Abstract:
This research project was developed by Victoria University of Wellington on contract with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Funding was provided by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) provided other resources of staff time (academic and administrative) as required. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority was required by the Education Amendment Act (1990) to recognise prior learning by developing a framework for national qualifications in which there is: a flexible system for the gaining of qualifications with the recognition of competency already achieved. Whilst New Zealand universities are not directly governed by NZQA's requirements for RPL, it was considered important to examine recognition of prior learning (RPL) as it may apply in universities given that: RPL is increasingly used in overseas universities; the New Zealand Vice Chancellors Committee (NZVCC) and NZQA have set up a Joint Consultative Committee to clarify the relationship between their systems; and students will expect RPL from universities when it is available in the other tertiary institutions.