Recognition of prior learning

This page provides information specific to recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards UTS Information Technology 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 Information Technology 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 Information Technology 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 Information Technology 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 Information Technology, 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. Consult the recognition of prior learning tool for details on the specific credit granted.

TAFE NSW

There are a number of eligible TAFE NSW courses that we recognise. RPL is normally only granted for Diploma and Advanced Diplomas in the ICT training package. 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 may be required to 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.

Exemptions for business subjects

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Information Technology may be eligible for exemption for some business subjects if they have studied a business diploma at TAFE. Separate documentation must be supplied to the UTS Business School.

Postgraduate coursework

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

  • An exemption may be granted for core subjects in eligible Information Technology 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. 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 studies

Subjects undertaken as part of an undergraduate degree, irrespective of the level of study, will not be considered for exemption RPL with the following exceptions:

RPL for postgraduate studies

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 an IT 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

RPL by subject exemption is not granted on the basis of work experience or in-house industry courses. Where you can demonstrate significant employment-based experience in the content covered by a core subject, a subject substitution to an alternative/advanced postgraduate subject in a similar field of study may be approved.

Cisco certifications

RPL by subject exemption for the subject 32524 LANS and Routing may be considered for holders of CCNA or CCNP certification with recent relevant industry experience. Applicants may be required to pass a Challenge Test to demonstrate equivalent learning. Applicants who believe they may qualify should contact their course director prior to the commencement of study.

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.