Recognition of Prior Learning at Maynooth University

For over 30 years, Maynooth University has welcomed mature student learners, where experiential learning has long been recognised as a natural and valuable complement to traditional education.

The formal implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning, which holistically assesses learners prior formal, non-formal and informal learning as a mechanism for access and progression, aligns with our institutional ethos and strategic commitment to access, inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Since the project commenced in 2021, we have reached significant milestones, notably in the formal approval of a University-wide RPL policy. Grounded in best practice and aligned with the National Framework for RPL in Higher Education, this policy establishes the key principles for RPL practice at the University. Learner-centred and accessible, the policy is supported by a comprehensive suite of resources and guides designed for staff and applicants, ensuring consistent experience for all stakeholders engaged in RPL.

A core focus for Maynooth University has been on the transformational impact of RPL at an individual level. The introduction of RPL Scholarships to reward excellence in prior experiential learning has highlighted the extraordinary journeys of students who have joined the University through RPL pathways.

The real-world expertise these learners bring to the classroom enriches the academic environment, encouraging peer engagement, practical knowledge-sharing, and the ability to bridge theory and practice.

Through a number of academic champions, our faculties and departments have embraced RPL, embedding it into academic programme structures and integrating it as a valued component of the University’s educational framework, whilst central University services including Admissions and Academic Registry have provided the vital operational oversight to embed RPL into our core University business.

HCI Pillar 3 funding has been instrumental in creating a dedicated and protected space for RPL development in higher education. At Maynooth University, this investment has, since 2022, resulted in over 500 prospective students seeking to have their prior learning recognised as a means to access, or progress in, over 70 academic programmes of study.

The progress achieved to date provides a strong foundation for the future. We remain committed to supporting learners from diverse backgrounds as they embark on, or continue on their higher education journey. As the formal phase of the project concludes, Maynooth University is focused the scalability and sustainability of the remarkable progress made ensuring that RPL continues to thrive as a cornerstone of access, equity, and lifelong learning.

"The RPL project has been beneficial in making the process more visible and familiar across the university and extending its reach to Departments and programmes where RPL has historically been rarely used. The process has been particularly beneficial in allowing admission of experienced professionals who are in the workforce but lack the formal qualifications, and for students from the global South who have limited formal qualifications. This has been a transformative process for some of the students involved.”

- Professor Ronan Farrell Vice President Academic and Registrar, Maynooth University

RPL and the MSc in Climate Change Programme

Professor Conor Murphy, Department of Geography

Programme Director, MSc Climate Change, Maynooth University

As Director of the MSc Climate Change at Maynooth University, RPL has transformed our course by opening up access to a new cohort of students who have facilitated the integration of critical skills and experiences into the classroom.

This has enhanced learning for staff and students and brought new dimensions and richness, strengthening the student experience at Maynooth University. Post-programme student feedback has highlighted the diversity of experiences among their peer group that they are exposed to as one of the most important learning opportunities.

A recent student enrolled in 2023-24 brought his experience as a climate change negotiator in the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment in the Seychelles. This student’s experiential and prior learning opened up insights for both staff and students on negotiation processes, the vulnerability of small island nations to climate change and critical international topics like loss and damage.

His contributions and insights continue to impact the course even after his graduation and he has now progressed to become a senior international negotiator in COP meetings, working on behalf of his government to help the international community meet our targets on greenhouse gas emissions reductions, while ensuring justice issues and national priorities are addressed in global climate policy.

On his experience of studying the MSc Climate Change at Maynooth, he reflected that “This experience has enabled me to develop the skills, ethics and values conducive to being not only an effective citizen of the world but also to become one of tomorrow's leaders.”

This academic year (2024-25) I am delighted to have four RPL students on the MSc Climate Change. These include a meteorologist with detailed knowledge into the challenges of observing and analysing climate data, a student who has worked with the Malawian Forestry Department, bringing skills and insights of working with vulnerable communities on sustainable development and climate action, and another with a background in agronomic engineering with more than a decade of experience in fields such as agribusiness, waste management, environmental education, and ecosystem recovery.

These students are excelling in their studies and sharing their expertise and experiences with other students. In conclusion, the RPL route has been a hugely positive experience for me and the students for whom I am responsible. Moreover, it has resulted in increased diversity in the classroom and heightened the reputation and reach of the MSc Climate Change and by extension, Maynooth University.

In particular, RPL has been a route through which leaders from the global south have been able to access our MSc course, which also increases Maynooth’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

RPL Project Lead at Maynooth University

At the heart of Maynooth University’s advancements in Recognition of Prior Learning is the the RPL Project Lead Carol Lynch whose commitment has been instrumental in embedding RPL within the university’s academic framework, in developing a comprehensive RPL policy, and through the creation of accessible resources for learners.

About the National RPL in Higher Education Project

For those interested in learning more about RPL and how it can support both learners and institutions, visit priorlearning.ie, where you’ll find valuable resources and insights. We also encourage staff to explore the RPL Toolkit, a key publication designed to support academic and professional staff in implementing RPL effectively.

Access the RPL Toolkit here.