What is the idea?

Many UK universities recognise that learning does not only happen in classrooms. Through processes often called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), you can ask the institution to evaluate your work experience, informal learning, training, volunteering, or other life activities and map it to academic credit.

In other words: your work experience can count toward a degree — not by itself granting a full degree outright, but by reducing the number of modules or years you need to study.

How it works

• You apply to a UK university with a relevant programme and indicate you wish to claim prior learning/experience credit.


• You prepare a portfolio or submission showing how your experience aligns with module learning outcomes — job descriptions, evidence of projects, reflective writing, training certificates, etc.


• The university reviews your claim and determines how many credits (if any) you can have credited toward your degree programme.


• If your claim is accepted, you join the degree with reduced number of credits/modules to complete — thereby saving time, cost and study effort.
  

What you can realistically expect

Though attractive, this route comes with clear limitations. For example:

• Most universities will only allow you to claim up to a certain proportion of the total credits for a degree via prior learning.
  


• You will still need to register on the degree programme and complete the remaining required modules to earn the full degree.
  


• The experience Get Degree Based on Work Experience UK must map to learning outcomes and be at the correct academic level; simply years of experience without clear evidence may not count.
  

For instance, one UK university allows up to two-thirds of the credit requirement of an undergraduate degree to be claimed via prior learning.

Why this route can be beneficial

• It acknowledges real-world experience and helps mature students, career changers or those with significant work history shorten their path to a degree.


• You can save time and tuition fees compared to entering a full three-year programme with no credit.


• It adds academic credential to your experience — enhancing career progression, credibility and employment options.

What to check and prepare

• Check that the university awarding the degree is properly recognised and authorised to grant degrees in the UK.


• Check the university’s policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or related scheme — what kind of evidence is needed, what proportion of credits can be claimed.


• Prepare a detailed portfolio: job role descriptions, demonstration of learning outcomes, training attended, reflective statements on what you learnt through experience.


• Be aware that not all modules or parts of a degree may be eligible for credit — some core modules might require attendance anyway.


• Check deadlines for submitting your RPL claim (often prior to the start of the course or early in the registration process).
  

Summary

Yes — it is possible in the UK to use your work experience and prior learning toward earning a degree. But it is **not** a shortcut that bypasses all study; it requires assessment, evidence, and formal recognition.

If you choose this route well, you can expedite your progress, reduce cost and validate your experience academically. It’s ideal if you already have substantial professional experience and are willing to do the preparation work.