Institutional Spotlight

As higher education institutions strive to provide more accessible and inclusive pathways for learners, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Project has played a critical role in shaping how prior learning—formal, non-formal, and experiential—is valued and integrated into university processes.

At University College Dublin , a strategic and evidence-based approach to RPL implementation, policy development, data collection, and process standardisation has been at the heart of institutional efforts. This article explores UCD’s key milestones in RPL implementation, highlighting the university’s structured approach to policy refinement, process development, and data-driven decision-making. It also features insights from senior UCD leaders and RPL practitioners, who have played a pivotal role in mainstreaming RPL within the institution.

RPL Project Lead

A crucial driving force behind the successful implementation of RPL at UCD has been the leadership and coordination provided by the RPL Project Leads, past and present. Their work has been instrumental in ensuring that RPL is embedded as a structured and sustainable practice within the university. Working closely with faculty, administrative teams, and institutional leadership, they have been instrumental in the furthering of RPL.

Throughout the course of the project, the University has focused on the following key milestones:

Establishment of an RPL Implementation Steering Group which meets monthly and is chaired by the UCD’s Dean of Students, Professor Jason Last. The Steering group is made up of representatives from the Academic, Operations Management and Support Administrative Staff. The Steering group is responsible for defining the strategic direction of RPL implementation, for setting policy, for review of data trends and identification of opportunities for improvement. They are the advocates of RPL practice in the University.