RPL Exemplar 6: Atlantic Technological University

Exemplar 1 - ATU Donegal

HEI ATU Donegal

RPL type Entry

Description of the applicant

Applicant had considerable relevant experience but did not meet the programme entry criteria.

School/Discipline Area Faculty of Business, Dept of Tourism and Sport

Programme name MSc in Sports Performance Practice

Programme entry criteria Level 8, or an equivalent qualification which will be sport related. Or non-sport degree graduates who have significant work experience in a related sport industry.

Level 9

Credits 90

Course type Postgraduate

Mode of delivery Full-time, part-time

Learner information on RPL process

Identifying prior learning

Documenting & assessing prior learning

Details of assessment of prior learning

Applicant applied for the programme via the normal application process. The Head of Department (HoD) reviewed and noted the applicant did not meet the entry criteria. HoD referred the applicant for RPL. The RPL Coordinator communicated via email and held a number of online meetings to explain the RPL process and what was required.

A portfolio guideline document was shared with the applicant and also discussed during the meetings. The three types of learning were explained as well as discussion on how to articulate the informal learning. The RPL coordinator provided feedback on two drafts.

Portfolio comprising of four sections and a mapping table; Interview

The interview allowed the applicant an opportunity to further expand on their prior learning.

Timelines for preparation 3 weeks; supported by the RPL Coordinator

Assessors Head of Department validated outcome of assessment; Assessed in accordance with AQAE009 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

Assessment tools used by assessors

Assessment criteria includes:

Validity

Sufficiency

Authenticity

Reliability

Currency

Assessment outcome(s) RPL for entry, no grade applied. HoD validated the outcome of the assessment and recommended an offer be made to the applicant. Admissions team followed up with the offer.

Link to course https://www.atu.ie/courses/master-of-science-sports-performance-practice

Acknowledgements Ms Nicola Dunnion, Head of Department of Tourism and Sport

Dr Ken van Someren, Academic, Department of Tourism and Sport

Christine McCabe, RPL Coordinator

Other resources Policy - https://www.atu.ie/app/uploads/2024/10/ recognition-of-prior-learning-rpl-policy.pdf Assessment of Portfolio Evidence Criteria

ATU Assessment of Portfolio of Evidence Critieria

ATU Assessment of Portfolio Evidence Criteria

Validity Does the prior learning presented meet the learning outcomes required by the relevant academic unit?

Is the academic level of the prior learning being presented in line with the level descriptors for the programme for which RPL is being sought? This should be equivalent to the standard expected of other students and the standards associated with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and its awards.

Sufficiency Is there enough evidence to demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been achieved?

Authenticity Is it clear that the prior learning evidence provided is that of the applicant?

Reliability Is the evidence of prior learning presented reliable?

Currency Is the prior learning achieved and being assessed current? Is it up to date with current knowledge and practice of the discipline?

Source: ATU AQAE009 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy