Level 4 (2nd year) Modules
The first year of a UK degree, also known as Level 4, is designed to help students settle into university study and build a strong foundation. The grades achieved in this year do not count towards the final degree classification. However, students must still pass and earn all 120 credits to progress.
This year gives students the opportunity to get up to speed before moving into the second year, where grades do count towards the final degree outcome. There is often some overlap between Level 4 content and what students may have already studied at Level 3, such as at college.
For apprenticeships, this overlap is particularly important. Due to funding requirements, we need to ensure that apprentices are developing new skills rather than repeating learning they already have. Because of this, there is the option to remove certain modules through a process called Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL.
RPL is assessed during the onboarding and interview stage. If prior learning is confirmed, some first-year modules may be discounted. In some cases, an apprentice may move straight past Level 4 and begin at second year, or Level 5. This is often referred to as direct entry.
