Accreditation of Experiential Learning

Position Statement

The position statement is a piece of writing which outlines and evaluates the relevant prior learning that has contributed to your present knowledge, skills and personal qualities.

It is not just a description of your past life. It is reflective - it makes links between the past and the present using relevant examples of life and work experiences and achievements that explain your present strengths and interests. It also looks to the future - identifying your learning aims and objectives, and your future aspirations.

If it is a while since you were last a student, the idea of writing a position statement may at first seem daunting. However, it is a great way of reflecting on exactly what you know and what you want to do with your learning. The following exercise will help you to organise and plan your position statement.

• Planning Your Position Statement

Students applying for AEL often find that the hardest thing about writing the position statement is to make it reflective and not just descriptive.

Please read the tips and examples below, which illustrate the differences between a descriptive and a reflective position statement.

• What is a reflective piece of writing?
• Position statement exercise

It may also help you to have a look at the following position statements which were previously submitted by successful applicants for AEL.

• Position statement example

It is important that your position statement is your own work, and that you make it clear when you are drawing on other people’s ideas and theories. For more advice about avoiding plagiarism and referencing your work, see below:

• Academic integrity

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