Wider access to higher education
Working adults have new pathways to learning
Management and Science University (MSU) offer a breakthrough way for working adults wishing to further their studies, through its Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) pathway.
Many working adults pursuing demanding careers have now new options to gain knowledge in a shorter time by signing up under APEL, which recognises their working experience, thus saving time in pursuit of knowledge.
APEL was first introduced and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), in recognition of the need to constantly upgrade skills in the workplace, but utilising work experience to shorten the pathway to higher education.
APEL (A) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning allows working professionals with a direct pathway towards higher education without prior formal educational qualifications. It is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for
access to a programme of study and/or award of credits.
Otherwise, APEL (C) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning via Credit Transfer
allows for assessment of credits against matching modules in a programme of study.
The APEL C pathway provides credit transfer for entry into diploma programmes right up to PhD. Once an APEL C applicant’s competency level is determined, those credits can shorten his or her entire study duration considerably, saving time and money.
Lifelong learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout your life. Many continue their education for personal development and fulfilment, while others see it as a significant step toward career advancement.
With ten locations including Sabah and Sarawak for potential candidates to take the APEL Aptitude Test as the nonconventional pre-qualification for entry into higher studies, MSU currently offers APEL (A) and APEL (C) at T-3 (Certificate), T-4
(Diploma), T-6 (Bachelor’s degree), and T-7 (Master’s degree) levels.
Under normal standards, an applicant with SPM, applying for university entrance application, for example, would usually qualify for diploma studies only. With APEL C, it’s possible to pursue a bachelor’s degree directly, taking into account credits earned.
Another flexible option for adult learners to pursue tertiary education lies in micro-credential programmes, which offer industry in-demand programmes that provide flexible and made easy learning assessments, which fulfil his or her needs for comprehensive education in preferred areas of study. These stackable programmes will allow for exemptions into academic programmes at MSU.
MSU APEL Centre is managed by the MSU Continuing and Extended Education Centre (CEdEC), established with the aim to excel at providing continuing education in tandem with society’s current needs. While promoting lifelong education, CEdEC offers flexible programmes, that suit those with hectic working schedules.
As professional adults in the working world or self-managed professions, the demands to balance work and study are an everyday struggle, be it financially, personally, or professionally. Keeping up with the pace of the industries’ evolving scenarios, MSU is providing opportunities by offering flexible learning modes and programs.
MSU blends technical vocational education and training (TVET) with traditional academic curricula, thus enhancing competencies with industry internship, community and creative entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure; empowering MSU graduates with well-rounded abilities, necessary in today’s world.
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