More than one way forward
Mature Age, RPL & CAT
Your experience and previous learning may help shape a different route into or through your chosen qualification.
Explore your possible routeAlternative access routes
Your journey does not have to look like everyone else’s.
If you do not follow the standard school-leaver pathway, you may still have options. Mature Age entry, Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer each serve a different purpose and require an individual assessment.
Route finder
Start with the description that sounds like you.
Mature Age entry
A possible admission route for applicants who meet the relevant age and assessment criteria but do not enter through the standard school-leaving route.
- Your age and academic history are reviewed
- Programme-specific criteria still apply
- Additional assessment or evidence may be requested
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
A formal process used to assess relevant learning gained through work, life experience or non-formal study against stated learning outcomes.
- You explain the experience relevant to your chosen programme
- You may need to submit a structured portfolio of evidence
- Evidence is assessed; experience alone does not guarantee credit
Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT)
A process that considers recognised credits previously earned through formal study and whether they can be transferred into another qualification.
- You submit transcripts and detailed module information
- Content, level, credits and recency are compared
- Approved credit is subject to institutional and qualification rules
Prepare for assessment
Build a clear evidence pack.
Tell your story
Explain your study history, work experience and the qualification you want to enter.
Show the evidence
Gather certified results, transcripts, module outlines, CV information or a portfolio where relevant.
Allow assessment
The appropriate academic team reviews your evidence against the applicable requirements and outcomes.
A fair, evidence-based process
What these routes can and cannot do.
They can
Recognise qualifying prior learning, offer an alternative access assessment, or consider relevant formal credits where policy allows.
They cannot
Guarantee admission, remove every programme requirement or award credit without sufficient, relevant evidence and formal approval.
Before you enquire
Useful questions, answered.
Which route should I choose?
Mature Age relates mainly to an alternative access route; RPL assesses relevant prior learning; CAT considers formal credits already earned. An advisor can help identify the correct starting point.
Is work experience automatically converted into credits?
No. Relevant learning must be demonstrated and formally assessed against the required outcomes.
Will all my previous modules transfer?
Not necessarily. Each request is assessed for equivalence, credits, level, content and other applicable rules.
Let’s find your route