Recognition and accreditation of prior learning means that the competences you already possess can be taken into account as part of your degree. The key principle is that you do not need to study competences you already have that are relevant to your degree – regardless of where, how, or when you acquired them.
To benefit from this, you need the ability to identify and reflect on your own competences when creating your Personal Study Plan (PSP) and selecting the most suitable ways to develop them further. It is important to recognise your existing competences at the beginning of your studies and to continue doing so throughout your studies. At the same time, you develop an essential skill for working life: the ability to assess and articulate your own expertise.
Why is recognition and accreditation of prior learning worthwhile?
- You identify your strengths and areas of interest
- Your studies become more meaningful when you can focus on learning something new
- Your degree is genuinely built around your competences
- You can progress through your studies more quickly
At Laurea, prior learning can be recognised through two main procedures: accreditation of prior learning and demonstration of competence. The process is always initiated by you as the student. If needed, you can receive guidance from your teacher tutor (Bachelor’s students) or the teacher in charge of your programme (Master’s students).
Steps for recognition and accreditation of prior learning
Identify your competence
Compare your competences with the learning outcomes defined in the curriculum. Use the evaluation criteria to evaluate your level of competence: evaluation criteria for bachelor’s studies/ evaluation criteria for master’s studies. If you determine that your competence meets at least level 1 of the evaluation framework, a demonstration of competence may be possible.
Make your competence visible
Accreditation of prior learning: If your competence is based on previous higher education studies, you demonstrate it using a transcript of records and course descriptions. Based on these, prepare your own proposal for recognition.
Demonstration of competence: If your competence has been acquired outside formal higher education (e.g., through work, hobbies, or training), you must describe and justify your competence yourself in relation to the study unit learning outcomes and evaluation criteria. Prepare a competence analysis supported by concrete examples.
Apply for recognition of competence
Accreditation of prior learning can be applied for based on completed studies at another higher education institution.
By demonstration of competence you can demonstrate competence acquired otherwise (e.g. at work, in hobbies, or in workplace training).
Recognition of competence
Decisions on accreditation of prior learning are made by the Head of Student Affairs of your programme (Bachelor’s students)/ the teacher in charge of your programme (Master’s students).
In a demonstration of competence, your competence is assessed by the teacher evaluating the demonstration.