Recognising lived experience in community development learning

This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 24th June 2026

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) modules recognise the skills, knowledge and experience gained through professional and volunteer practice, enabling practitioners without formal qualifications to access degree-level study.

Dundee University’s Community Development and Youth Work courses feature RPL modules, allowing prior practice experience to be accredited, and for students to enter degree courses at an advanced stage without having to repeat existing learning.

This short video sets out the value of the RPL route, exploring the experience of students who bring their skills and knowledge from working with communities to the course.

“Your lived experiences and everything in between shapes you enormously as a person,” said current undergraduate student Stacey Grieve. “So to be able to then do a course like community development and youth work is huge."

These modules offer SCQF credits at both level 7 and level 8, allowing entry into either year 2 or year 3 of the course. Students are assessed through evidence of practice, statements of support, or through an oral exam, depending on the level they decide to join.

Dr Alan Mackie, Youth and Community Work Lecturer at the university, said: "I think the point would be about inclusion and fairness. That kind of widening access agenda which is really important at the university and RPL I think has a key part to play in that.”