet the requirements, review what documentation will be required and how it will be assessed. |
Check | Check the Articulations Register and the Credit Transfer Register If your previous qualifications aren't listed on the registers, you may still be assessed for credit. Check your Macquarie degree requirements on the Handbook and Unit Guide website for more detailed information about each required unit. If any of your degree's required units are similar to your prior learning, you can be considered for specified credit. You will also be considered for unspecified credit towards the elective component of your degree. |
Gather | Gather your documentation You will be required to upload evidence of your prior learning as part of your application, so you need to have all your supporting documents ready before you start the online application process. Please review the sections above on formal and informal/non-formal learning for detailed descriptions of required documentation. |
Submit | Submit your application for admission Tick 'Yes' in the section asking if you want to apply for RPL and make sure to attach copies of all required documentation to support your request. |
Assess | Macquarie International will assess your application for admission and RPL We will notify you of the outcome of your application via your nominated email address. |
Before you apply, have you...
- Checked the Articulations Register and/or the Credit Transfer Register?
- Checked the Handbook and Unit Guide?
- Collected all your supporting documents?
Enquiries
Macquarie International
Level 1, Building E3A
Tel: +61 2 9850 7346
Enquiry form
Domestic students
Domestic students can submit a request for RPL following the instructions below.
Undergraduate RPL
Requests for RPL towards undergraduate programs at Macquarie should be submitted via the online RPL Application form prior to commencement of session.
We ask that students submit their requests by 21 July for Session 2 commencement. RPL requests submitted after this date may not be processed in time to allow you to modify your enrolment.
Postgraduate RPL
Information on recognition of prior learning towards postgraduate programs at Macquarie is available on Coursefinder. If you have prior learning which matches the criteria listed for your intended postgraduate degree, you may simply submit an application for admission and your RPL will be assessed through the admissions process.
All other cases should be submitted via the online RPL Application form. We ask that students submit their requests by 21 July for Session 2 commencement. RPL requests submitted after this date may not be processed in time to allow you to modify your enrolment.
Identify | Read the information on formal and non-formal/informal learning above If you believe you meet the requirements, please review what documentation will be required and how it will be assessed. |
Check | Understand your Macquarie degree requirements by checking the Handbook If any of the required units for your chosen Macquarie degree are similar to your prior learning, you can apply for " specified credit " Alternatively you may apply for " unspecified credit " which will reduce the elective component of your chosen Macquarie degree. |
Gather | What will I need? You will be required to upload evidence of prior learning as part of your application - so you need to have all your supporting evidence ready before you start the online application process. Please read the information on this page which details the required documentation for formal and non-formal/informal learning. |
Submit | Submit a Recognition of Prior Learning Request Don't forget to attach copies of all relevant supporting documentation to support your claim. |
Assess | Macquarie will assess your application We will notify you of the outcome of your assessment via your nominated email address. |
Before you apply, have you.....
- checked the Articulation Register and/or the Credit Transfer Register?
- checked the Handbook and Unit Guide?
- collected all your supporting documents?
Apply for recognition of prior learning
Enquiries
Student Connect
Building C7A, Level 2 MUSE
Tel: +61 (2) 9850.6410
ask.mq.edu.au
Important Notice
- The information set out in this publication is an indication only and does not guarantee entry into a program of study.
- Regardless of the nature or amount of RPL granted, any specific requirements of a course must be fulfilled.
- The final decision on whether to offer admission and RPL into a program of study resides with the University and depends on factors such as the currency and relevancy of any prior learning and the supporting evidence provided. The maximum amount of RPL that can be granted for particular qualifications is determined in accordance with the Schedule of Equivalencies and the Schedule of Minimum Requirements at Macquarie.
- The information contained in this publication is correct at the time of publication and the University reserves the right to make alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice.