RPL has opened up new learning opportunities for thousands of people across the country. These RPL Stories provide an insight into the transformative impact RPL has had and how it helps learners achieve their potential.
One of the amazing things about RPL is how it spans industries and sectors, as well as individual and unique learner journeys. In many cases, RPL helps individuals to match their professional lives, career experience and passion with academic programmes that match their ambition and professional development.
In the instance of learner Mike Hanrahan, RPL led him down an unexpected but hugely rewarding path, connecting his personal experience of dementia care with his passion for music and creativity. Mike completed a Postgraduate Certificate for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), which he describes as one of the best years of his life.
For Brendan Courtney, RPL helped him to gain entry to the MA in Business in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (Level 9) at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
Meet RPL learner Audrey Ripley-Smyth. As a result of RPL, Audrey was able to apply and gain access to a level 8 Business Degree programme at IADT which was the perfect fit for her. Audrey describes the impact that this has had on her career, her confidence and in opening doors to new opportunities.
RPL learner Mike Hanrahan on his RPL journey.
Brendan Courtney on his RPL journey at IADT
Audrey Rigley Smyth on her RPL journey at IADT
See more on the impact of RPL
These testimonials reflect the shared experiences of validation and empowerment that RPL brings to learners and the varied paths and industries enriched by RPL.
"The process itself was straightforward. The support and guidance has been fantastic."
- Susann Sullivan, RPL Learner studying a Bachelor (Hons) of Business Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology
"I gained access to the course because I could prove I had 20 years’ relevant experience under my belt."
- Sean Nixon, MA in Professional Design Practice programme at TU Dublin.
"I want to encourage others to believe that this is the path for them and that they not only deserve it but have worked towards it, their entire life."
-Evelyn Mc Glynn, BA (Hons) in Business, in Social Enterprise, Leadership & Management at TUS