+356 2134 2704 info@aea.academy

ARPEL Policies & Guidelines

These policies provide direction to all units within the organisation in managing the process of recognition and accreditation of prior learning by providing a set of core principles and key features intended to ensure consistency and transparency in the application of the principles of RPL, referred to within Advenio eAcademy as ARPEL since the focus is on the accreditation of the RPL to enable students to leverage their prior experiences and learning to participate in formal accredited programmes.

The decision on whether to allow applicants to gain access to a programme through RPL rests with the Academic Board. Where RPL is deemed appropriate, the RPL practices for specific programmes must be framed to suit differing contexts.

Applicants seeking admission and/or exemption through RPL must provide evidence in writing, through the submission of support documents, that they have achieved the specific learning outcomes at the required levels. The evidence of learning achieved should be compiled by the applicant following advice/discussions with the Evaluator and should provide a comprehensive demonstration of achievement.

The ARPEL Policy provides further information about the whole process including the application form. The details on the policies set out by Advenio eAcademy with regards to Accreditation & Recognition of Prior Experience & Learning (ARPEL) and the relevant guidelines for its implementation for its L5, L6* and L7 accredited programmes are as follows.

For any further assistance contact us on admin@aea.academy or on WhatsApp +356 79208029.

Level 7 - Masters in Entrepreneurship

Programme Entry Requirements:

  • 2nd Upper Bachelor’s degree OR
  • Pass in a Bachelors degree and a minimum of 5 years work experience which should be in an administrative or managerial position in an SME or organisation in which there has been clear execution of management functions, planning, organising, control, and leadership. This would need to be demonstrated through relevant letters of reference and a recruitment interview in which the candidate will be asked about his or her relevant SME experience. OR
  • ARPEL Process to confirm equivalence to Level 6 180 ECTS credits

AND

  • Proof of Proficiency in the use of the English language, either through an international language course certification, OR
  • Proof of attendance in a University where the Tuition language was English, OR
  • Proof of working in an international business for more than 4 years where the language used is English.

 ARPEL Process for Recognition of Prior Learning

 Note 1:     Special admission criteria.

Prospective students over the age of 30 can apply without a first degree as long as they provide appropriate details in their CV and a relevant work reference/s that confirm their work experience (at least 5 years in an SME organisation or organisation in which they have been involved in the execution of one or more of the core management functions, planning, organising, control and leadership.

Bearing in mind that the course seeks to attract entrepreneurs in SMEs and not in micro enterprises, these are likely to have had to deal with the multitude of tasks and responsibilities that go with running a small business, be it fund raising, contracting, HRD, marketing and sales etc. Five years of such broad experience as an entrepreneur may well be quite comparable to ten years of working in line position in a large organisation where there would be limited exposure to the range of challenges any business would face.

 Note 2:     English Language Proficiency 

Arrangements will be made for on-line coaching in English language for students who may have some difficulties in coping with tuition in the English language despite their proficiency level. Such on-line private lessons will be available at a separate charge to the students and will be available for small groups (max 4 persons and assuming demand at the time of enquiry) or individual tuition. AeA is already in discussions with a third-party English Language organisation to launch joint programmes in English language tuition.

Note 3:    Module recognition

If a student holds a degree specializing in one of the modules thought in the Masters programme, the student can apply for this to be recognized. The student must present the Academy with the transcripts to show that the learning outcomes, objectives, and skills covered in the Degree programme match with the Masters module. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The students might be requested to only submit the assignments of the module to make sure that they have reached the required level.

 Note 3:     Recognition of OTHM L7 Diploma with 120 UK Credits

 The students with an OTHM L7 Diploma with 120 UK credits can apply to complete the Master’s in Entrepreneurship Degree on the basis of the recognition of the relevant OTHM L7 Diploma subjects, namely:-

  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in International Business Law
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Project Management
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Public Administration
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Risk Management
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Marketing
  • OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Students need to complete the offline application form  and send the duly signed application form along with the support documents to email address, admin@aea.academy. This will be followed by an online evaluation interview which will examine the learning outcomes and the knowledge achieved by the student in the programme. The interview plan will be sent to the participants in prior which will include the student presentations of previous course works. The ECTS credits that can be availed by a student with an L7 OTHM qualification will be 64 ECTS credits. If the qualification submitted by the student seem not satisfying any learning outcome of the L7 Masters in Entrepreneurship programme, the evaluators will request the student to do any individual programme modules on the respective areas or to submit additional support materials.

The successful candidates will be offered an advanced entry to the final Research Project of the Programme. Duration of the Final Research Programme will be 24 weeks for Online delivery/12 weeks in blended delivery. Upon completion of the Research project the students will be provided with a Master’s Degree In Entrepreneurship comprising the 26 ECTS credits awarded by Advenio eAcademy and the 64 ECTS credits recognised at L7 on the basis of the relevant OTHM qualifications.

Click here to download the application form for the ARPEL Process of Level 7 Masters in Entrepreneurship.

L7 ARPEL Application Form

ARPEL Process Fees – Level 7 Masters in Entrepreneurship

               Step 1: Self Evaluation

               Step 2: Submission of Supporting documents
                                                                    Total fee for Step 1 & 2 – € 300
               Step 3: Confirmation & Evaluation
               Step 4: Review & Validation
                                                                    Total fee for Step 3 & 4 – €1,280

 Total fee in Stage 1 of ARPEL Process- €1,580

Level 6 - Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship (*Accreditation Pending from MFHEA)

Programme Entry Requirements:

  • Successful completion of an approved secondary qualification AND
  • Evidence of English language proficiency of IELTS level 5 results, or equivalent if secondary level of education was not delivered in English language AND
  • Minimum of 4 years of entrepreneurial work experience in middle/senior level within an SME environment

The target groups for this programme are as follows:

1)         Entrepreneurs with more than 4 years of SME experience, but without an MQF Level 6 qualification

2)         Entrepreneurs with an MQF Level 6 or 7 qualification in subjects not related to Business studies

Accreditation & Recognition for Prior Experience & Learning (ARPEL)

The first stage of Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programme is the ARPEL Process.  The focus of this process is to encourage experienced entrepreneurs without any formal qualifications in business studies to pursue their studies and increase their level of expertise to make them more effective as entrepreneurs. The proposed ARPEL Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship enables them to accredit their prior formal, informal, non-formal learning and work experience as part of their coursework. For each of these four areas of activity an applicant can get up to 30 ECTS credits accreditation. However, overall an applicant can get accreditation up-to 90 ECTS credits. This will represent 50% of the 180 ECTS credits that must be obtained to earn the Bachelor’s degree.

 The students will use the website of ARPEL4Entrep project in the URL www.arpel4entrep.com. From the home page they can register to the online system to complete the ARPEL process. The maximum duration of the stage is 12 weeks. Following are the steps to complete the online ARPEL Process.

Step 1: System based collection of data

 This step Identification of Prior Experiential & Learning Activities. The applicants need to furnish the information regarding their formal, informal, non-formal learning and work experience in this step.

 Formal Learning – includes any formal and accredited qualifications/awards achieved by the applicants at EQF/MQF Levels 4, 5 and 6.

 E.g. Diploma in Marketing (Level 4 – 60 ECTS)

 Informal Learning – includes the recognition and accreditation of any informal learning activities undertaken such as non-accredited courses and CPD hours. Also any excess ECTS credits from formal learning, could also be accounted in this stage.

 Category 1: Non-accredited CPD hours for participation in formal seminars, conferences, etc to be translated in to ECTS study hours 25/1 ECTS credit  on Formal Learning weightage.

 E.g. Participation in a three day business conference (Level 5 – 18 CPD Hours)

 Category 2: Non accredited courses including onsite and online courses based on course duration to be translated in to ECTS study hours 25/1 ECTS credits on Formal learning Weightage.

 E.g. Participation in Course era online short courses in Digital Marketing (Level 5  – 6 CPD Hours)

 Category 3: Private study with details of study programme and submission of appropriate project work (assignment, online interview etc).

 E.g. Work-related assignment to research export opportunities to Dubai and relevant terms and conditions (20 CPD Hours)

 Non-formal learning – includes any personal involvement in philanthropic, hobbies or other external interests, any personal triumph or challenge reflecting strength of character, leadership and perseverance and any other extraordinary life experience.

 Category 1: Personal involvement in philanthropic, hobby, external interests

 E.g. Reading of Biographies and Auto-biographies of Entrepreneurs and Industry Leaders i.e. Richard Banson, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, etc. / Viewing of Business-themed movies such as The Founder, American Story, Henry Ford, the Social Network, Steve Jobs, etc.

 Category 2: Personal triumph or challenge overcome reflecting strength of character, leadership, perseverance, etc.

 E.g. Participation in Malta Marathon as part of Fund Raising Activities.

 Category 3: Other Extra Ordinary life experience

 E.g. Voluntary work with Drug Rehabilitation Programmes led by Caritas.

 Work experience – a minimum of 4 years entrepreneurial work experience in middle management level is required for entry to the programme. Different categories of work experience will be highlighted to distinguish between the type of experience gained at either middle or senior level and the type of responsibilities the applicant has fulfilled.

Step 2: Data Substantiation

 Applicants need to upload supporting documents for all claims made in this step 1. These will be reviewed by the Facilitator and the Evaluator and used as a basis for discussion in the evaluation interview.

 Step 3: Evaluation and interview/s

 The students can select the interview slot with the evaluators. Application and the interview will be evaluated and an Estimated ECTS will be calculated at this stage from the evaluator. If necessary additional supplementary materials will be requested to submit. Students will be provided with the Interview Plan 

 Step 4: Validation and issue of Credits

 The validators will cross check and the application and equivalent Estimated ECTS will be assigned for the application. The students will be informed the final estimated ECTS credits via email. Appeal policy is available for the students to re-sit in the ARPEL process if they prefer.

After the successful completion of ARPEL process students can proceed to the next components of Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship Programme: Subject Modules & Final Project.

ARPEL Process Fees – Level 6 Bachelors in Entrepreneurship

               Step 1: Self Evaluation

               Step 2: Submission of Supporting documents
                                                                    Total fee for Step 1 & 2 – €240
               Step 3: Confirmation & Evaluation
               Step 4: Review & Validation
                                                                    Total fee for Step 3 & 4 – €1,220

 Total fee in Stage 1 of ARPEL Process- €1,460

Level 5 – Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management

Programme Entry Requirements:

  • A Pass in a Level 5 Diploma OR
  • A Grade C or better in a Level 4 Diploma (e.g. Advanced Level certificates) and a minimum of 2 years work experience AND

 Students whose first language is not English and whose previous qualifications were in a language other than English will be required to produce evidence of IELTS level 5 results, or equivalent

 ARPEL Process for Recognition for Prior Learning

 Note 1:     Special admission criteria

 Prospective students over the age of 25 can apply without a level 4 diploma as long as they provide evidence in a CV and a work reference that they can make up for it through work experience (at least 2 years). The applicants may be asked to complete a Pre-Programme Preparatory Module prior to be accepted in the programme to make sure that they will be able to progress in their studies.

 Note 2:     English Language Proficiency

Arrangements will be made for online coaching in English language for students who may have some difficulties in coping with tuition in the English language despite their proficiency level. Such online private lessons will be available at a separate charge to the students and will be available for small groups (max 4 persons and assuming demand at the time of enquiry) or individual tuition. AeA is already in discussions with a third-party English Language organisation to launch joint programmes in English language tuition.

 Note 3:     Recognition of OTHM L5 Diploma with 120 UK Credits

 The students with an OTHM L5 Diploma with 120 UK credits can apply for the Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management on the basis of the relevant OTHM L5 Diploma subjects, namely:

  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Accounting and Business
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Business Management
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training – see additional center resource requirements
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Students need to apply via the offline application form and send the duly signed application form along with the support materials to the email address admin@aea.academy. This will be followed by an online evaluation interview which will examine the learning outcomes and the knowledge achieved by the student in the programme. The interview plan will be sent to the participants prior which will include the student presentations of previous course works. The ECTS credits that can be availed by a student with an L5 OTHM qualification will be 64 ECTS credits. If the qualification submitted by the student is not considered as being satisfactory, the evaluators may request the student to complete any individual programme modules or to submit additional support coursework.

The successful candidates will be offered an advanced entry to the final Research Project of the Programme. Duration of the Final Research Programme will be 24 weeks for Online delivery/12 weeks in blended delivery. Upon completion of the Research project, the students will be provided with a certificate of Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management including the 26 ECTS credits awarded by Advenio eAcademy and the 64 ECTS credits recognised at L5 on the basis of the relevant OTHM qualifications.

Click here to download the application form for the ARPEL process of Level 5 Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management.

L5 ARPEL Application Form

ARPEL Process Fees – Level 5 Undergraduate Higher Diploma in SME Management

              Step 1: Self Evaluation

              Step 2: Submission of Supporting documents
                                                                    Total fee for Step 1 & 2 – €170
               Step 3: Confirmation & Evaluation
               Step 4: Review & Validation
                                                                    Total fee for Step 3 & 4 – €820

 Total fee in Stage 1 of ARPEL Process- €990