Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process through which an individual may be awarded credit for informal and formal learning experiences.
Recognition of learning from life experiences, existing strengths and previous courses for example:
* A person who has a child with special educational needs or disabilities gains learning from caring for that child which would otherwise be unrecognised.
* A person who has worked as a mental health worker for ten years may be deemed to have prior learning experience.
What does APL Involve?
* Identifying what someone already knows and can do.
* Assessment of that person’s existing knowledge against course learning outcomes.
The underlining principle of APL is that all experiential learning can be quantified in terms of academic credit.
APL Procedure Following Initial Application
* The applicant will present a portfolio of work and essay to the Course Director.
* An interview with the Course Director and a second trainer to consider the presenting portfolio and see that it meets the requirements of the APL.
A portfolio of work could include:
- work experience in counselling
- formal and informal education;
- independent study. e.g. evidence of CPD
- other relevant experiences
- references
The essay of 2,000 words must be on a counselling/therapy related topic.
Criteria:
- The topic is addressed in a lucid, relevant, rigorous and coherent way.
- The essay is well structured with themes/ideas/issues developed in a logical and consistent way.
- There is evidence of personal experience with reference to relevant literature.
- Clear use is made of appropriate concepts to analyse and critique experiences and issues.
- There needs to be evidence of a level of self-awareness.
- Clear distinctions between evidence and opinion should be maintained.
- The conclusion must draw together the main arguments enabling the reader to appreciate how these points have been reached.
- Relevant areas which have not been referred to (for lack of space) may include further issues or questions arising.
If the candidate satisfies the above requirements then they may be admitted to the programme for Year 2, 3 or 4, at the discretion of the Director of MIP.
In the event of a candidate failing to achieve entry the Course Director would advise the on courses of study and appropriate experience that could be undertaken prior to the next application.
Registration must be for at least one academic year. This is due to the nature of the course in which processes, relationships and content need time to develop.
This policy will be reviewed every 18 months.
Last reviewed: June 2017
