Equivalent and lower qualifications

The Government does not provide funding to institutions for UK and EU 'second degree students', i.e. students studying for a qualification that is at an equivalent or lower level than a qualification that they have already been awarded – these are referred to as 'ELQs'. 

This change means that institutions may charge a supplementary fee for such students, in order to compensate for the withdrawal of government funding.

Some subjects, including many at Imperial, are exempt:

• science
• technology
• engineering
• mathematics
• some healthcare professions

Imperial College London policy will determine what charges will apply to ELQ candidates in areas affected by this change.

Further information will be made available to candidates at the time of offer, and will be made available online – please check back to this page.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

Accreditation of prior learning relates to the learning of individuals. It can be defined as learning from the past that is subsequently credited against a (new) qualification and thus gives exemption from taking part of the qualification in question.

APL relates to credit and exemption from part of a (new) programme of study. It does not mean meeting admission requirements for a programme of study.

APL is dependent on the level, content and achievement of previous learning, and the congruence of the learning outcomes of the previous learning to the learning outcomes of the programme of study for which credit or exemption is being sought. 

Possession of prior learning does not confer right of entry to any programme of study.

The maximum APL which may be awarded for entry to a part-time postgraduate Master's is 30 ECTS studied at Master's level or equivalent.

In order to be eligible for an award of the College a student granted APL must also study for a minimum of two-thirds of the programme, under the direction of teachers in the College. APL is not granted for entry to full-time postgraduate Master's degrees.

For more information on Imperial's guidelines for use of accrediation of prior learning (APL) and accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) please see our Guidelines for the use of accreditation of prior learning.