Recognition of prior learning

We award credit on admission for certain qualifications gained before coming to the University of Stirling. This means you may be able to shorten the length of time you spend at University to get a degree. Credit is awarded automatically if we deem it suitable on application. 

However, if you wish to request credit for other professional qualifications, you must contact us prior to entry. Credit cannot be awarded retrospectively once you have started your course.

What can credit count towards?

Though it may not necessarily add up to an entire year’s exemption, any credit given can contribute to your final degree. Credit is normally at first year university level (SCQF Level 8), but subject-specific credit can be at any level, although normally at the first two years’ university level (SCQF level 8 and 9).

What is credit normally given for?

The most common credit awarded is for prior degrees, HNDs and professional qualifications.

School leavers whose grades and subjects are of a certain level may be able to enter into Year 2. Please see the relevant page for your chosen course.

It may also be possible for some students to join in January with partial year credit.

Students who hold an existing degree are normally given credit to the equivalent of one year’s study if the degree course permits.

Does it happen automatically?

Credit is awarded automatically if we deem it suitable on application. However, if you wish to request credit for other professional qualifications, please contact us prior to entry. Credit cannot be awarded retrospectively once you have started your course.