Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

1. Purpose and Scope

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way for an education provider to consider learning gained through earlier study, training, work or other experience. StartYourPhD supports prospective applicants who want to ask whether such learning may be relevant to a doctoral program offered by a partner institution.

This policy applies to StartYourPhD's guidance and admissions-support activities. The partner institution's published policy and requirements take precedence whenever they differ from this guide.

2. What RPL May Cover

Where the partner institution permits it, RPL may be considered when:

• Checking entry requirements
• Recognising previous academic credit
• Requesting exemption or advanced standing for part of a program

RPL is about learning that can be demonstrated, not experience, seniority, job title or years of service by themselves.

RPL does not guarantee admission, credit, a shorter study period, lower fees or a qualification. RPL is separate from any honorary-doctorate or profile-based process.

3. Our Approach

StartYourPhD will aim to make RPL guidance clear, respectful, accessible and consistent. Applicants should be assessed on relevant learning and evidence, not on personal characteristics. Guidance is preliminary and cannot promise how a partner institution will decide a formal claim.

4. Evidence Applicants May Be Asked to Provide

The partner institution decides what evidence it needs. Depending on the claim, this may include:

• Certificates and transcripts
• Course descriptions or learning outcomes
• Professional training records
• A CV and employment details
• Publications or research outputs
• Work samples or project records
• A portfolio explaining what was learned and how it matches the program's requirements

Evidence should be genuine, relevant and detailed enough to show the applicant's own learning. The institution may ask for certified copies, translations, an interview, a written task or other assessment. Applicants are responsible for meeting the institution's submission instructions and deadlines.

5. How to Explore an RPL Claim

1. Contact us: Reach StartYourPhD through www.startyourphd.com and explain the program and prior learning you want considered.
2. Identify the institution: StartYourPhD will help identify the relevant partner institution and point you to its RPL requirements, where available.
3. Prepare and submit evidence: Prepare the evidence requested by that institution and submit it through the channel it specifies. StartYourPhD may assist with admissions coordination where authorised.
4. Institution review: The partner institution reviews the claim. It may request more information or an additional assessment before deciding.
5. Decision: The partner institution communicates the decision and any next steps under its own process.

6. Assessment and Outcomes

The partner institution's authorised academic staff or assessors decide whether the evidence meets the relevant learning outcomes and academic level. A claim may be accepted in full or in part, referred for further evidence or assessment, or declined. Any approved credit or exemption, its effect on program duration and fees, and how it appears in records are governed by that institution.

An initial discussion with StartYourPhD is guidance only. It is not a formal assessment or approval of an RPL claim.

7. Fees, Timing and Review Requests

Any assessment fee, application deadline and decision timeframe are set by the partner institution. Applicants should confirm these details before applying. StartYourPhD will not state that a fee waiver, credit award or particular decision timeframe is assured unless the partner institution has confirmed it.

If you disagree with an academic decision, request a review or appeal directly through the partner institution's process and within its deadline. StartYourPhD can help you locate the relevant information but cannot change or overturn the institution's decision. For concerns about StartYourPhD's own guidance or service, contact us through the website.

8. Privacy, Accessibility and Policy Review

Applicants should provide only information relevant to their claim and should follow the partner institution's privacy and submission instructions. Information will be shared with a partner institution only as needed for the requested guidance or application and in line with applicable privacy requirements and any consent provided.

Applicants may tell StartYourPhD or the partner institution if they need an accessible way to receive guidance or submit evidence. Available adjustments and assessment arrangements are confirmed by the partner institution. StartYourPhD will review this policy at least every two years and sooner if its services or partner arrangements materially change.