Recognition of Prior Learning vs. Academic Credit: Understanding Advanced Standing At Swinburne Online

From on-campus to fully online, studying can be done in various ways to accommodate peoples’ lifestyles and budgets. With the growing amount of options to further one’s education, many people have found themselves back at university. It has also afforded working professionals, stay-at-home parents and more the opportunity to start or resume the study journey on their terms. The flexibility of online study has made it easier for those with busy lifestyles to reach their career goals more conveniently. Those with extensive work experience or an existing qualification get a chance to take advantage of advanced standing to further expand their learning.

We know that everyone’s study journey is different. As such, Swinburne Online gives you the option of acquiring an advanced standing. You will have the option to use your prior qualifications or work experience to advance in your chosen online course.

Saving you time and money, advanced standing allows you to leverage the skills and knowledge you’ve gained, and fast-track your study journey.

What is Advanced Standing?

Advanced standing is your ticket to a faster academic journey at Swinburne Online! It’s academic credit that can be applied towards your course, reducing the number of units you need to complete and shortening the overall duration of your studies.

There are two main types of advanced standing:

1. Academic Credit: Credits granted based on prior study.

At Swinburne Online, we value the knowledge and skills you’ve gained from previous qualifications, which is why we offer advanced standing through academic credit. This credit will be applied towards your chosen course, reducing the time needed to complete it and making your study journey a bit shorter and sweeter.

Here are some key points to consider before inquiring about academic credit:

• Your academic study must have been completed within the last 10 years

• Undergraduate units cannot be used for postgraduate academic credit

2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Credits awarded for relevant work experience or informal training.

At Swinburne Online, we’re all about fast-tracking your success! We recognise the value of hands-on experience, which is why we offer advanced standing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). With RPL, you can use your work experience, life skills, and formal training to gain credits towards your chosen course.

Here are some key points to consider before inquiring about RPL:

• RPL cannot be assessed for professionally accredited courses such as Accounting, Education, and Psychology.

• The amount of RPL you can receive may vary based on the online course you choose.

• You cannot receive RPL if work experience is used as your basis of entry.

RPL Assessment Process

RPL is not automatically granted based on the amount of relevant work experience you have. An assessment process is required, and you will need to provide the following documentation:

• A detailed resume with referees’ information

• Evidence of prior learning experience, which may include presentations, project delivery documents, Excel sheets, corporate reports, etc.

• Recent official academic transcripts that document completed units along with any grades or marks

• The completed Learning Outcome Audit form for each unit

It is important to note that there is a limit to the amount of advanced standing you can receive:

• Undergraduate courses: Undergraduate students must complete at least 33% of their studies for an award qualification, meaning the maximum credit received via advanced standing is approximately two-thirds of the course.
• Postgraduate courses: Academic credit can only be granted for 50% of any postgraduate-level course, as students must complete at least 50% of their studies for an award qualification.

At Swinburne Online, we recognise the value of your prior qualifications and work experience, which is why advanced standing is a top priority for us! We encourage you to bring your unique knowledge and skills to your chosen course and make the most of your learning journey.

Curious about your advanced standing eligibility – whether through academic credits or RPL –  contact our Course Consultants today and discuss your options.