Completion of Required Coursework
Utilizing any of the following methods or an acceptable combination may complete required course work:
- LIFE AND WORK EXPERIENCE-(Challenge) Granting of University level credit for life and work experience simply means that the sum of your life experience is evaluated, and credits are granted for each course based on those things that you have already learned or experienced. The primary source of credit for many candidates is work, occupation or professional activities (past and present).
- CREDIT TRANSFER-Course work requirements may be satisfied by transferring previously earned academic credit.
- CURRICULUM STUDY-Use of traditional study guide, text, or other requirements, not satisfied through any other means.
Credit by Examination
Students may receive credit by examination through one of the following means:
- American College Testing (ACT)
- Proficiency Examination Programme (PEP)
- College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
- The College Level Examination Programme (CLEP)
- United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI)
Credit May be Given For:
- Military Service Courses:
The University utilizes the four volume guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services, published by the American Council on Education, for determining credit for military courses.
- Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction:
The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programmes published by the American Council on Education, is used to determine credit for prior learning.
- Professional Licensing Preparation Courses:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Independent Study/Correspondence Courses, Internships, Seminars and Telecourses (degree related).
Credit For Past Experience
The Credit for previous learning policy at Cheshire is to recognise a student’s learning gained through experience and therefore study only those aspects that are new and challenging as part of the process.
Learning can be assessed – what a student knows and what he/she can do. Recognition for prior learning is based on the belief that adults acquire knowledge and skills through experience. The quality (standard or level) of the learning and not the quantity of experience (years of experience) is important.
Learning will be assessed to establish whether the recognition for prior learning candidates have:
- Foundational competence – that is, their understanding of what they are doing and why they are doing it.
- Practical competence – their ability to perform a set of tasks.
- Reflective competence – their ability to integrate and connect their knowledge and skills so that they learn from their actions and are able to adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances.
- Applied competence – how they demonstrate the application of their knowledge and skills.
Candidates suitable for enrolments into the recognition for prior learning process are:
- Adults who have at least five years postsecondary school experience that is current; and
- Who have acquired skills and knowledge through one or some of the following:
- Formal study,
- Acceptable work experience,
- Informal study for recreational or personal interest,
- Cultural experience,
- Academic aspects related to interests and or hobbies,
- Academic and professional military experience,
- Applicable life experience,
- Self-study and acquired knowledge in science, languages, travelling psychometric, and other related fife experiences,
- Company related training,
- Industry related training,
- Professional seminars, courses and related training,
- Professional certifications, licenses and skills related to working experts in the field.
- Adults who comply with the admission criteria for the programme for which they wish to apply for recognition for prior learning credit.
Unacceptable recognition for prior learning academic prior learning
Recognition for prior learning credit may not duplicate any other academic work. Candidates may not apply for recognition for prior learning credit and register for the same module or course simultaneously. Recognition for prior learning does not assess the vocational or craft skills, or self-improvement experience, unless the significance of this learning extends beyond the individual and is itself acceptable for academic purposes.
Limitations for recognition for prior learning assessment
The maximum recognition for prior learning credits, which may be awarded to candidates for a particular programme, must not exceed 75%. As suggested previously, the student may bank any other credits not applicable. This is also a convenient method to ensure that candidates who do not qualify or are currently not in the position to complete their studies, or those who may wish to apply later for a second degree may utilize these credits towards this programme.
Postgraduate students may apply for a whole degree, in which case status will be given to allow them to carry on with their studies and research work. A master’ degree which comprises a thesis only cannot be awarded in part through the recognition for prior learning system. A master’s degree that contains coursework in part could be awarded in part through recognition for prior learning subject to rules and regulations set by Cheshire University.
Recognition for prior learning credit granting
Credit is granted when the candidate’s knowledge and skills match the learning outcomes for a specific module, course or programme, referenced against standard courses and modules. Candidates should indicate on their portfolios and relative application forms which courses they wish to gain recognition referenced against the work or training and education they have received.
Once a candidate has been accepted as a recognition for prior learning candidate by faculty, they will either do a challenge examination, assignment, or compile a portfolio of evidence to support their application and learning. The faculty will decide whether they write a challenge examination or a portfolio, according to general assessment criteria and the nature of the specific module or course. A faculty assessor who will recommend or decline credit will assess candidate’s evidence. Credits obtained through recognition for prior learning are recorded on the candidate’s transcript.
If a candidate is unsuccessful and does not receive the credits for which he or she applied, he or she may enrol for the module or course, or receive in cases where the outstanding work is limited top-up work, assignments and applicable coursework to complete the course, followed by an examination or challenge examination.
Credits awarded will be acknowledged for at least five years after accreditation, after which they will be forfeited if the person has not completed at least an addition set of modules as applicable to each case for the programme they have enrolled.
Banked credits not applicable to any direct enrolments should be based on an annual renewal system, after which they will be forfeited, unless the candidate renew his or her credit bank account with Cheshire University upon prior notification in advance by the university. The maximum period that credits can be banked without any usage should not be longer than10 years. After this period of time credits are no longer current and due to advances in industry, candidates will have to demonstrate currency in their work related environments before these credits will be renewed and apply towards recognition for a degree programme. The usual recognition for prior learning system for assessment in this case shall apply through assignments, tests, examinations etc to up-date the candidates record. If a candidate does not express any willingness to continue with the education process or the utilization of any banked credits, these credit will be forfeited by the candidate and will be stored in a history file of forfeited and forfeited banked credits for reference and record purposes.
Academic Integrity
Maintaining academic integrity free from fraud and deception is an important objective of Cheshire University. Academic dishonesty can lead to a failing grade or expulsion. Academic dishonesty includes, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized prior possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor and securing written approval.
