Recognition of prior learning (RPL) refers to a set of practices and procedures that can be used to assess the prior learning of the student and to approve that learning as part of the student’s studies. Prior learning may be a result of the student’s earlier studies or it can have been acquired in some other manner.
The recognition of prior learning is based on the correspondence between the applicant’s competencies and the content and level of the pursued degree and its components, as defined in the learning outcomes.
Applying for recognition of prior learning
You must apply for RPL in the unit that is responsible for the teaching. The faculties and other teaching units have specifying guidelines for RPL. Therefore, contact your study coordinator or responsible teacher before submitting your application.
You can apply for recognition of prior learning in Peppi either through the ‘RPL applications’ tab of your PSP or through the ‘Studies’ drop-down menu on the menu bar at the top of the page. You can find the student’s instructions for applying for recognition of prior learning in the ‘Students’ section of the Peppi Handbook.
Send the application to
Business and Law : Laura Al-Azzawi, Riitta Laasonen and Aija Turunen
Education: Iina Airaksinen
Health Sciences, Pharmacy: Laura Al-Azzawi, Jonna Issakainen, Helena Karisto-Lautanen, Pia Koponen, Helka Pukarinen and Tuula Tanskanen
Humanities, Theology: Iina Airaksinen, Satu Maarit Huuskonen and Kati Hietava
Language and Communication Studies: Helka Pukarinen
Sciences: Krista Reiman and Helka Pukarinen
Forest Sciences: Krista Reiman and Helka Pukarinen
Computer Sciences: Krista Reiman and Helka Pukarinen
Social Sciences, Psychology: Iina Airaksinen, Kati Hietava, Maarit Kankaanpää, Sanna Nissinen, Pia Koponen, Helka Pukarinen, Krista Reiman and Sari Ryynänen
International degree programmes: Clinical Linguistics, English Language and Culture, Linguistic Data Sciences, Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication, Pedagogy and Teaching for Sustainablity, Lifelong Learning and Sustainability: Juuso Loikkanen
Master Degree Programme in Biomedicine Marjut Nenonen, Henna Jääskeläinen
Master Degree Programme in Public Health (MPH) Mari Aalto
Master Degree Programme in Toxicology Maiju Laitinen
Master's Degree Programme in Environmental Policy and Law: Tuula Joro
Master's Degree Programme in International Business and Sales Management: Silja Tuomala
Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law: Tuula Joro
Master's Degree Programme in Tourism Marketing and Management: Silja Tuomala
Bachelor's Degree Programme in Social Sciences: Jarmo Romppanen
Master's Degree Programme in International Business and Sales Management: Silja Tuomala
Master’s Degree Programme in Biology of Environmental Change, Timo Kumlin
Master’s Degree Programme Computational Colour and Spectral Imaging, Laura Hurmalainen
Master’s Degree Programme in Environmental Health and Technology, Timo Kumlin
Master’s Degree Programme in European Forestry, Marjoriitta Möttönen
Master’s Degree Programme in Forestry, Marjoriitta Möttönen
Master’s Degree Programme Imaging and Light in Extended Reality, Laura Hurmalainen
Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology, Oili Kohonen
Master’s degree programme in Medical Physics, Hannu Korhonen
Master's Degree Programme in Photonics, Noora Heikkilä
Master’s Degree Programme in Photonics for Security Reliability and Safety, Noora Heikkilä
Master’s Degree Programme for Research Chemists, Mari Heiskanen
Master’s Degree Programme in Wood Materials Science, Pauliina Karvinen
- Doctoral School: University Lecturer Merja Lyytikäinen
- Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies (KASVA): Amanuensis Kaisu Kortelainen
- Doctoral Programme in Social and Cultural Encounters (SCE): Amanuensis Salli Anttonen
- Welfare, Health and Management (WELMA) Doctoral Programme: Amanuensis Salla Lappalainen
- Past, Space and Environment in Society Doctoral Programme: Amanuensis Ville Hamunen
- Doctoral Programme in Business Studies: Amanuensis Jarmo Romppanen
- Doctoral Programme in Law: University Teacher Hanna Partinen
If you use the Puro service to transfer a study attainment you want to have credited through the RPL process, note that the study attainment will be handled in accordance with the home university’s process. At the University of Eastern Finland, applying for recognition of prior learning is done in Peppi, unless your unit has instructed otherwise. The Puro service will be discontinued on 31 December 2022.
If you are not satisfied with the decision, you have the right to apply for rectification.
Terminology
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL) refers to a set of practices and procedures than can be used to assess the prior learning of the student and to approve that learning as part of the student’s studies.
- Identification refers to the assessment of prior learning in its different forms.
- Recognition refers to the procedure by which a course, credit transfer or part of the above are entered in the student’s study register on the basis of his or her prior learning.
- Credit transfer refers to the recognition of studies, training, work experience or other similar competence as part of the student’s pursued degree, study module or course. The forms of credit transfer are inclusion and substitution. Credit transfer is based on the learning outcomes defined in the curriculum.
- Inclusion refers to the approval of a course or a study module completed in some other educational institution in the degree as such.
- Substitution of studies means that a course or a study module included in the student’s curriculum is replaced with a course or a study module of a corresponding content and level, or on the basis of other competence.
- RPL demonstration is a way for the student to demonstrate his or her prior learning in a manner than can be evaluated. An RPL demonstration is used when credit transfer by direct substitution is not possible, or when the recognition of the student’s prior learning otherwise calls for a separate evaluation, i.e. demonstration of prior learning.
Instructions and contact information
Further instructions are available in your Study Community.