This exciting 4-year project, running to 1 April 2025, is being co-ordinated by the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) and funded (>€6m) under the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative (HCI). This project marks an innovative collaboration between all Institutes of Technology, Universities and Technological Universities. DkIT and its HE partners will develop and roll out a National RPL Framework. The Framework will encompass a shared understanding of RPL, in keeping with national quality assurance arrangements, the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and QQI high-level policies.

RPL allows for all forms of learning to contribute to an award, providing access to the education system for individuals who through formal acknowledgement of their prior knowledge, skills and competencies may complete their studies in a shorter timeframe. RPL is also used for the award of credit, or exemptions, for individual modules on programmes.

RPL is important in the context of accessing education and in support of lifelong learning. It provides for personal development and reskilling and/or upskilling providing opportunities for future career advancement. The vision is that RPL will be an integral part of the higher education system, widely understood, celebrated, and utilised as a flexible pathway to further learning, certification and professional development.

For more information on this project please visit www.dkit.ie/recognised-prior-learning/ or contact the project lead Dr Philip Scanlon at philip.scanlon@dkit.ie.