Recognition of prior learning (RPL) for UTS Transdisciplinary School courses

For Transdisciplinary School (TD) courses, recognition of prior learning may be granted on the basis of previous studies at another university or other recognised tertiary educational institution in the form of recognition of prior learning if the subjects previously studied are deemed by TD to be equivalent to those specified for their course.

In some circumstances, relevant work experience may also be considered in the postgraduate courses subject to meeting the requirements stated in the postgraduate section below.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted in two forms:

  • A specified subject: Recognition of prior learning will only be granted for subjects deemed equivalent to UTS subjects in time, content, treatment and conceptual development.
  • An unspecified elective: Recognition of prior learning for unspecified electives must be equivalent to the volume of learning of a UTS subject. Electives are subjects you can choose outside of your core or compulsory subjects for your degree.

Recognition of prior learning will not be granted for subjects taken more than five years prior to your first session of study in the relevant TD course, unless there is evidence through work experience that the knowledge has remained current.

Students are to apply for recognition of prior learning at enrolment in their first session of study. Recognition of prior learning will only be granted in exceptional circumstances after this time.

Students should note that recognition of prior learning given in one course at UTS will not necessarily be transferred to another course at UTS after a successful internal course transfer has occurred.

Undergraduate courses

Requests for recognition of prior learning for one third or less of the degree will be assessed by the respective Course Director. Requests for exemptions for more than one-third of the degree need to be considered by the RAO.

The maximum amount of credit allowed by TD for recognition of prior learning is one half (50%) of the total course credit point requirement for an undergraduate course. Recognition of prior learning is not granted on the basis of work experience in undergraduate courses.

Postgraduate courses

Recognition of prior learning will not be permitted in Graduate Certificate courses.

Recognition of prior learning is granted on the basis of prior postgraduate study at an Australian university, or at a recognised overseas institution deemed to be equivalent to an Australian university or relevant work experience.

The maximum amount of credit allowed by TD for recognition of prior learning is one half (50%) of the total course credit point requirement for a postgraduate course.

For applicants who wish to seek recognition of prior learning on the basis of previous work experience, supporting documents will need to be provided with the application for recognition of prior learning.

A maximum of 12cp of exemptions may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience. Any further amount of exemptions must be considered by the RAO.

Requests for recognition of prior learning are assessed by the respective Course Director.