Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Our 3-Year Chinese Herbal Medicine Diploma requires all students to hold at least a Level 6 qualification in acupuncture to join the course, as set out in our Admission Policy. Many applicants have achieved much more than this, so they can focus on what they have not yet learnt.

When previous learning is formally recognised, you do not need to attend the teaching you have already covered to the right standard, and the relevant credits are added to our register.

• We value previous learning at formal degree, certificate or licentiate level. CPD and other forms of learning are also considered.
• We advise every applicant to check whether they can claim RPL. RPL can only be applied for in Year One: there is no RPL in Years Two and Three, as all those modules are core and must be freshly achieved.
• To be accepted onto our register, your prior learning must match or exceed the teaching we have planned.

How to apply

1. Ask us for guidance and the RPL application form (see what the form asks for below). The form is also on the last page of the PDF.
2. Complete the form, and scan all supporting documents as attachments. Keep the originals ready in case the team asks to check them.
3. Email the form and documents to the course administrator at office@phoenixtcm.org.uk.
4. The administrator checks that everything has been submitted correctly and sends you an acknowledgement email.
5. Your application is passed to the course director, who usually decides within three weeks when the evidence is strong.
6. You receive a formal email with the outcome.

What your evidence should be

• Relevant: the content is the same as, or very similar to, ours
• Authentic: the original certificate is available, with valid contact details
• Current: within the last five years
• At the right level: at least Level 6 of higher education, or above
• Sufficient: learning hours and length that match our planned learning
• Verified by one referee

Evidence can include:

• Certificated learning from another higher education institution
• Course or module documents showing level, content, learning methods, hours, learning outcomes and assessment methods
• Certificates of study or placement hours and days attended
• Published journal articles or case studies, completed projects or work group records
• Practice experience and research activity
• Reflective writing and critical incidents
• Teaching or health promotion materials you have developed

If you completed the learning more than five years ago but still use the knowledge and skills in practice, send the original documents along with recent CPD in the relevant area, publications or self-reflection to show it is up to date.

RPL application form

The application form asks for your name, your student cohort number and the date you submit it, followed by the table below. Add one row for each module you want recognised. You can download the form from the last page of the PDF below, or ask us for a copy.

Intended modules	Awarding HE institution	Level of HE	Learning period (from – to)	If achieved more than five years ago, evidence of more recent CPD

Declaration

The form ends with this declaration, which you sign and date:

I submit this application form with my previous learning records for the purpose of evidencing prior learning. I hereby declare that all electronic copies of the supportive evidence are true to original documents. I will be able to provide the real documents if requested.

I authorise the access to my supplied information by the administrator, the register, and relevant academic team, according to relevant law and regulation, with the understanding that the documents should be kept by the Academy according to their Data Policy.

Contact

Chunyan Glover or Joe Quieros, Phoenix Academy of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Email: office@phoenixtcm.org.uk · Telephone: +44 1245 350822