Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL)

You may be able to gain exemption from certain stages of our undergraduate degree programmes. This page includes everything you need to know about submitting an RPCL application.

Am I eligible?

Your previous study will already have been assessed and certified as either a full or partly completed Higher Education qualification within the last 5 years and in the correct academic field for the OCA degree programme that you wish to study.

Partial exemptions can be sought for Interior Design, and no exemption can be granted for Garden Design.

What is required in my RPCL application?

A complete RPCL application form
Statement of Intent
A selection of creative work/ example academic writing.
Transcripts

Please review the RPCL Guidance document for further guidance and tips on what to submit.

What are the charges for RPCL applications?

There is a standard £250 fee for a RPCL application, regardless of how many credits you seek exemption from. After you have applied for RPCL, we will make arrangements to collect the relevant payment.

When can I submit my RPCL application?

We accept RPCL applications all year round, and provide an outcome within 12 weeks of your submission date.

What happens after I have applied?

Once you have submitted a full RPCL application, we will acknowledge receipt and then process your application. Following approval, we will send you a detailed breakdown letter advising you which course unit(s) you have been given exemption from.

I've been awarded a credit exemption, what happens now?

You need to begin your course within 3 months from the date on your credit exemption letter. Submit an enrolment form online through your chosen degree information page, under ‘I’m a new student with an recognition of prior learning’.

Ready to Apply?

Review the programme specification alongside the RPCL Guidance when putting together your application. This will help you understand where you previous experience is applicable and which units you should seek exemption from.

Once complete, submit the application form below!

RPCL Guidance

Review RPCL Guidance Here

RPL Application Form

Step 1 of 4

Recgnition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Submit the form below to seek credit exemptions from an OCA BA (HONS) degree course. Please read the relevant RPL guidance prior to submitting this application. Any RPL application submitted now will be reviewed from 1st September 2023.

I am submitting an:(Required)

A secure payment link for the application fee will be sent to you once your application has been confirmed as complete.

RPEL Application (£250 application fee)

RPCL Application (£250 application fee)

Application Fee Payment Method(Required)

Send a secure payment link to my email address

Have you previously studied with OCA within the last five years?(Required)

Yes

What was your student number?(Required)

This is a 6 digit number which was included your welcome email and part of your student email address.

Applicant Details

Title(Required)

First name(Required)

Middle name

Surname(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

The process which allows you to transfer Higher Education credit points you have previously gained elsewhere to OCA.

You may be able to gain exemption from certain stages of our undergraduate degree programmes. This page includes everything you need to know about submitting an RPCL application.

Review the programme specification alongside the RPCL Guidance when putting together your application. This will help you understand where you previous experience is applicable and which units you should seek exemption from.

Once complete, submit the application form below!

RPL Application Form

Recgnition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicant Details

Course Information

Credits

Portfolio