Student Progression – Academic Pathways & Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Portfolio of Admission

At Metavision Institute, we value the knowledge and skills you have gained through previous study, work, and life experience. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you may be able to:

Gain admission to the Graduate Diploma without a Bachelor’s degree (using a Portfolio of Admission).
Apply for advanced standing to receive credit towards specific units in the Graduate Diploma or Masters.

This page explains how RPL works, what evidence is required, and how to apply.

How to Do a Masters Without a Bachelor’s Degree

While direct entry to the Masters requires an AQF Level 7 qualification (Bachelor’s degree), it is possible to access the Masters through Metavision Institute’s pathways:

Pathway 1: RPL Portfolio → Graduate Diploma → Masters
Pathway 2: RPL Portfolio + Metavision Institute’s foundational counselling microcredential units → Graduate Diploma → Masters

Direct entry into the Masters is only available if you hold a relevant AQF7 or higher qualification in counselling

Advanced Standing and Credit Limits

You may apply for advanced standing if you have evidence that matches the learning outcomes of specific units.

Graduate Diploma: up to 13 credit points (of 26)
Masters: up to 26 credit points (of 55)
Maximum 50% credit from prior study at the same AQF level

Important restrictions:

Prior learning older than 10 years is not eligible.
Evidence used for admission cannot be reused for advanced standing.
No credit is available for certain core units.
Professional accreditation requirements may limit credit.
No partial or “internal” credit will be granted.
Applicants entering the Graduate Diploma without prior counselling training must

Applicants who hold a relevant AQF7 or higher qualifications and have significant experience in counselling (but no formal qualifications in counselling) may be required to complete the foundational counselling micro-credential HC0001.
Applicants who do not have significant counselling experience and/or do not hold a relevant AQF7 or higher qualification may be required to complete the foundational counselling micro-credentials HC001 and HC002.

For full details, see our [Credit Transfer Policy].

Learning Outcomes

All RPL applications are assessed against the learning outcomes of our units.

Example from Unit 102 – Inner Work 1 (Graduate Diploma):

Utilise the skills of journaling, rapid writing, guided meditation and drawing to increase self-awareness and in counselling work with clients.

To find the full list of learning outcomes:

Steps:

Click on your chosen course above.
Scroll to Core Units.
Open a unit to view its description and learning outcomes.

When applying for RPL, you will need to show clear evidence that your prior learning meets these outcomes.

Types of Learning Recognised

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognises three types of learning:

Formal learning – accredited study leading to a qualification.
Non-formal learning – structured learning outside of accredited programs (e.g. professional training, workshops).
Informal learning – learning gained through work, life, or community experience.

At Metavision Institute:

Admission may be based on a portfolio of formal, informal, and/or non-formal learning.
Advanced standing in the Graduate Diploma may be based on all three types.
Advanced standing in the Masters is based only on formal learning at AQF Level 9.

Evidence for an RPL Portfolio

When compiling your portfolio, you may include:

Resume/CV – with work history, registrations, associations, and achievements
Educational certificates and transcripts
Work samples or projects
Training certificates (workshops, seminars, PD)
Professional certifications or licences
Letters of recommendation or references
Personal statement (reflecting on prior learning and future goals)
Work experience descriptions (roles, responsibilities, skills gained)
Portfolio of work (reports, presentations, publications, designs, etc.)
Reflective journals or logs
Industry recognition or awards
Professional development activities (courses, conferences, workshops)
Language proficiency evidence (if applicable)
Any other relevant documentation

Ethical Considerations

When preparing evidence:

Ensure accuracy and authenticity of documents.
Respect confidentiality and privacy (anonymise sensitive information).
Attribute sources correctly and respect intellectual property.
Select only relevant evidence.
Maintain integrity — no falsification or misrepresentation.

The RPL Portfolio for Admission

To enter the Graduate Diploma without a Bachelor’s degree, you must:

Compile a Portfolio of Admission with sufficient professional and/or training experience (minimum 3 years relevant counselling-related work in the past 10 years, or bridging course).
Provide evidence of English proficiency (if applicable).
Submit your portfolio via the Portfolio of Admissions Form.
Attend an interview with the Dean or delegate.

Applying for Advanced Standing

Graduate Diploma: Provide evidence (formal, informal, or non-formal) at AQF Level 8 against unit learning outcomes.
Masters: Provide academic transcripts of formal AQF Level 9 study not already used for admission.

How to Apply

Review the learning outcomes for the units you want credit for.
Decide if your prior learning clearly matches those outcomes.
Compile your evidence into an RPL Form.
Submit your application and attend an interview (if required).

Policy Reference

Credit Transfer & Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
Student Recruitment Admission and Enrolment Policy

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