Communications–Recognitionofpriorlearning(RPL)

Source: https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/recognition-of-prior-learning/communications Parent: https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/admissions-entry/scholarships/contact-us

The School of Communication recognises that you may have prior learning from previous study at a recognised educational institution and may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Use the recognition of prior learning search tool to see how much credit you might be eligible for.

Please note that the recognition of prior learning search tool is only a guide and is by no means exhaustive. If your search does not return any results, you may still be eligible for recognition of prior learning at UTS.

When to apply

Domestic students
International students

Assessment of RPL

To be granted RPL, previous learning must be assessed as being equivalent to the UTS subject as outlined in the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures. This assessment will take into account each of the following:

currency of knowledge
relevance of your previous learning
learning outcomes
volume of learning
content of study, and
learning and assessment approaches of your previous learning.

Prior learning can be recognised only once in any individual UTS course. This means that prior learning considered as equivalent to a specific UTS subject(s) or other course component, can’t be recognised again for another subject or course component in that course. Prior learning may also be recognised through a process of subject substitution, where a student doesn’t have to complete a subject and an alternative subject(s) of equivalent credit point value is added to their study plan.

Course duration

Students applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) should be aware that, even where credit is granted, RPL does not guarantee a reduced study duration or uninterrupted full time enrolment.

For example, in the Creative Production courses, subject availability in the new course versions is staged, with second year subjects commencing in 2027 and third year subjects in 2028. As a result of subject availability and requisites, students may be required to enrol in a reduced study load during some sessions to align with course sequencing. Information on each subject’s availability and requisites is available in the handbook.

For subjects not available this year, the planned session and year are detailed in the Notes section of the subject's handbook entry.

A reduced study load may have both benefits and consequences. While it can provide greater flexibility to balance work, caring responsibilities or wellbeing, it may also extend overall course duration.

For domestic students, a reduced load may affect Centrelink payments and NSW Opal concession eligibility, which requires enrolment at a standard full time load.

For international students, enrolling below a full time study load without approval may impact your student visa and CoE.

All students are responsible for understanding how changes to their enrolment may affect their individual circumstances.

RPL limits

Students can be awarded a maximum of one-half (50%) of the credit points in a course via RPL. Some Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS) courses have lower thresholds for the volume of RPL that can be awarded.

Study undertaken as part of an articulation agreement (e.g. UTS College) or at UTS for another course (including nested courses) is transferred without regard to limit so long as the transfer occurs prior to graduation (in-course transfer) and the learning satisfies the requirements of the new study plan.

Time limit since previous study

The maximum number of years between completing the prior external course and admission into the current UTS course for all approved RPL is normally a maximum of 5 years but may be up to 10 years depending on the discretion of the discipline experts.

Single use of credit

UTS will recognise prior learning only once. Ensuring students submit a complete RPL application at the time of admission helps prevent repeated use of previously granted recognition.

Specified credit

Subject-to-subject equivalency

RPL should be granted if ≥70% of the content maps to an equivalent UTS subject. Students should nominate the most equivalent subject in their application.

Granting credit on the basis of work experience

Work experience or non-formal learning may be used as a basis for RPL when it is closely related and equivalent to the relevant AQF level. This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Credit can be granted for a single subject or a block of subjects. You will need to provide documentation, mostly in the form of an artefact (eg. a major report, book, film, music score etc), or proof of relevant work experience as outlined below:

a CV or position description that outlines the relevant experience
a letter from the applicant’s employers (where recognition is on the basis of work experience)
a letter or reference from the relevant organisation(s)
details of how this experience addresses the course requirements (provided in the UTS Handbook), and/or
any other documentation required for the course as outlined in the UTS Handbook or the relevant faculty’s RPL website.

Subjects from undergraduate courses in graduate courses

In general, the School of Communication does not grant credit for subjects from undergraduate courses in graduate courses (Access section 6.4.3 from the UTS Student Rules).

RPL for course transfers

You may be entitled to have subjects automatically credited to your new course. Course transfer RPL will automatically be recognised where the subject number and version number are identical in each course. In such cases, the subject grade will be recorded for the course you have transferred to. Subjects automatically credited to your new course through course transfer will be included in the grade point average (GPA) calculation for the course you have transferred to.

In all other cases, RPL is not automatic and an application for RPL must be made. For more information see UTS Recognition of prior learning policies.

RPL for concurrent study

In exceptional circumstances, School of Communication students may be allowed to study a limited number of subjects at another approved tertiary institution and have these counted towards your UTS course.

You will not be granted permission to undertake concurrent study if UTS offers the equivalent subjects or if you wish to accelerate your studies. You must apply before commencing studies at another institution and must have prior approval from UTS School of Communication.

Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the teaching period during which you wish to undertake the study.

RPL by external providers

Programs of study taught by external providers may also be recognised for credit in UTS award courses.

UTS Communication awards block credit for previous study with the following institutions under pre-determined arrangements.

UTS College
Singapore Polytechnics
TAFE Australia

How to apply

Applications for recognition of prior learning must be submitted to the UTS Student Administration team.

More information

Further information, including application procedures, can be found on the University's Recognition of prior learning page.

Other University Rules and Policies that you need to be familiar with:

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