The Recognition of Prior Learning landscape at Dublin City University has evolved significantly as part of the National RPL in Higher Education Project. Over the past few years, dedicated efforts have led to the development of a more transparent, accessible, and standardised approach to RPL across the university. From enhancing institutional processes to embedding RPL within teaching and learning strategies, these advancements have been instrumental in making learning more inclusive. This article outlines the key milestones achieved and the impact of RPL on students, staff, and academic programmes at DCU.
The RPL Project Lead
The progress made in embedding RPL at DCU would not have been possible without the dedication of the RPL Project Lead at DCU, Karina Curley whose commitment has been instrumental in achieving these milestones. Karina played a key role in coordinating efforts across faculties and ensuring that the project’s objectives were met in alignment with national goals. Alongside research assistant Kelly Adamson , their work has helped to improve institutional structures and a more inclusive approach to learning, ensuring that prior experiences and skills are recognised as valuable pathways to higher education. We extend our deepest gratitude for their hard work and dedication, which have made a lasting impact on RPL at DCU.
A significant milestone in the enhancement of RPL at DCU is the development and implementation of a standardised RPL process, now applied across all postgraduate taught programmes. Initially, this involved disseminating and organising faculty-wide surveys and meetings to identify good practices, existing gaps, shortfalls and inconsistencies in the RPL process. The findings were used to inform recommendations for updating existing practices and procedures. The collaborative process involved hosting meetings and information sessions with members of the RPL Working Group, relevant staff in the Registry, Student Recruitment, and the Students’ Union, as well as academic and professional staff in the five faculties.
