RPL Exemplar – DCU 1
HEI
RPL type
Description of the applicant
School/Discipline Area
Programme name
Programme entry criteria
Level
Credits
Course type
Mode of delivery
Learner information on RPL process
DCU
Entry
Applicant did not meet the entry criteria (L8 sports related) but did have considerable relevant experience Faculty of Science and Health, School of Health and Human Performance
MSc in Elite Sport Performance
Applicants will be expected to hold a 2.2 Honours degree (Level 8 NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport and performance. In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). All RPL applicants will be invited to interview and required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic training and assessment
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL For more information on RPL, see the RPL website As part of the application process applicants may be called for an interview (This depends on the outcome of a triage process at the pre-interview stage where applicants are invited to discuss their experiences/qualifications across formal, informal and non-formal spaces)
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme This information is additional to the published criteria For example, Holding a position or role in the promotion of sport performance or related area Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain. For further information, please contact the Programme Chair using the contact details listed on the programme web page
9
90
Postgraduate
Part-time, blended
Applicant contacted the Programme Chair via email expressing an interest in the programme The Programme Chair set up an informal online meeting to discuss the applicant’s experience and qualifications The Programme Chair deemed the applicant to have appropriate formal, non-formal and informal learning (against the NQF) and invited the applicant to apply for RPL The RPL application deadlines are in line with the DCU deadlines
Identifying prior learning
Documenting & assessing prior learning
The applicant identified their learning through discussion with the Programme Chair using the NFQ as guidance
Written application; written assessment; interview
Details of assessment of prior learning
Timelines for preparation
Assessors
Assessment tools used by assessors
Assessment outcome(s)
Application Form includes: Level of academic education attained; Type & level of professional training and/or accreditation undertaken; practical experience in sport performance gained
Written assessment of 500 words discussing experience and role in elite sport performance
One reference (academic and/or professional)
Non provided
Programme Chair; Member of the Elite Performance Staff
National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) used to identify appropriateness of RPL application
Interview is recorded and includes a series of questions
See additional resource - RPL Interview Questions
Application was assessed by Programme Chair in the first instance, before using the NFQ to identify appropriateness for RPL application; The interview was conducted by the Programme Chair and another member of the Elite Performance staff
The two assessors reviewed the application (interview, documentation, evidence) and came to a decision on the suitability of the applicant
The decision and the accompanying paperwork were uploaded via a Google Form for approval by Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning (ADTL)/Faculty Teaching Committee (FTC)
Following the assessment and approval process, the Programme Chair completed the CRM report for Registry, outlining the assessment outcome. Registry made a formal offer via email.
Link to course
Acknowledgements
Other resources
https://www.dcu.ie/courses/postgraduate/school-health-andhuman-performance/msc-elite-sport-performance
Dr Robin Taylor
Assistant Professor in Elite Performance
Programme Chair MSc Elite Sport Performance
School of Health and Human Performance | Faculty of Science and Health | Karina Curley, RPL Project Lead
Kelly Adamson, RPL Research Assistant
MSc in Elite Sport Performance RPL Interview Questions
