What you need to apply
Entry requirements
Learning at Work degree courses don't have standard entry requirements because we assess all applications individually. We look at your years of experience in the workplace, and at any qualifications you bring to your applications, from HNC to degree level. Even if you have unusual qualifications, you should make sure add them to your form so you we can assess them.
However, because the course is work based, you need to be employed or self-employed in a full-time, part-time or voluntary role throughout your studies. Internships are acceptable assuming the internship lasts for the duration of the course. The only exception is the PgCert in Occupational Health & Safety Management where learners don't need to be in work.
You should contact us before completing your application form, so we can advise you on entry requirements and whether you'll be able to earn part of your degree through recognised prior learning (RPL).
Undergraduate courses
Although it's possible to do an undergraduate degree with A levels (or equivalent qualifications), most undergraduate applicants on Learning at Work courses have some higher education experience (such as an HNC, HND or credits from a degree course or another qualification) and several years of work experience they can use as credit towards their degree. Experience in a position of responsibility is particularly valuable.
Postgraduate courses
You usually need a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) to do a postgraduate degree course. However, we may accept qualifications such as HNDs and Foundation degrees if you have several years of relevant post-qualification experience in responsible posts. Typical applicants for postgraduate courses are usually working at a professional level.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You can use previous qualifications and experience as credit towards your degree, meaning you can complete your degree in a shorter time. Find out how you can use Recognition of Prior Learning towards your degree. We recognise qualifications from many awarding bodies including:
- Association of Business Executives (ABE)
- Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE)
- Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
- Learning Resource Network (LRN Global)
- Local Qualifications – we will assess relevant qualifications in your home country
- Aim Qualifications
- Pearson (formerly Edexcel)
- Training Qualifications UK
If you have a qualification from an awarding body above or from elsewhere, we will review you qualification and determine whether you will receive RPL. You may be allocated credits at level 4, 5, or 7, which will reduce the time and cost of completing your degree with us.
Recognition of work-based and distance learning courses
Our Learning at Work degrees at levels 6 and 7 are approved by the University under its powers to award degrees. They comply with the Office for Students (OFS) and Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards in the United Kingdom.
These qualifications are generally recognised internationally but as with distance learning type courses, each country will have its own regulations and rules on work based and distance learning education. You should check with the qualification recognition authority in the country you reside in or intend to use the degrees to secure employment, that the Learning at Work degrees are recognised by them before you commit to studying with us. We also strongly recommend you check that your employer recognises the value of our work based/distance learning courses. Some countries, including Singapore, state the 'value of the qualification is subject to the employer'.
Applications from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar
We are currently unable to offer our courses to applicants who are nationals of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. If you're not a national citizen but are working or living in these countries, you can enrol onto our Learning at Work courses. You'll need to sign an Applicant Declaration Letter to confirm you understand that the University of Portsmouth won't accept any liability issues you may have with the recognition of your distance learning course, with your government or employer.
Applications from India and China
If you’re a national or foreign national in India or China, you can enrol onto our Learning at Work courses. You'll need to sign an Applicant Declaration Letter to confirm you understand that the University of Portsmouth won't accept any liability issues you may have with the recognition of your distance learning course, with your government or employer.
Applications from Oman
We're unable to accept enrolment from nationals or foreign nationals from Oman.
