Recognition of prior learning

This page provides information specific to recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards UTS Engineering courses.

What you need to know

This information is designed to be read in conjunction with the University's recognition of prior learning page.

Please note the following important points:

  1. To be considered, subjects must normally have been completed no more than ten years prior to commencement in a UTS Engineering course.
  2. The following deadlines apply for the submission of applications for RPL:
  • Domestic applicants: applications must be submitted at the time of receiving an offer of admission to a UTS Engineering course and prior to formal enrolment.
  • International applicants: where possible, applications should be submitted at the time of applying to UTS, but no later than the time of formal enrolment in a UTS Engineering course.

Undergraduate

Relevant prior study at one of the following institutions may be recognised:

Another university

If you have undertaken relevant study at another recognised university, you may be eligible for RPL. This may exempt you from specific core subjects or reduce the number of elective subjects you need to complete. The Faculty assesses such applications for RPL on a case-by-case basis and applicants may be asked to demonstrate that their knowledge, learning and/or skills are current and relevant (UTS Rule 6.2.2(4)).

Established agreements for RPL with external tertiary institutions are outlined in the recognition of prior learning tool.

UTS College

If you have successfully completed the UTS College Diploma of Engineering, you may be eligible to receive up to 48 credit points (one full-time year) of RPL, depending on your academic performance in the Diploma and the UTS Engineering major selected. Consult the recognition of prior learning tool for details on the specific credit granted for each major.

TAFE NSW

If you have completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in an engineering sub-discipline, you may be eligible for RPL. Between one and two semesters of exemptions may be awarded depending on your TAFE NSW grade point average. Established agreements for RPL with TAFE NSW are outlined in the recognition of prior learning tool. In addition, you can apply for additional recognition of prior learning for relevant subjects on a case-by-case basis

Note: students must sit the Math Readiness Survey. If passed, an additional 6 credit points of advanced standing may be granted otherwise students will be enrolled in 35010 Foundation Mathematics. 

Postgraduate coursework

Relevant prior study may be eligible for RPL by either exemption or substitution:

  • An exemption may be granted for core subjects within eligible Engineering courses when a student has previously undertaken the exact or near equivalent at UTS or another institution, meaning the student won’t need to complete the subject again. Please check the UTS Handbook to confirm if your course is eligible for RPL by exemption.
  • A substitution may be granted for subjects when a student has previously covered similar/equivalent content via previous studies and/or work experience yet this not eligible to be recognised via exemption RPL. Reasons for this may include: 
    • having exceeded the 24cp limit for exemption RPL
    • where the equivalent UTS subject is not a core subject;
    • or, if the level of previous studies is not eligible for exemption RPL eg UG studies.  

Substitutions should be in a related field to, and are typically a more advanced version of, the subject being substituted.

RPL for undergraduate study

Students may be eligible for up to 24cp of subject exemptions based on recognition of prior learning (RPL) on the completion of equivalent subjects in a UTS recognised undergraduate engineering program of a minimum of 4 years or equivalent.

Other/additional RPL may be granted via subject substitution to an alternative/advanced postgraduate subject in a similar field of study.

Application method

Domestic applicants should complete the RPL application form and attach it to their application for admission to the course.

International applicants for C04277 ME (Ext) and C04309 MProfE should complete the RPL application form and attach it to their application for admission to the course. Applicants for C04271 ME, C04275 MEM and C04272 MEnvEM: RPL is automatically granted to eligible applicants at the time of admission. No additional application for RPL is required.

RPL for postgraduate study

If you have undertaken relevant postgraduate-level study at another recognised university, you may be eligible for up to 24cp exemption RPL. The Faculty assesses such applications on a case-by-case basis and applicants may be asked to demonstrate that their knowledge, learning and/or skills are current and relevant (UTS Rule 6.2.2(4)).

RPL by subject exemption is not offered to students enrolled in a UTS Engineering graduate certificate course.

If you don't receive RPL by subject exemption, you may still be granted permission to substitute core subjects with an alternative/advanced postgraduate subject in a similar field of study. Subject substitution and RPL are subject to Faculty approval.

RPL for work experience

Exemption RPL is not granted on the basis of work experience or in-house industry courses.

Students completing the Master of Professional Engineering may be eligible for RPL in relation to the subject 41028 Engineering Work Experience if:

  • 12 weeks or more work experience has been completed after finishing an undergraduate degree; and
    the work experience relates to their major.
  • If you believe you meet the requirements for RPL, you need to complete the Application for recognition of prior learning (PDF, 404kB) and submit the form with the below supporting documentation to the Student Centre, either before completing 41035 or while undertaking 41035.

Supporting documentation consists of:

  1. Resume
  2. Company letter, which:
  • is presented on official company letterhead with company address and ABN for an Australian company, or certified with the official ‘company seal’ for international companies
  • states student's full name as per their enrolment
  • states the start and finish dates of their work experience
  • states the number of hours the student completed and any absences
  • includes a detailed list of duties undertaken during the work experience
  • states the name and contact details of the supervisor/manager; and
    is signed and dated by the supervisor/manager.

Learn more

Further information, including application procedures, can be found on the University's Recognition of prior learning page

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.