The identification of competence means that you seek to understand the You may have acquired competence in many different ways—for example, through previous studies at a university of applied sciences or university, work, training, hobbies or other activities. If you already have competence that meets the learning objectives of a course, you do not need to study the same content again. You can explore whether your prior learning can be recognised as part of your degree.
At Lapland University of Applied Sciences, prior learning can be recognised through credit transfer or a demonstration of competence.
Identification of prior learning means reviewing and analysing your existing competence and comparing it with the learning objectives of a course. The aim is to determine what you already know and can do, and how your competence corresponds to the learning objectives of the course.
Recognition of prior learning refers to the procedures and practices through which the university of applied sciences assesses the competence you have identified and presented and recognises it as part of your degree.
1. Identify Your Competence
Familiarise yourself with the curriculum of your degree programme and the learning objectives of the relevant courses. Compare your existing competence with these objectives.
Consider the level of your competence in relation to the course assessment criteria and how you can provide concrete evidence of it.
2. Contact Your Study Counsellor if Necessary
If you are unsure whether your previously acquired competence could substitute for a course or how you should proceed, contact your study counsellor.
3. Choose the Appropriate Recognition Method
There are two ways to have your prior learning recognised:
Credit transfer: If you acquired your competence through previous studies at a university of applied sciences or university, you can apply for credit transfer in Peppi. You can provide evidence of your competence with documents such as a transcript of records and course descriptions.
Demonstration of competence: If you acquired your competence in another way—for example, through a hobby—you must demonstrate how it corresponds to the learning objectives of the course. Evidence may include a competence portfolio, a detailed certificate of employment describing your competence, work samples, learning diaries, interviews or written assignments.
If the learning objectives of a course correspond to the competence you acquired through previous studies at a university of applied sciences or university, your competence may be recognised and transferred as credit for all or part of the course.
Contact the study counsellor of your degree programme if you would like to discuss credit transfers.
Contact the student affairs coordinator of your degree programme if you need guidance on completing a credit transfer application in Peppi.
Complete an eRPL application in Peppi and apply for either substitution or inclusion.
Send the application to the student affairs coordinator of your degree programme for review. The student affairs coordinator will check the information provided in the application. If the application needs to be supplemented or corrected, it will be returned to you.
Make the necessary changes and resubmit the application. The application will then be forwarded to your study counsellor.
Instructions for completing the RPL application are available here.
Your study counsellor will process the application and make a positive or negative decision on the recognition of your prior learning through inclusion or substitution.
Review the decision in eRPL. If you are dissatisfied with the decision, you may submit a request for rectification within 14 days of receiving it.
A demonstration of competence allows you to demonstrate competence corresponding to the learning objectives of a course when you have acquired it through work, hobbies, projects or other activities. In the demonstration, you show what you know and can do and how your competence corresponds to the course learning objectives and assessment criteria. Demonstrations of competence may include, for example, competence portfolios, detailed certificates of employment describing your competence, work samples, learning diaries, videos, interviews or written assignments. As a student, you are responsible for initiating the demonstration of competence process.
Contact the teacher responsible for the course and discuss the possibility of completing a demonstration of competence.
Demonstrate your competence in the manner agreed with the teacher.
The course teacher will assess your competence based on the demonstration and the assessment criteria of the course.