Construct a developmental plan to address identified learning needs, reflecting on limitations of own knowledge

APL Portfolio Module to demonstrate graduateness for Post Graduate Admission into Nursing

Guide to Portfolio Completion

• Introduction to Developing Your Portfolio
Why a Portfolio?
The portfolio is the mechanism whereby the candidate can be given credit for previous learning. This means that the course can be completed in 2 years instead of the usual 3 years.

APL (Previous Academic Learning)
APL is being used to demonstrate graduateness. The University has robust APL processes in place which have been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council for accreditation onto pre-registration nursing.

The Portfolio
The aim is to allow prospective candidates to evidence how their graduate skills are transferable to health care. A successful portfolio is an essential pre-requisite for entry to the course. Once the CV has been submitted (within a specified time framework) electronically to the admissions tutor it will then be assessed by course team who will then decide whether the candidate has met criteria for APL.

Successful portfolios will then be presented to the APL Board and then to an Assessment Board for ratification, after which candidates will be informed whether they have gained a place on the course

What are we looking for?
Within the portfolio the candidate should demonstrate what graduate skills they have, how their graduate skills have been used within last 5 years and how these graduate skills are transferable to health care. We are looking for candidates who are analytical, thoughtful and self-reflective and can demonstrate a potential and aptitude for Masters level study.

What are we NOT looking for?
• Descriptions or scenarios
• Statements of intentions
• Narratives
• Brief, superficial information

• The Portfolio
This assessment requires you to compile a portfolio of evidence including reflections on previous learning and the development of graduate skills. The portfolio must comprise 5 elements:

• Introduction (300 words)

• Current CV (Done and attached)

• Extended CV (400 words for each Learning Outcome × 5 LO = 2000 words)

• Conclusion/ Summary (200 words)

• Scanned Copies of Transcripts and Qualifications
Introduction

• Introducing Your Portfolio
Your introduction needs to highlight what is contained in your portfolio. Ensure that you guide the reader to the important points you wish to highlight (such as your previous achievements and knowledge). It is also useful to have a table of contents

Discuss each item in your portfolio individually.

Your introduction should take no more than 300 words.

Your Current CV

Please see attached CV
The Extended CV

• The Extended CV

In completing your extended CV, you should demonstrate how your existing skills and knowledge base meet the following learning outcomes:

1. Critically reflects on appropriate, sensitive, compassionate and effective interpersonal and communication skills with a variety of people and settings
2. Critically analyses the role of lifelong learning and personal development as an essential precursor to developing honesty, integrity and competent professional practice
3. Critically evaluates and reflects on own ability to demonstrate a professional image in behaviour and appearance
4. Critically evaluates previous learning experiences which have sought to provide solutions to problems or questions
5. Construct a developmental plan to address identified learning needs, reflecting on limitations of own knowledge