Brendan Courtney, TV Presenter and Designer - IADT: Masters in EDI

“It was my only option, in the current system, as I didn’t have a Level 8 undergrad. It has been amazing; the RPL process, while rigorous, prepares one for the style and expectation of the learning experience ahead. ”

James Hurley, Farmer - UCC: Diploma in Environmental Science and Social Policy

“As a full-time dairy farmer with family commitments and tied to my farm for long periods of time, it would not have been possible to complete my course without the use of RPL. It enabled me to receive credit for many of the various activities I do on the farm. Activities that I took for granted, but which other students had to learn. The course had a huge impact on me personally. I have always been a confident individual, not afraid to give anything a try, but have always been self-aware of my limited formal qualifications. My success in completing the course put an end to that.”

Ryan Bradley, Director IT Infrastructure in Tata Consulting Services in Letterkenny - LYIT: Master of Science in Computing in Cloud Technologies

“I used the RPL process to skip the requirement for a level 7/8 degree to gain acceptance onto the masters in cloud course. I had a large body of experience and professional certifications behind me. That experience allowed me to build a compelling portfolio to grant me access to the course I wanted. RPL has had a massive impact on me in just a short time. Not only has it allowed me to pick up a recognised third-level qualification, but I have recently changed jobs and I’m not sure without that third-level qualification I would have got it.”

Simon Byrne, Outdoor Activity and Education Instructor - Munster Technological University: Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Learning

“My main motivations were upskilling and furthering my own understanding of my practice as an outdoor instructor. I had been working in the “outdoors” for nearly 10 years and was running a small climbing business. RPL worked for me as without a level 6 diploma I thought getting a third level education would be very hard to do. Higher education opened up my own practice to a whole new viewpoint and approach to the job I do. I felt more confident after taking the time to broaden my own view on Outdoor Education.”

John Murray, Covid Testing/Vaccinations Centre – Volunteer Manager - IT Carlow: Leadership Management and Defence Studies (LMDS) Programme

“I completed 40 years service with the defence forces, which included 15 overseas tours of duty. RPL gave structure and accountability to my service; it put value on my career through the currency of academia. It presented me with an opportunity and the confidence to attempt a BA programme. I feel proud to have had the opportunity to successfully complete the BA. Leaving school early to embark on my military career has meant I’ve felt a sense of ‘unfinished business’. I am proof that it’s never too late to teach an ‘old dog new tricks’. I’ve researched and written beyond what I thought were my initial capabilities.”

Naomi Sheridan, Screenwriter - IADT (Institute of Arts Design and Technology Dun Laoghaire): MA Screenwriting for Film and Television, IADT

“RPL was recommended to me by several different writers and professionals. I am an Academy Award nominated Screenwriter and I have worked with Disney, Tribeca Films, Element Pictures, NBC and HBO developing films and television show. I was interested in the MA as I thought it would be a great opportunity to be taught by professionals, learn some new writing techniques, meet fellow writers, and get invaluable feedback on various writing projects. I feel it has opened up a number of opportunities and introduced me to different types of writing techniques. It has also given me a renewed passion and interest in writing.”

Grant McLay, Screenwriter - UL: MA Dance Performance

“Starting dance at the late age of 18 years old, I very quickly started to see a professional dance career as a possibility. My incredible journey to perform in 13 countries around the world, in front of over 2.5 million people translated from a BA to a MA to a Doctorate and was only made possible by institutions acknowledging RPL. The ability to look more closely into the art form I am passionate about has allowed me to develop as an artist and educator in ways that would not be possible otherwise.”

Ben Hunter, Airline Pilot - Munster Technological University (MTU): International Business with Aviation Studies

“RPL was the right fit for me, as it recognised my learning outside the traditional education system and allowed me to earn my degree without having to relearn subjects that I had already studied. RPL has allowed me to earn a recognised academic qualification. This has given me confidence and security going forward and has allowed me to broaden my knowledge outside the aviation industry. I would recommend this option to anyone who has undertaken learning outside the traditional education framework. It’s satisfying to have my learning officially recognised. Higher education is rewarding, and will allow you to achieve a universally recognised qualification.”