APPLICATION for ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR LEARNING (CERTIFICATED)
GUIDANCE ON HOW TO COMPLETE THE APL FORM
This form should be completed by the APL Admissions Tutor or, if required, forwarded to the Faculty AP(E)L
Adviser for verification. If appropriate, the Faculty AP(E)L Adviser will refer the application to the APL Sub-panel.
Return form and ALL supporting documentation by email to the Admissions Officer and the Academic Office
(AcademicOffice-APL@anglia.ac.uk) for recording on the applicant’s SITS record.
SECTION 1: to be completed by the Admissions Officer
This Section MUST be completed by the Admissions Officer/APL Admission Tutor and must include the
applicant’s start date.
SECTION 2: to be completed by the APL Admission tutor or Faculty AP(E)L Advisor
This Section is used to record the decision made on the APL application.
SECTION 3: to be completed by the Admissions Officer AND moderated as appropriate by the APL
Admissions Tutor
NEW: APL Admissions Tutor to include source of curriculum documentation used to determine level and
volume of credit
SECTION 4: to be completed by the Faculty APL Admissions Tutor
 Please include a commentary outlining the analysis of the prior learning. This must include the reference
source used to determine the level and volume of the prior learning and an explanation of how the credits
to be claimed map against the module/learning outcomes of the receiving course. The course learning
outcomes to modules mapping document completed during the approval of a new course may be helpful
in determining which compulsory subject areas directly link to course learning outcomes.
 Please complete Section 4 when requesting credit that is NOT approved on a course tariff. For large
numbers of students claiming the same level and volume of credit, obtained from the same institution,
onto the same award please use Section 6.
 Accreditation check is only required for unfamiliar qualifications and institutions
SECTION 5: to be completed by the Admissions Officer AND moderated as appropriate by the APL
Admissions Tutor
 Please complete so Admissions Officers can identify for the offer letter the applicant’s mode of study,
specified new learning, number of remaining semesters, and agreed year of entry eg year 5 of a part time
6-year degree.
 Please ensure due consideration has been given to the progression regulations. Please also noted that
the appropriate Director of Studies may give permission for a full-time applicant, entering with APL, to
undertake an additional 15 credits of study per semester (ie 75 credits per semester). Permission from
the Director of Studies should accompany the completed APL form.
Checklist prior to submission of form
1. Has the start date been included?
2. Is the learning current (within 5 years); or evidence of updating provided (CV, reflective statement,
employer reference, any appropriate CPD certification included?
3. Is the amount of credit claimed 2/3rd or less than the full credit for the course applied for?
4. Have copies of all relevant transcripts/certificates been included and certified that the original has been
seen?
5. If required is there evidence of a name change?
6. Has the specified identified new learning (if any) for the applicant been included?
7. Has sufficient detail been provided concerning the year of entry and mode of study?
If documentary evidence is missing, the APL approval should be made conditional upon its receipt.
For
Admissions
Office use only
UK/EU Admissions Officer name:
International Admissions Officer name:
Date sent to Faculty:
Individual APL form, July 2015
XXXX
XXXX
SECTION 1 NB for multiple applicants with the same prior learning, please use section 6
Faculty:
Faculty of Science & Technology
Department:
Department of Computing and Technology
Receiving ARU Award/Course:
BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems
Name of Student:
XXXX
SID No (if known):
1546671
Expected start date:
Sept 2016
Proposed year/stage of entry (see section 4
for more details):
e.g. 1 Year 2, Level 5
e.g. 2 Year 3 amended to Y2, Sem 1 – see S.5
Location of study or distance learning:
Chelmsford
Mode of study: Full time or part-time:
Full-time
SECTION 2: DECISION
To be completed by APL Admissions Tutor or Faculty AP(E)L Adviser only after consideration of all implications
of the application. Please tick one of the following boxes 
Unconditional approval
Conditional approval
nb form must be accompanied by
official award certificate and transcript
as a minimum
please note the reason for conditional
approval below
Rejected
please note the reason for
rejection

Person to action:
Conditional approval
Please tick 
Subject to provision of official transcript and/or certificate

Admissions officer
Regarding evidence of updating (if prior learning is over 5 years old):

subject to provision of CV

subject to evidence of relevant current CPD (if applicable)

subject to provision of Reflective Statement

subject to provision of Employer Reference
Subject to evidence of applicant’s name change (if transcript/certificate
is awarded in another name)
Other conditions (please specify)
Confirmation of currency of prior learning:
(If prior learning is over 5 years old, please confirm how the applicant has evidenced the maintenance of skills and knowledge in the subject
area)
e.g.1: Applicant has maintained NMC registration, requiring 35 hours study and 450 hours clinical practice in the
previous 3 years; and has gained an EPLS qualification in 2011. In addition, the applicant is responsible for
leading some clinical aspects both in the place of work and across the Eastern Region for specialist neonatal
care which demands that the applicant has currency in this specialism. Therefore this is evidence of both formal
and informal APEL.
e.g.2:
1. CV submitted which describes significant employment as music therapist in relevant clinical areas.
2. Reflective statement submitted which demonstrates continuing professional development, ongoing
clinical supervision and maintaining of clinical skills.
3. Continues to be member of UK professional music therapy association, (BAMT) keeping up to date with
literature and practice and attends conferences.
4. Good employer references received.
APL Admissions Tutor/AP(E)L Adviser approval
Signed: By email
Name: XXXX
Date: XXXX
ARU Username: (eg abc1): abc1
Director of Study approval (only required for applications seeking permission to study 75 credits in one semester/trimester):
Signed:
Name:
Date:
For Academic Office use only
Central approvals list (CAL) updated
(initials/date):
SECTION 3: DETAIL OF THE PRIOR LEARNING
NB for multiple applicants with the same prior learning, please use section 6
Awarding body for the qualification:
e.g.1 Pearson
e.g.2 Anglia Ruskin University
Institution which delivered the qualification:
e.g.1 East London College
e.g.2 As above
Title of prior learning award :
e.g. BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing and systems Development
Date award or credit achieved:
e.g. 29/Sep/2015
APL Admissions Tutor to specify volume &
level of general credit achieved:
e.g. 120 Level 4 + 100 Level 5
APL Admissions Tutor to specify volume &
level(s) of specific credit to be awarded in
respect of the ARU course:
e.g. 105 Level 4 + 75 Level 5
Source of the curriculum documentation
used to determine volume/level of credit:
e.g.1 Transcript and Edexcel course guide
NARIC guidance on equivalence of
qualification (for qualifications achieved
overseas):
e.g. Diploma in Business Studies from Malaysia is considered
comparable to Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) standard
Accreditation of qualification/institution
checked:
e.g. Yes – OFQUAL qualification number 500/8253/X
(dd/mmm/yyyy)
e.g.2 Module descriptors sent by the applicant; college website:
http://www.stamford.ac.uk/courses/computing-and-systemsdevelopment-hnd/
SECTION 4: MAPPING OF CREDIT (APL Admissions Tutor to complete Section 4a or 4b, as appropriate)
4a: Mapping of Prior Learning to ARU modules
Commentary outlining the analysis of the prior learning and how it maps against the ARU curriculum:
Please include a commentary outlining the analysis of the prior learning. This must include the reference source
used to determine the level and volume of the prior learning and an explanation of how the credits to be claimed
map against the module/learning outcomes of the receiving course. The course learning outcomes to modules
mapping document completed during the approval of a new course may be helpful in determining which
compulsory subject areas directly link to course learning outcomes.
e.g.1
The purpose of the BSc (Hons) Business and Finance Top-Up is to produce students with the range of skills
necessary to function as a graduate within a broad array of roles relating to business generally, with a specialism
finance.
To this end, we would anticipate that students applying to this course have had some learning in the areas of
accounting and finance and general business. The prior learning in business could cover any range of topics which
would benefit from adopting a range of assessment methods so that applicants would be confident in the
completing the variety of assessments that take place in the BSc (Hons) Business and Finance Top-Up. As the
finance modules introduced in this course have no prior-learning requirements, we simply need for students to
have some basic accounting or finance knowledge to progress into this course.
Students of the BSc (Hons) Business and Finance Top-Up complete a range of modules that require no specific
prior learning other than in the areas of accounting and general business. However, as they are delivered at Level
6, there is an expectation that the prior learning of students is of a standard that would allow applicants to
successfully complete the Top-Up Degree. As such, the HND Business has been reviewed with reference to these
expectations.
To determine the suitability of the HND Business the syllabus was reviewed using the tutor guide. This guide
contains information on the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Course aims and Course Learning Outcomes
Specific Module Aims and Learning Outcomes along with module descriptions
Assessment methods employed for each module
Matrix of academic and practical skills developed
The HND Business is a UK HE qualification studied in Scotland. It is assigned to Level 8 on the SCQF, which is
aligned with Level 5 of the FHEQ, accounting for the award of 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5
(QAA, 2014, p.45) – see:
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf
e.g. 2
There are no Levels 4 and 5 modules for BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management Top-Up. This Top-Up
course is to enable students who have previously studied Accounting and Finance or a course with similar content
/ outcomes to complete all Level 6 modules and achieve an Honours Degree in Accounting and Financial
Management (Top Up).
It is therefore appropriate to review the applicant’s previous study by considering the various subject areas
undertaken, and the extent to which these prior learning undertaken at Levels 4 and 5 contribute for entry into our
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management (Top Up) course. These are demonstrated as follows: This student has completed an Associate Degree Majoring in Accounting in Saudi Arabia. This award can be
treated as equivalent to 120 Level 4 credits as per NARIC interpretations.
Level 4 equivalent modules that are treated as 120 awarded credit of prior learning cover a range of areas as the
table below demonstrates:
Module
Subject Area
The student has also completed a BSc (Ord) Accounting and Financial Management in GMIT, Ireland. This is an
ECTS recognised award which assigns 60 credits upon completion. As per recognised guidelines 60 ECTS Credits
= 120 ARU Credits.
Level 5 Equivalent Modules that are considered as awarding 120 credit Level 5 prior learning are :
Module
Subject Area
Upon consideration of the above, I am satisfied that the content / subject areas covered by the student merit an
entry into the course. It is clear the student has extensively covered core areas such as Accounting and Finance
as well as a broad range of more general business management modules. I am also satisfied that the student has
achieved 120 credits prior learning at L4 and 120 credits at L5 in the appropriate subject areas. The result is that
the student will be sufficiently prepared for entry into Level 6 BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management
Top-Up
e.g.3
Through the analysis of the Learning Outcomes of the PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Course Handbook from Canterbury Christ Church University, it was possible to see how their modules detailed on
the transcript compare with the learning outcomes of the MA Education modules detailed below. The APCL
awarded for the PGCE (Life Long Learning) immediately maps on to MOD003704. Similarly, the learning
outcomes of the other two modules matched to MOD003704 are similar in focus to the ARU module (including the
focus on the importance of curriculum design and inclusion), and so are comparable (both in focus and credit
volume).
The Pedagogic Study is very similar to MOD003705 and so the learning outcomes are well matched. Through
the study of the Advanced Pedagogic module, this means that the depth of engagement meets the full learning
outcomes of MOD003705 (as well as the appropriate credit volume).
e.g.4
The curriculum studied by the applicant in his HND overlaps to a small extent with our BEng Computer Science.
Of the year 1 modules, only the LOs of Fundamentals of design and Introduction to Programming can be fully
mapped and therefore XX number of credits can be awarded.
e.g. 5
The applicant has completed two years of BIMM Institute. The modules taken and passed at BIMM are
commensurate with the learning outcomes of the subjects taken on the Popular Music BA here at ARU and a
mapping of outcomes has been undertaken accordingly. This is particularly evident in his second year for, whilst
a direct credential evaluation is made problematic by the weighting of modules at BIMM and some of the subjects
taking place at a year earlier than those timetabled at ARU, (for instance the BIMM subject Artist Development &
Entrepreneurship closely aligns with MOD000589 Live Music Event Management), taken as a whole Michael’s
academic development and student experience closely maps with that undertaken by an Popular Music student.
Confirmation of how the units of prior learning map against the module(s) of the Anglia Ruskin award
ARU modules on course applied for
Prior learning award/credit
Level
Title of Unit(s) where ARU module
learning met, including credit volume &
level
Credit
Volume
e.g.1
15
4
e.g.2
30
4
Module Code:
Module Title:
MOD004997 Dots, Lines and Waves
Music Theory and Notation, (20 L4)
MOD003212 Introduction to Programming
Systems analysis and design (L4, 15)
Programming in .NET (L5, 15)
Web applications development (L5, 15)
Computer games design and
development (L5, 15)
e.g.3
15
4
MOD000557 Popular Music in Context 1B
Learning met by a 5 credit contribution
from Cultural Perspectives (Level 5)
and other BIMM modules
4b: Mapping of Prior Learning to ARU learning outcomes
If it is not possible to map prior learning units of study to ARU modules, please explain how you have assured yourself that
semesters or years of study map against the course level learning outcomes of the ARU receiving award with particular
reference to the combination of skills, subject knowledge and understanding gained by the applicant. To demonstrate how
decisions were reached in the mapping of course learning outcomes, please use the following table, marking ‘X’ where mapping
occurs
Commentary outlining the analysis of the prior learning and how it maps against the ARU course level learning
outcomes:
Please include a commentary outlining the analysis of the prior learning. This must include the reference source
used to determine the level and volume of the prior learning and an explanation of how the credits to be claimed
map against the learning outcomes of the receiving course. The course learning outcomes to modules mapping
document completed during the approval of a new course may be helpful in determining which compulsory subject
areas directly link to course learning outcomes.
External Award Title:
Please complete, [indicating (C)ompulsory or (O)ptional modules, as appropriate]
Unit 7
Unit 6
Unit 5
Unit 4
Unit 3
Unit 2
Unit 1
ARU Award Title:
Level 4 Outcomes
Knowledge & Understanding:
LO1 …......…
LO2 ……….. etc
Intellectual (thinking), Practical, Affective
& Transferable Skills
LO1 ………..
LO2 ……….. etc
TOTAL Credits
SECTION 5: Entry point and new learning
Criteria for consideration to ensure the proposed new learning can practicably be studied:
i) Mix of levels/credits in the specific new learning - please identify the specific timing of when deficit level credits
will be studied, and year/semester of registration; considering ii – iv below;
ii) 90 credit Progression Rule – FT students must pass a minimum of 90 L4 credits in order to be allowed to
progress to Level 5 study. For progression to L6 study, students must have been awarded 210 credits or
more (including 90 credits at L5), and have successfully attained all L4 credit as prescribed in the CSF. PT
equivalents apply – please see Academic Regulations Section 8;
iii) Director of Studies permission must be obtained and submitted with this application to authorise FT applicants
to undertake more than 60 credits per semester, totalling 75 credits per semester maximum;
iv) Tier 4 International Students – UKVI requires a student to undertake a minimum 45 credits study per
semester/trimester.
MODE OF STUDY: e.g. Full-time
START DATE: e.g. Sept 2016 (Year 2, sem 1, then transfer to Y3, sem 2)
NEW LEARNING
Please use the table below to give details of modules to be undertaken as new learning if only partial credits
from any level are to be completed, eg the applicant is required to undertake 60 credits at Level 5 and 105
credits at Level 6. If the applicant is joining at the beginning of a level and completing the remainder of the
course in full, this section does not need to be completed.
Level
Module Title:
Academic Year and SEM/TRI
Credit
Volume
Module Code:
e.g.1
7
30
MOD003707
National and International Policy
Perspectives
2016/17 Tri1
e.g.2
7
e.g.3
4
60
MOD001383
Postgraduate Major Project
2016/17 Tri3-1
30
MOD002580
Computer Systems
Sem. 1-2, 2016-2017
Module to be taken
Total number of years and semesters/trimesters required to complete new
learning:
Date of final assessment deadline:
e.g. 3 semesters
e.g. Jan 2018
SECTION 6
This section should only be used if you have multiple students applying for the same level and volume of credit,
obtained from the same institution, into the same Anglia Ruskin Award
Faculty:
Department:
Receiving ARU Course:
Expected start date:
Proposed year/stage of entry
Location of study or distance learning
Mode of study: Full time or part-time
Awarding body for the qualification:
Institution which delivered the qualification:
Title of prior learning award :
Volume & level of general credit achieved:
Volume & level(s) of specific credit to be awarded
in respect of the ARU course:
Source of the curriculum documentation used to
determine volume/level of credit:
NARIC guidance on equivalence of qualification (for
qualifications achieved overseas):
Accreditation of qualification/institution checked:
Yes or no; if yes, state source
Student surname
Student first name
SID no (if known):
Date of External Award