Institute of Criminal Justice Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does an APEL claim look like?
2. What is the maximum credit I can claim for my previous learning?
3. What is credit?
4. I have a lot of learning that I think counts but will I be missing out if I claim APEL?
5. I learned something in a work situation that is different to the study of my degree but it seems relevant, does this matter?
6. I have completed study in the same subject as my degree. Can this study count towards APEL?
7. When do I make my claim?
8. I have a qualification from many years ago. Does it still count?
9. How much does this cost?
10. What happens if my learning only covers part of the learning in a unit of study?
11. How long does it take to prepare an APEL claim?
12. How long is prior learning credit valid?
13. How do I know if my prior learning is appropriate for the level of the unit of study?
14. I have an NVQ Level 3 which I know is not at the right level to count but I have built on that learning at work and with my own reading. What do I do?
15. What happens after I have made my claim?
1. What does an APEL claim look like?
Claims are portfolios of evidence that prove your learning. The evidence must be organised in a standard format and must contain:
- A front sheet (word doc) that provides details of the claimant.
- Sections for each of the units on your course degree for which you are claiming you already know the learning.
2. What is the maximum credit I can claim for my previous learning?
University regulations limit the amount of prior learning credit you can count toward a degree to 240 of the 360 credits required. back to top
3. What is credit?
A credit system is a standard way of measuring learning. BSc degrees are worth 360 credits of which 120 are at higher education level 4, 120 at higher education level 5 and 120 at higher education level 6. Credit for level 5 learning requires deeper understanding than level 4. Credit is awarded for successful learning through units of study and depending on the type of unit, they are worth 20 or 40 credits.
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4. I have a lot of learning that I think counts but will I be missing out if I claim APEL?
This is an important point. Part of the learning experience is to join in with the others on your course and become part of the learning community, sharing ideas and comparing practice. Your Course Leader can advise you in a way that doesn’t put your degree experience in jeopardy.
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5. I learned something in a work situation that is different to the study of my degree but it seems relevant, does this matter?
A lot of learning is useful in all sorts of work situations. If you have already learned something that is similar to what you would be studying on your degree it may be worth claiming credit for it. back to top
6. I have completed study in the same subject as my degree. Can this study count towards APEL?
If you have qualifications or good knowledge of the subjects covered by your degree, then prior learning credits could be awarded and you may be exempt from part of your study programme. It is possible in certain circumstances to allow students direct entry into the third stage of the degree (level 6).
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7. When do I make my claim?
Most claims are made prior to the start of a course or shortly afterwards when the students have had a look at the learning that is planned. However on some occasions it becomes apparent to the student that they already know more than they realised and so subsequent claims are made. Such additional claims must be made prior to the unit for which the claim is being made. There is no formal limit to the number of claims that can be made but students might jeopardise their learning if they spend too long putting claims together and not enough time joining in with the learning activities of the group. back to top
8. I have a qualification from many years ago. Does it still count?
Normally, a relevant certificated course completed within 5 years of registering upon a University of Portsmouth award will be counted as current learning. If a student completed a course earlier than this but has retained the currency of the learning through work based experience and/ or CPD opportunities, the learning may be considered to have retained its currency. The claim form should make it clear under the ‘experiential learning’ section how the learning has remained current. back to top
9. How much does this cost?
There is no cost where an APEL claim is part of the application process but where the assessment of claims involves the assessment of extensive employers' portfolios of evidence, fees relating to costs may be levied. Contact the admin team on 02392 843148 who will be able to advise you on this. back to top
10. What happens if my learning only covers part of the learning in a unit of study?
If you have covered more than half of the unit’s syllabus it could be worth making a claim. It might be possible for you to be exempted from part of the unit but be required to complete the normal assessment. However, first ask yourself whether you want to learn the bits you haven’t learned so far and if it would be a good idea to refresh your learning about what you already know. back to top
11. How long does it take to prepare an APEL claim?
Making an APEL claim can be a lengthy business. Just thinking about what you know and which of the subjects it covers on your degree takes time. You then have to find the evidence that proves your learning and put together your claim. Most students report that it isn’t the time that is the problem, rather it is getting organised, finding the proof and having good clear time in which to think. APEL claims for learning that has already been assessed elsewhere and for which you already have evidence of these results in a transcript or certificate do not take long. However, it is much more complex and time-consuming to demonstrate past learning that includes learning in the workplace or training or education that has not previously been assessed. For such claims the advice would be to put together a claim over 2-3 weeks, doing a little at a time. back to top
12. How long is prior learning credit valid?
There is no formal time limit on the validity of APEL credit awarded by the University of Portsmouth. However, 18 months after the date on which the credit was confirmed, questions may be asked particularly where the prior knowledge has a short shelf life. For example, relevant legislation and policies may have changed, work practices may have been revised and developments in computing and other technologies can become rapidly out-of-date. In such cases evidence of how knowledge has been updated may be requested. back to top
13. How do I know if my prior learning is appropriate for the level of the unit of study?
It is important that the learning is at the right level. Learning about any subject can be at many levels. As the learning reaches the higher levels it involves more complex and creative applications of knowledge, the ability to be critically constructive, the achievement of professional standards and so on. The best way to check on the level of your learning is to look carefully at the learning outcomes, syllabus content and aims of units of study and check the level at which the unit is offered. You then need to consider if your learning matches the level indicated. To check the levels of learning you will need to look at the guidance given at Step 2 in this guide. back to top
14. I have an NVQ Level 3 which I know is not at the right level to count but I have built on that learning at work and with my own reading. What do I do?
It sounds as if you have a potential claim that you could make if your learning has reached a higher level and is relevant to your degree. This is an issue to discuss with your Course Leader. back to top
15. What happens after I have made my claim?
Your claim will be assessed and confirmed by the Course Leader, Associate Head of Department and Associate Dean or Faculty Board and this stage will constitute formal approval of your claim. You will then be informed by letter of the outcome of your claim. There is no requirement that having been awarded APEL credit that you take all or part of it up. It is your choice. APEL credit that has been awarded and accepted by you will be recorded on your transcript of marks as credit for the unit of study for which the claim was made together with an indication that this credit has been assigned through APEL. back to top