Policy

> POLICY OF THE RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) FOR SPECIFIC INSTITUTIONS

POLICY OF THE RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) FOR SPECIFIC INSTITUTIONS

Policy Number

IOU Policy # ST/001/2016

Preamble

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an internationally accepted practice in higher education institutions and aims to increase access to higher education for many people for whom this was previously not possible. The higher education sector has become aware of the need to recognise and accredit prior learning wherever it may have occurred rather than using the limiting conceptualisation of the past (e.g., that learning can only take place in formal contexts). By using RPL, higher education institutions can contribute to attempts to redress inequities in the distribution of learning opportunities and to promote lifelong learning through widening access to adult learners and recognise classical Islamic learning obtained through Islamic seminaries and traditional methods.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide institutional guidelines on the principles and processes that provide a basis for program-specific Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practices and procedures and their moderation at the Islamic Online University (IOU).

Status

Approved.

Date of Approval

1 March 2016.

Policy Statement

One of the ways in which IOU gives expression to its mission of offering a diverse range of educational opportunities that contribute to local, national and global sustainability is to create a variety of access pathways for prospective students. In this regard, IOU is strongly committed to RPL as an access pathway to facilitate lifelong learning opportunities.

Institution-specific RPL policies for Mishkah University, Knowledge International University and Preston University, Ajman graduates will be applicable according to the below rules and regulations.

1. Mishkah University

1.1 Recognition of Associates Degree in Islamic Studies

IOU will recognize the prior learning of the students who have completed the Associates Degree program in Islamic Studies or part thereof of Mishkah University and will credit students in accordance with a similarity evaluation of course content and curriculum in relation to the IOU BAIS subject content.

Students will be required to enroll in subjects not studied in the above mentioned Mishkah associates degree in order to fulfill the IOU BAIS awarding criteria.

1.2 Recognition of the Bachelor’s Degree

IOU will recognize the prior learning of students who have completed the bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies program or part thereof of Mishkah University and will credit students in the following manner: –

1.2.1 Students who have completed the bachelor’s in Islamic Studies program will be granted RPL for their complete study of the program and will be allowed to enroll in the IOU MA program, provided the student fulfills the following:

1.2.1.1 Concurrently studies the Research Methodology (RMY 101) course of the BAIS.

1.2.1.2 Concurrently studies the Teaching Methodology (EDU 101) course of the BAIS.

1.2.1.3 Completes additional Arabic studies as determined by the Head of the Department: Arabic Studies, should the student be enrolling in the MAIS with Concentration in Arabic program.

1.2.2 Students who have completed part of the bachelor’s degree program will be credited in accordance with a similarity evaluation of course content and curriculum in relation to the IOU BAIS subject content and will be required to enroll in subjects not studied in the Mishkah program.*

*Details of sections 1.1 and 1.2.2 are out of scope of the current policy text.

2. Knowledge International University (KIU)

IOU will recognize the prior learning of students who have completed the online bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies program or part thereof of Knowledge International University and will credit students in the following manner:

2.1 Students who have completed the online bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies program will be granted RPL for their complete study of the program and will be allowed to enroll in the IOU MA program directly.

2.2 Students who have completed part of the online bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies program will be credited in accordance with a similarity evaluation of course content and curriculum in relation to the IOU BAIS subject content and will be required to enroll in subjects not studied in the KIU program.*

*Details of section 2.2 are out of scope of the current policy text.

3. Preston University, Ajman, UAE

IOU will recognize the prior learning of students who have completed the online degree in Islamic Studies program or part thereof of Preston University, Ajman, UAE and will credit students in the following manner:

3.1 Students who have completed the online degree in Islamic Studies program will be granted RPL for their complete study of the program and will be allowed to enroll in the IOU MAIS program directly.

3.2 Students who have completed part of the online degree in Islamic Studies program will be credited in accordance with a similarity evaluation of course content and curriculum in relation to the IOU BAIS subject content and will be required to enroll in subjects not studied in the Preston University program.*

*Details of section 3.2 are out of scope of the current policy text.

4. Fees Structure

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fee for a graduate of Mishkah University, Knowledge International University or Preston University, Ajman, UAE is 4 full semester registration fees + a flat 200 USD BA degree processing fee. The semester registration fees are based on the human development index according to the student’s country of residence.

Note:
  1. The Mishkah University graduates must complete the compulsory Research Methodology and Teaching Methodology courses in the first semester. If they are unable to complete it in the first semester, regular semester registration fees or bundle fees will be applicable depending on the number of courses enrolled.
  2. Upon successful completion of the deficiency courses* in the case of Mishkah University graduates or upon successfully receiving Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of Knowledge International University or Preston University, Ajman, UAE graduates, the students will be eligible to receive an accredited Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies degree from the Islamic Online University.

    *Deficiency courses for Mishkah University graduates are hereby defined as Research Methodology (RMY 101) and Teaching Methodology (EDU 101) courses of the IOU BAIS program.
Benefits of the Policy

This policy will allow the graduates of unaccredited bachelor’s in Islamic Studies programs of specific institutions like the Mishkah University, Preston University, Ajman, UAE and Knowledge International University an opportunity to receive recognition for their prior learning and to be provided with a smooth pathway to join the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies degree program at the Islamic Online University.

Additional Information

The IOU conceptualises RPL as follows:

RPL is an access mechanism in which the previous learning and experience of an applicant acquired through formal[1], non-formal[2]and informal[3] means is systematically evaluated against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for a prerequisite prior qualification, a different type of higher education qualification or a specific module and that which meets the requirements is recognised for purposes of granting the necessary status to be admitted to a qualification, to articulate into another type of higher education qualification or to be awarded credit for or be exempted from a module in a qualification. A RPL evaluation may include assessment of knowledge, competencies and skills, on-the-job experience and life experience and should demonstrate an appropriate balance between theory and practical application.

General Principles Underpinning the RPL policy

The following general principles derived from IOU’s vision, mission, values and educational purpose underpin this policy:

  1. RPL provides an access route for adult learners, which opens doors for them to further learning and development opportunities that they would otherwise have been denied.
  2. Sensitivity to diverse knowledge traditions and the knowledge and skills that adults have already acquired and can be built on is demonstrated in an RPL assessment. Consequently, RPL is based on a developmental model of adult learning and achievements and not a deficit one.
  3. The RPL process is conducted in a fair, transparent, and supportive way.
  4. The evaluation of prior learning is an academic task and, like other forms of assessment, is done by academic experts in a given field, drawing on other professional support experts as needed. RPL assessments and practices are thus framed to suit the differing contexts of specific programmes/modules and are subject to quality assurance in a faculty.
  5. To provide RPL applicants with a reasonable chance of succeeding in their studies, sufficient support and development opportunities are available and the learning opportunities provided and pedagogies used are enabling and supportive.

[1] Formal learning refers to intentional and structured learning which is formally assessed and is obtained through participating in credit-bearing, formally registered learning programmes/qualifications.

[2] Non-formal learning refers to intentional learning which is acquired through participation in workplace-based and/or community-based training, courses, short-learning programmes, or workshops but which does not form part of a registered qualification.

[3] Informal learning refers to knowledge and skills which are acquired through life experience, self study and personal inquiry and reflection.