Accreditation of Experiential Learning

Will my experience count? The five principles of AEL

Before making an AEL claim, you should start by thinking carefully about what you have learnt. In order to qualify for AEL, your learning should meet the following criteria:

1. Relevant
2. Evidenced
3. Authentic
4. Recent
5. Sufficient

Relevant

The learning must be relevant to the programme on you wish to study. You should be able to demonstrate how your learning matches the learning outcomes for the module or level of study for which you wish to claim credit. For more information about our academic schools and programmes, see the section “Schools and Programmes” below.

Evidenced

You must supply evidence of your previous learning, not just your experiences. For example, a description of your job role provides evidence of your experience, but does not show how you developed your personal skills and knowledge in the role – however, these might be illustrated by a work reference or an example of a project you have been involved with. You should also be able to show that your learning is of an equivalent standard to that on the programme of study.

Authentic

You will have to convince the assessors that the evidence you present is authentic and reliable. You might need to get authentication or testimonials from your employers or previous educational institutions to prove that you know what you say you do.

Recent

The learning must be recent, up-to-date and remembered. Generally, learning gained in the last five years is acceptable, although in some areas, such as computer technology, government policy and professional practice regulations, change in knowledge happens very fast. You should be prepared to demonstrate the steps you have taken to keep your knowledge up-to-date (e.g. through reading, professional development activities or courses).

Sufficient

You should supply a sufficient breadth of evidence, including reflection, to demonstrate the achievement of all outcomes claimed. However, don’t try to submit too much evidence – you should include just enough to cover your claim, without proving the same points repeatedly.

UEL HOMESEARCH