How To Apply
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applying for RPL at DCU
The type of RPL application you make depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or a postgraduate programme.
All RPL applicants are advised to contact the programme chair to confirm their eligibility before they apply.
Alternatively, applicants are encouraged to contact the RPL hub at rpl@dcu.ie for any further advice.
Postgraduate (taught) applications
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Submit a general DCU application via the DCU application portal.
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Follow the RPL Process below to submit your additional RPL documentation.
Undergraduate applications
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If you are at least 23 years of age on 1 January in the year you start your programme and you are starting college for the first time, you are considered a mature student and are eligible to apply under the Mature Student Entry route. Further information on the Mature Student entry route can be found here.
Please note, Mature Student entry applications via the Central Applications Office (CAO) closed on 1 February, and will re-open for 2025 applications on 5 November 2024.
*All applicants are required to meet DCU's English language requirements. More details on DCU's language requirements can be found here.
RPL applications for entry to Postgraduate (taught) programmes
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All RPL applicants are advised to contact the programme chair to confirm their eligibility before they apply. Contact details for relevant programme chairs are on the programme web page.
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You can present your case to the programme chair via email, and they will advise you whether you are eligible to proceed with an application for assessment.
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All formal EU and non-EU RPL application applications are made through DCU's Student Application Portal. Detailed information on how to apply through our portal can be seen in this step-by-step guide.
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*NB All RPL applicants are required to submit a COVER SHEET along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL.
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In addition, your RPL application may require that you do one or more of the following:
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Submit a portfolio of evidence
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Complete a piece of written work
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Attend an interview with programme assessors (you will receive details from the programme chair).
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Undertake a practical exercise/audition (you will receive details from the programme chair).
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To see what additional criteria are required for your programme of interest, please consult the RPL Postgraduate Listing below. If you have questions about completing the RPL documentation or need support documenting your previous experience, please email rpl@dcu.ie.
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Once you submit your application and the required supporting documents, a discipline expert will assess your application.
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You will be advised of the outcome of your application through the DCU application portal.
*All applicants are required to check the application deadlines that are detailed on the programme pages. Please note that deadlines for non-EU applicants close early. In all cases, RPL applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
RPL postgraduate (taught) listing
| DCU code | Title | Mode | General documentation for applicants who meet the entry requirements | Additional requirements for RPL applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC516 | MSc in Digital Marketing | Full-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference | CV, interview |
| DC511 | MSc in Finance | Full-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference, Personal Statement, proof of professional charters/certifications if any | Interview |
| DC632 | MSc in Human Resource Management | Full-time | Transcripts, Personal Statement | CV, Professional Certification Transcripts |
| DC526 | MSc in International Accounting and Business | Full-time | Transcripts | CV, Professional Certification Transcripts |
| DC951 | Executive MBA (EMBA) | Part-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference, Personal Statement, CV | Interview |
| DC508 | MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology | Part-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference, Personal Statement | Interview |
| DC957 | MSc in Work and Organisational Behaviour | Part-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference, Personal Statement | Interview |
| DC956 | MSc in Emergency Management (MSEM) | Part-time | Transcripts, one academic reference, one professional reference, Personal Statement, CV | Interview |
| DC534 | MSc in Strategic Learning and Development (MSLD) | Part-time | Transcripts, Personal Statement | Interview |
| DC533 (not running 2024*) | Graduate Certificate in Financial Intelligence and Technology | Part-time | Personal Statement, CV | Interview |
| DC527 | MSc in Global Management (Digital Disruption) | Full-time | Transcripts, reference letters | CV, Interview |
| DCU code | Title | Mode | General documentation for applicants who meet the entry requirements | Additional requirements for RPL applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC615 | MA in Translation Studies | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Interview |
| DC700 | MA in Translation Technology | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Interview |
| DC605 | MSc in Emerging Media | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Portfolio | CV, Portfolio |
| DC600 | MA in Journalism | Full-time | Personal Statement, Sample bylined article (300 words), Transcripts | CV |
| DC604 | MA in Political Communication | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV and a Personal statement |
| DC674 | MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Interview |
| DC614 | MA in Social Media Communications | Full-time/ Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV (Evidence of prior learning), Interview |
| DC784 | MA in Creative Writing | Full-time/ Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Written piece (3,000 words) | CV |
| DC686 | MA i Léann na Gaeilge | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Interview, Portfolio demonstrating competence in Irish |
| DC677 | MA in History | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | Portfolio, Interview |
| DC697/DC698 (not running 2024*) | MA in European Law and Policy | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Interview, Written Essay (1,000 words) |
| DC648 | MSc in Public Policy | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Interview, Written Essay (1,000 words) |
| DC662 | LLM (Master of Laws) | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | Personal Statement, CV |
| DC629 | MA in International Security and Conflict Studies | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | Personal Statement, CV, optional portfolio |
| DC608 | MA in International Relations | Full-time/Part-time | Transcripts | Personal Statement, CV, optional portfolio |
| DC669 | MSc in Climate Change: Policy Media and Society | Full-time/ Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Written Essay 1,000 words |
| ** | International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies | Full-time | CV, Personal Statement, Transcripts, Language competencies, Two reference letters | Personal Statement, CV, optional portfolio (admissions handled by University of Glasgow, conditions may differ**) |
| DC625 | European Master in Law, Data and Artificial Intelligence | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Evidence of Language Competencies | CV |
| DC786 | MA in Data Protection and Privacy Law | Full-time/ Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV |
| DC693 | MA in Theology and World Religions | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Personal Statement, Interview |
| DC688 | MA in Ethics | Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Written Essay, Personal Statement, Interview |
| DC689 | MA in Ethics (Corporate Responsibility) | Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Written Essay, Personal Statement, Interview |
| DC606 | MSc in Science and Health Communication | Full-time | Transcripts and Personal Statement | CV, Interview |
| DC775 | MA in Documentary Practice | Full-time | Personal Statement, CV, Portfolio | Interview, Portfolio |
| DC400 | MA in Music, Sound, Culture and Media | Full/Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Interview, Optional Portfolio |
| DC663 | MA in Refugee Integration | Full-time | Transcripts | CV, Evidence of prior learning, Personal Statement |
| DCU Code | Title | Mode | General documentation for applicants who meet the entry requirements | Additional requirements for RPL applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DC732 (Not running 2024*) | MEd in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) | Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | Teaching Council number |
| DC902 (Programme closed*) | MSc in Education and Training (eLearning) | Part-time | Interview, Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Portfolio |
| DC900 (Programme closed*) | MSc in Education and Training (Leadership) | Part-time | Interview, Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV, Portfolio |
| DC907 | Master of Education in Early Childhood Education | Part-time | Transcripts, CV, Personal Statement | Interview |
| DC994 | Masters in Special Education Needs | Part-time | Research statement, transcripts, personal statement | Transcripts, details of modules undertaken in inclusive and special education at postgraduate level |
| DC980 | MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work | Full-time/Part-time | Personal Statement, Two references, Placement secured | CV, Transcripts, Interview |
| DC908 | Graduate Diploma in Guidance Councelling | Part-time | Transcripts, Two referees, Supplementary Form | Interview |
| DC906 | MSc in Guidance Counselling | Part-time | Transcripts, Two referees, Supplementary Form | Interview |
| DC979 | Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education | Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Reference | CV |
| DCU Code | Title | Mode | General documentation for applicants who meet the entry requirements | Additional requirements for RPL applicants |
| DC776/DC777 | MSc in Biotherapeutics | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Personal Statement, Interview |
| DC745 | MSc in Health and Social Inclusion | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | RPL form (CV, Educational/training transcripts, Personal statement, References, Portfolio (sample of writing) |
| DC704 | MSc in Financial Mathematics | Full-time/ Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Personal Statement |
| DC742 | MSc in Astrophysics & Relativity | Full-time | Transcripts | CV, Personal Statement, Transcripts of work/courses certificates |
| DC765 | MSc in Psychology & Wellbeing | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Two academic referees, CV | Interview |
| DC771 | MSc in Child And Family Health and Wellbeing | Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, Reference | RPL form (CV, Training Transcripts). Summary of why the applicant wishes to undertake the programme (500 words- sample of writing) |
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DC715 (Programme is closed*) |
MSc in Psychotherapy | Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts, one academic and one professional reference | RPL Form & Written assignment |
| DC702 | MSc in Elite Performance | Part-time | Transcripts, reference | Interview, Personal statement, CV, evidence of coaching awards/qualifications or professional accreditation |
| DC767 | MSc in Psychology (conversion) | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | Interview |
| DCU Code | Title | Mode | General documentation for applicants who meet the entry requirements | Additional requirements for RPL applicants |
| DC838 | Master Engineering Qualifier B - MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering | Part-time | Transcripts | CV |
| DC812 | Access course for the Meng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Programme | Part-time | Transcripts | CV, Interview |
| DC836 (Programme closed*) | MSc in Computing (with major options) | Full-time/ Part-time | Coding Portfolio (Programming Experience), Transcripts | CV |
| DC786 (Closed for non-EU applications* | MA in Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing | Full-time/Part-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV |
| DC847 | Masters Engineering Qualifier - Electronic & Computer Engineering | Full-time | Transcripts | CV |
| DC809(JAN)/DC808(SEPT) | Single Module Programme - Engineering and Computing | Full-time | Personal Statement, Transcripts | CV |
| DC847) | Masters Engineering Qualifier - Electronic & Computer Engineering | Part-time | Interview, Transcripts | CV |
Last updated July 2024. More programmes to follow.
RPL for module exemptions
To apply for module exemptions in a programme based on your prior learning, you must have:
- applied for a place on a DCU programme;
- accepted a place on a DCU programme and
- registered as a DCU student.
You can then contact your programme chair to discuss and apply for exemption(s).
Please note that not all programmes permit module exemptions.