APL is a process undertaken by the University to assess and, as appropriate, recognise prior experiential or certificated learning for academic purposes. This recognition may give the learning a credit value and allow it to be counted towards the completion of a course of study. In some cases, for undergraduate courses, this may lead to advanced entry. Applicants are advised to check the relevant school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance via  for further information about advanced entry.
Credit transfer, which is a form of APL, is the process by which the University accepts credit arising from prior certificated learning, awarded either by itself or by another institution, as contributing to an award of the University. The relevant school will normally only make the academic decision about whether to grant APL during the admissions process, not at a later date, such as part-way through the course. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant admissions team for further information about credit transfers.
Where an articulation agreement is in place between an external educational provider and the Ó³¿ÍÖ±²¥, the agreement will clarify the credit transfer possible, and this credit will be attached to the relevant applicants’ student records if they are admitted to the University.
For research programmes, APL will be considered in respect of the taught components only. It is not normally permitted against the research thesis or thesis preparation components. APL requests are considered by the relevant faculty/school in accordance with the procedure set out in the (see the the section called Programmes of study for research degree awards within Ordinances and regulations). Graduate Board will be advised of any decisions taken in respect of APL.
In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered where a candidate is requesting APL in relation to the research thesis or thesis preparation components. This case must be made at the admissions stage, be supported by the school and be considered by the relevant committee. Exceptional cases would include, but not be limited to, where a postgraduate researcher has had to leave a PhD at another higher education institution due to circumstances outside their control. ​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹