Dublin creatives amplify careers thanks to RPL project – MSN

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) project celebrated its inaugural National RPL Month in November to highlight how lifelong learners can forge a more flexible pathway into higher education.

RPL is a five-year National Project funded by the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative. It allows learners to gain entry to higher education programmes or receive exemptions based on their prior learning—whether it’s formal, non-formal, or experiential.

Individuals can use their work experience and life skills to gain access to higher education from a level 6 certificate, right through to level 10 doctoral degrees. At the project’s conclusion, RPL will have brought around 15,000 learners in Ireland through its process as it continues to be strengthened and streamlined in higher education institutions nationwide.

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Dublin’s Cathy Power, who recently completed a Masters Degree in Creative Writing at Dublin City University, is among those learners. Cathy was already a seasoned writer but felt it was time to formalise her skills and gain confidence in her craft.

She said: “I did the Master’s in Creative Writing because I have been writing for decades but have done little with my writing. I hoped the Master’s would give me confidence and skills to edit my novel and start to send it out for publication.”

Cathy unexpectedly learned about the RPL pathway while chatting to Prof Dáire Keogh at a reception in the Belgian Embassy. He informed her that she could apply for the Master’s programme based on her writing skills, despite not having a primary degree.

Within days, Cathy was connected with an alumna of the programme who encouraged her to pursue it. “I was surprised and delighted that despite having no primary degree, I could apply on the basis of my writing skills,” Cathy said.

“RPL has opened doors for me and allowed me to study while working, which was crucial. I would encourage anyone to go for it. It is daunting to start, but it really gives you confidence when you realise that the skills and experience you have accumulated over the years are worth a lot entering third level. It’s easier than you imagine.”

Dr Graham Glanville, RPL Project Lead at Trinity College, Dublin said there was a consistent and growing demand to address life-long learning goals both here in Ireland and across Europe.

“Ireland lags behind in target and we in higher education need to address this. Further strengthening and embedding of RPL will drive increased uptake in lifelong learning,” he said.

“There is a growing demand to address life-long learning goals both here in Ireland and across Europe. The RPL process acted as a reminder to learners that they have many different types of learning experiences that can be valued, and presented as evidence of knowledge, skills and competence.”

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