Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The University of the Western Cape has pioneered as a leader in the policy development and implementation of Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) within South Africa’s higher education landscape. RPL is an integral part of the Admissions Policy at UWC and finds expression in a range of services to support mature students seeking alternative access into higher education degree/qualification programmes at UWC. “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the formal acknowledgement of the knowledge, skills, expertise and capabilities that people possess as a result of the prior learning that may have occurred through formal, informal or non-formal means – through self-study, work or other life experiences.” The domain of RPL is closely aligned to the main elements of the South African national policy discourse since 1994, with a specific focus of achieving transformation, accreditation, lifelong learning and complying with the National qualifications framework (NQF) of South Africa. The main purpose of RPL is to facilitate access to, mobility across and progression within the education, training and career paths.
University of Western Cape: Admissions policy
RPL for Access to Undergraduate Study
Applicants may apply for alternative admission into an undergraduate degree in UWC if they meet the following RPL requirements:
- Applicants must be 23 years or older of age. This age requirement is proposed on the assumption that an appropriate level of maturity and relevant experience, skills or learning could be gained at 23 years of age.
- Additionally specific subject requirements for entry into each degree programme will apply for all RPL applications. These subject requirements are stipulated in the prospectus/ handbook for each Faculty.
Applicants without a matriculation (Grade 12) or National Senior Certificate (NSC)
Applicants who have not completed a matriculation (grade 12) will need to go through the RPL assessment process (Portfolio Development Programme-PDP and Tests for Access and Placement- TAP) or National Benchmark Test (NBT) assessment process in order to demonstrate their learning, skills, competence and experience. Candidates who are 23 years or older, and do not have a matriculation certificate or National Senior Certificate, but have obtained other qualifications (below NQF level 5) or experience that may be deemed to be equivalent to the admission criteria will also be required to go through an RPL process, where relevant learning, knowledge, skills, competence and experience will be assessed
National Senior Certificate (NSC) prior to 2008
Applicants who completed a matriculation National Senior Certificate (NSC) but does not have a Bachelor’s pass or have additional qualifications will be considered if in Senates Discretion, they have demonstrated relevant learning, skills, competence and experience during RPL (PDP and TAP) or National Benchmark Test (NBT) assessment processes.
Age Exemption
Candidates 23 years and older with a senior certificate (who matriculated prior 2008) and passed the senior certificate in a specific way qualifies for an age exemption and will be considered for admission if he/she meets the programme admissions requirements however candidates who do not qualify for an age exemption but who passed matric prior to 2008 and did not pass with a Bachelors and do not have any additional qualifications (below NQF level 5) will have to go through the RPL assessment processes.
National Senior Certificate (NSC) post 2008
Applicants who completed a matric National Senior Certificate (NSC) but do not have a Bachelor’s pass or have not completed additional qualifications (at NQF level 5) will be considered if in Senates Discretion, they have demonstrated relevant learning, skills, competence and experience during RPL (Portfolio Development Course and Tests for Access and Placement) or National Benchmark Test (NBT) assessment processes. Additionally If you are 23 years or older and you have gone through the RPL program and then gain admission into the University you may also write the computer literacy and English for Educational Development (EED) challenge test for programmes where these tests are prescribed. If you pass the challenge test, you will be exempted for from these modules.
RPL credit transfer
This is the formal recognition of credits obtained for learning in other formal contexts such as another higher education institution. It may also include accredited courses provided by professional bodies, voluntary associations, enterprises, private educational institutions, trade unions, government agencies and/or other providers recognized by the university. This process entails the comparison of module descriptors, level and credits for a particular course/module
RPL for post-graduate study -Advanced standing
Access to postgraduate studies through Senate discretion is common practice at many universities. It usually entails candidates producing evidence of learning achievement through work and/or other experience. The current RPL policy at UWC makes provision for RPL for advanced standing on a case-by -case basis. Each application is considered and approved in collaboration with the relevant Faculty, supervisor (content specialist/academic), RPL Unit and the UWC Quality assurance office. Relevant research experience, formal and non-formal learning are evaluated.