Design, Architecture and Building - Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Your previous studies could count towards your Design, Architecture or Built Environment degree at UTS. Find out if you qualify for recognition of prior learning. 

If you have studied our subject areas at an Australian university, international university, UTS College, TAFE, or another college or institution, you can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

RPL is granted subject to UTS Student Rules and UTS DAB RPL guidelines.

Does my previous study count towards RPL?

The Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building has a list of approved exemptions for several TAFE courses and UTS College. These are known as articulated courses. You must have completed the course at the required level to be considered for RPL. The RPL tool shows the articulated courses and can help you see what RPL you might get.  

Please note that the RPL search tool is only a guide. If your search does not return any results, you may still be eligible for RPL at UTS.

Can work experience count towards RPL?

The School of Built Environment may consider RPL for postgraduate degrees based on your work experience in the discipline area in which RPL is being sought. You will need to provide a current resume that outlines your related experience, a work portfolio mapping up your work experience against the subjects’ content, along with supporting references from your employers and a certified copy of any academic transcripts for your qualifications.

The School of Architecture and the School of Design do not grant RPL based on work experience.

Are there time limits for RPL?

If you completed subjects more than 5 years before your first session in the relevant degree from the School of Design, they will not be considered for RPL.

If you completed subjects more than 5 years before your first session in the relevant degree from the School of Built Environment, Architecture, and Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG), they may still be considered for RPL.

Do I need a portfolio to support my application?

You may need to submit a portfolio to support your RPL application. Portfolios are required to provide clarity for decisions in case of an appeal.

Your portfolio must be in this format:

• electronic digital portfolio only, max 5MB (no hard copies)

• up to 6 x A4 landscape pages in a single PDF document of digital files (PDFs) and/or photos of original work related to the course.

• a 1-page written submission (150-200 words) that addresses equivalency of your work for the subjects you are applying for and discussing the aims of the work. This page should include your name and be the first page of the PDF document, followed by the images.

• file name for each electronic document: lastname_firstname_title.

You do not need a portfolio for courses under the School of Built Environment or the Institute for Public Policy and Governance.

When to apply

Local students

If you have received an offer to study at DAB. You should apply for RPL when you accept your offer. 

International students

1. It is best to apply for RPL at the same time as applying to study at UTS for a DAB course.
2. Complete the RPL application form and lodge it with your UTS application. 

This provides the faculty with sufficient time to assess your eligibility and means your offer letter will have the correct course duration. 

How to apply

Step 1.

Some courses have pre-determined credit arrangements, while others will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

• Use the RPL tool to find arrangements that may apply to your previous study. 

• If your institution or course is not listed, you may still be eligible to apply for RPL. 

Step 2.

• Complete the UTS application for RPL form. Application forms can be found on the recognition of prior learning page

Step 3.

For work experience supporting documents (for built environment postgraduate degrees only): 

• Each application will be assessed individually. Applicants will need to provide a current resume, which outlines the related experience, a work portfolio mapping your work experience against the subjects’ content, a supporting letter from the employer and copy of academic transcripts for any underpinning qualification/s.

Step 4.

Local students

Attach all documents to the application by uploading your completed RPL form to an AskUTS enquiry.

International students

Applications can be submitted in person to: 

Building 10 - Broadway 

Level 2, 235 Jones Street 

Ultimo, NSW 2007 

Normal hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm 

First week of formal classes for Autumn/Spring Sessions: Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 6:30pm 

UTS International mailing address: 
 
Manager, International Recruitment 
UTS International 
PO Box 123 
Broadway, NSW 2007 
Australia

• For the application to be accepted it must be accompanied by the appropriate documents. It is the responsibility of the applicant to source the required documents and compile the document set.