An application for RPL, for entry or advanced entry, should be made by May 20th for programmes starting in September of the following academic year.

An RPL application for module exemption must be made within 4 weeks of starting the module. Therefore, an applicant must first register on, and attend, a module before applying for an exemption in that module.

Your application should typically take a maximum of 4 weeks to be reviewed from the date of submission. Please note your application will only be reviewed if all supporting documentation is included.

Each year of an academic programme is made up of a number of modules. Each module will have a title and a number of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits assigned to it. In TUS a module can have from 5 to 30 credits assigned to it and the number of credits reflects the workload attached to the module. Each module will also have its own learning outcomes and methods of assessment.

Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to know, understand and /or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning.

Learning outcomes help you to understand what is expected of you as a learner and makes it easier for you to determine if you have met the module objectives.

In terms of an RPL application, you will compare your prior learning to the learning outcomes of the module or programme that you are applying to.

ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System. As the name implies, this system has simplified how programmes of study across Europe can be compared. One ECTS is equal to between 25 and 30 hours of study. One academic year of study usually equates to 60 ECTS. A full bachelor’s degree equates to either 180 or 240 ECTS.

If you study part-time, the number of ECTS per semester or year will be lower and therefore will have a reduced workload. The study hours mentioned above do not include time spent on assignments and individual study time. The benefits of using the ECTS framework are:

• Transferring between universities.
• Studying abroad.
• Applying for further study.

All TUS programmes will specify what requirements you need to meet to gain entry to a programme. Most programmes offer applicants an opportunity to apply for entry via RPL, where the applicant does not meet the specified entry requirements. Some programmes do not offer RPL as an entry route due to restrictions imposed by professional bodies.

Prior learning refers to all learning that has taken place before an applicant applies to a programme of study. Prior learning includes all formal, non-formal and informal learning. These terms are explained further here.

The NFQ is a 10-level National Framework of Qualifications that helps you to compare different qualifications. It shows how learners can progress from one level to the next. The NFQ can also help you to compare a foreign qualification with its Irish equivalent and can help with the recognition of Irish qualifications abroad.

The NFQ classifies the level, class of award and type of qualifications in Ireland from Level 1 literacy qualifications, through to Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate and Level 10 doctoral degrees.

All qualifications included on the NFQ are listed in the Irish Register of Qualifications. If your qualification was obtained outside Ireland, NARIC Ireland, the National Academic Recognition Information Centre will help you find out how your qualification is understood in Ireland.