These guidelines apply to all taught programmes offered by the ifs School of Finance, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, and have been developed in the light of QAA guidelines.
3.1.2
These guidelines may be varied in the case of programmes which form part of a dual or joint award delivered collaboratively
with a partner institution.
3.1.3
The minimum entry requirements for each ifs SchoolofFinance award are published within the relevant programme specification.
3.1.4
It is recognised, however, that, in addition to meeting the minimum entry requirements for a given programme, students may
also have demonstrated the academic achievement of certain elements of a programme prior to embarking upon it. In such cases,
where appropriate evidence can be produced by the student, the ifs School of Finance may grant the student additional credit against certain elements of the programme on the basis of such prior learning.
3.1.5
Such prior learning by a student may have been achieved either:
as part of a formal course of education which has been independently certificated and is recognised by the ifs SchoolofFinance . The award of credit on this basis is known as Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL); or
through a process of experience and practice which is recognised by the ifs SchoolofFinance . The award of credit on this basis is known as Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
3.1.6
The amount, level and any nature of credit which may be gained either through APCL or APEL depends upon both the nature of
the programme against which the credits are being claimed, and the nature of the prior learning achievement being used as
the basis of the claim – in particular its relevance and currency.
3.1.7
Each claim submitted for credits is considered on an individual basis against established criteria but, in the interest of
consistency, decisions are also informed by precedents.
3.1.8
When determining the award of credits either through APCL or APEL, the ifs SchoolofFinance is, as a minimum, influenced by the following criteria:
the academic level at which the prior learning took place;
the amount of overlap with a module in terms of its content and learning outcomes – a minimum of 80% is normally required
for the award of specific credit;
the up-to-dateness of the prior learning – any claim based upon technical learning achieved more than 7 years previously will
normally need to be supported with evidence of ongoing competence;
the extent to which the award of credits will impact upon the student’s learning experience, both to ensure coherence and
that it remains in line with the overall learning outcomes for the programme.
3.1.9
The ifs SchoolofFinance may award specific credits against individual, specified programme units in the form of exemptions, where there is appropriate and sufficient evidence
that, through relevant prior learning, the student has achieved the learning outcomes of the specified units.
Specific credits may be awarded against either core or option units, but can only be awarded against entire units and not
against parts or fractions of units.
3.1.10
The ifs SchoolofFinance may award notional credits where there is appropriate and sufficient evidence that, through relevant prior learning, the student has achieved learning
at an appropriate level which is consistent with the overall programme learning outcomes.
Notional credits may only be awarded against option units and can only be awarded against entire units and not against parts
or fractions of units.
3.1.11
For each of its programmes, the ifs SchoolofFinance normally requires students to achieve at least 50% of the available credits through the standard programme learning and assessment
arrangements. Consequently, no more than 50% of a programme’s credits can be gained through APCL or APEL.
3.1.12
Credits cannot be claimed against those modules where a student has already registered for, and failed, a course of study.
Additionally, modules where credit has already been claimed, cannot subsequently be attempted by students in order to improve
their overall grade/classification.
3.1.13
Modules for which credits have been awarded to a student on the basis of APCL or APEL are recognised simply as qualifying
units for degree classification purposes and are not considered as contributing to the determination of the degree classification
for the student.
3.1.14
Sources of guidance on matters pertaining to APCL and/or APEL are made available to students at the start of their studies
and maintained on the website.
3.1.15
Fraudulent claims for APEL and / or APCL are considered as malpractice (see Chapter 12 – Malpractice), and additionally the ifs School of Finance reserves the right to withdraw any award made, or credits gained, as a result of such malpractice.
3.1.16
The operation and impact of this policy is monitored and reviewed at regular intervals through the Programme and Validation
Committee. Annually, the committee is provided with information regarding students awarded credits via APL .
3.2
Procedure for Claiming Credits Under APCL / APEL
3.2.1
All requests for APCL / APEL must be made in writing to the Head of Operational Support, Awards and Curriculum,using the appropriate
documentation and accompanied by the appropriate analysis fee.
3.2.2
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials and supporting evidence are present with the submitted
claim. The ifs SchoolofFinance is not responsible for the absence of evidence to support any claim. Resubmission of a claim with additional supporting evidence
is considered as a new claim.
3.2.3
Students are required to submit a defined claim for credits, supported by a self-assessment rationale, along with a portfolio
of supporting evidence.
3.2.4
For claims based upon APCL, the portfolio of evidence will normally contain a description of the content of the learning in
the academic programme followed; a transcript of the subjects studied; and a certified copy of a certificate that confirms
the student’s successful completion of the programme.
3.2.5
All claims and their supporting evidence must be provided to the ifs SchoolofFinance in English; students are responsible for arranging any translation activities and any supporting verification required by
the ifsSchoolof Finance.
3.2.6
For claims based upon APEL, the portfolio of evidence will normally contain a description of the content of the learning achieved,
and where and when it took place, together with a reflective piece of self-assessment by the student and some independent
verification to support the student’s claim.
3.2.7
The student’s self-assessment of his/her claim will provide a rationale for why, how and where the supporting evidence justifies
the award of the claimed credits. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate the relevance of the claim and to provide
sufficient, supporting evidence.
3.2.8
The evidence will normally be considered by the Head of HE Programmes, who will be responsible for making a recommendation
regarding the award of credit to the Director, Awards and Curriculum. Decisions relating to the award of credit are not delegated
beyond the Awards and Curriculum division of the ifsSchool of Finance, although advice may be sought externally.
3.2.9
Decisions regarding claims for APCL / APEL are communicated to students in writing by the Head of Operational Support, Awards
and Curriculum. In the case of unsuccessful claims, brief feedback is provided on why credits were not awarded.
3.2.10
Any offers of credit to a student on the basis of APCL / APEL remain valid for a period of 6 months. After 6 months, the ifs SchoolofFinance reserves the right to withdraw any offer of credits or advanced standing.
3.2.11
Offers must be accepted in writing by the student and confirmed by payment of the appropriate credit fee. Acceptance will
be confirmed by the Head of Operational Support, Awards and Curriculum,and formally noted on the student’s record, showing
details of the nature, level and amount of credit awarded. This information will also be clearly recorded on student transcripts.
