Recognition of prior learning , Te whakamana ako o mua

Getting credits for formal and informal learning you have done before is known as 'recognition of prior learning'. Credit for formal learning such as previous study at another university is also know as cross credits. The credits can be put towards your study with us.

What you can get credit for

Formal learning

You can get credit towards your Massey study from study you have done either with us or another tertiary institution. You may or may not have finished the study.

Informal learning

You can get credit for 'informal learning' experiences – or skills, knowledge and other attributes you have developed through:

• training
• work experience
• life experiences.

How many credits you can use

Unless the regulations for your qualification state something different, you need to study the following minimum credits for your current qualification at Massey. You can use credits from learning you have done before to make up the remaining amount.

360-credit undergraduate degrees

A minimum of 105 credits have to be studied at Massey including:

• at least 60 300-level credits in the degree, including the 300-level credits needed for a major subject or subjects
• at least 30 credits in your minor subject (where a degree includes this), including at least 15 300-level credits.

480-credit undergraduate degrees

You need to complete 120 credits at Massey, including at least three-quarters of the highest-level courses.

Postgraduate or graduate qualifications

You need to complete half of the credits needed, including all the research credits for a postgraduate qualification.

If you've completed a:

• 120-credit postgraduate diploma, or a
• 120-credit bachelor honours degree at Massey

you may be allowed to credit the full 120 credits toward a 180-credit or 240-credit master's degree. You'll need to complete all the research or professional practice credits required for the master's.

Sub-degree or undergraduate diploma or certificate

Half of the required credits need to be studied at Massey.

How to apply

If you are a current student, or have accepted an Offer of Place for the qualification you want to study, you can apply by going to the Qualifications and courses tab in the student portal.

Log in to the student portal

Assessing informal learning credits

To have your informal learning experiences credited to study at Massey, we use assessments such as:

• assessment of a portfolio of supporting materials
• use of a challenge examination
• quality-assured micro-credentials or short courses assessments
• a combination of methods.

We will give you the credit if you are able to show your capability at the same level as students who enrol in and pass the course.

For more information see the recognition of prior learning regulations.

Evidence for informal learning applications

When you apply to have your previous informal learning recognised, you will select the specific courses you want to credit the learning towards. You will need to show how your informal learning aligns with the learning outcomes stated on your chosen courses, including by supplying supporting materials.

You must provide:

• a copy of your CV with your application.

Other supporting materials you could use to show how your learning aligns with course learning outcomes include:

• a portfolio illustrating your achievements.
• a table you have created with the course number and learning outcomes on one side and information on how the learning outcome is met on the other side (give specific examples)
• a letter from your employer
• a relevant job description
• documented relevant projects
• evidence of any completed professional or short courses through work, or other means.

Some qualifications need extra documentation to assess your informal learning credits.