Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a full-time access-to-university pathway for domestic and Convention Refugee applicants who have developed strong competencies through employment, volunteering and other learning experiences, but do not meet the standard admission criteria for Brock.
PLAR applicants will be considered based on a comprehensive review and evaluation of their learning portfolio, which demonstrates clear preparedness for learning at the undergraduate level.
If you are interested in joining Brock’s Labour Studies program but do not meet the admission requirements, the PLAR pathway may be the right fit for you.
Why PLAR?
Put your prior experience to work
Are you an adult learner who has built real-world skills beyond the classroom in a relevant field such as human resources, public policy and administration, or the labour movement? PLAR gives you the opportunity to turn qualifying work or volunteer experience into academic credits.
Boost your career prospects
Whether you’re looking to finish a degree you already started, change careers, strengthen your resume, or translate your passion for labour relations into university credentials, earning an undergraduate degree can help you advance your career and even improve your earning potential.
Fast-track your degree
The time you’ve spent gaining life and work experience deserves to be valued and recognized. Skip the courses that cover what you already know and earn your degree faster.
Enjoy flexible learning options
If a busy lifestyle is one of the biggest barriers to your learning, Labour Studies offers a diverse range of online and in-person courses to meet your needs.
How it Works – PLAR Admission Steps
- Consultation. Complete the Competency Self-assessment. Email [email protected] to book an appointment to meet with the PLAR Manager for a free consultation and learn what to expect during the PLAR process. The PLAR Manager will help you with every step of this process.
- Application. Once you have decided that you want to move forward with the PLAR process, the PLAR Manager will provide the link for the application, and you can pay the application fee – $130. The application fee is non-refundable. Once the application form is completed and submitted, you will receive an email to activate a Brock account through the my.brocku.ca student portal. This will also be where you will upload the additional documentation required to complete your application in full. You will be required to submit official transcripts from all educational sources (high school and post-secondary). *See Application Notes Below. If you have already applied to this program and received a notification that you did not meet the admission criteria, you will not have to pay the application fee again to be assessed for the PLAR pathway in the same academic cycle.
- Create your Portfolio. During your consultation, you will receive a guidebook. Review the PLAR Portfolio Guidebook for recommendations on creating a strong portfolio for admission assessment.
- Assessment. Your portfolio and other admission documents will be assessed.
- Result. Admissions decisions are communicated to applicants by email and through the my.brocku.ca portal, where the initial document upload took place.
Before You Apply
- Review this “Am I Ready?” Checklist to see if PLAR is right for you.
- Prepare for your consultation by completing the self-assessment.
- Book your consultation with [email protected]
Building Your Portfolio
Creating your portfolio is not as difficult as it may sound. We have an easy-to-use system called Brightspace, which will help you bring all your learning evidence together. In this pathway, you are required to rate your proficiency in the competencies below and support with evidence.
Listening/Oral/Written
Communication
Accountability and
Dependability
Self-Management
Working with Others/
Interpersonal Skills
You will receive a guidebook that will provide you with information to help you select evidence that showcases your learning and skills. Your essay, your resume and the other evidence you submit make up the bulk of your portfolio.
Other Helpful PLAR Information
Direct entry into this program is available for all applicants who are admissible. Students admitted through the PLAR pathway must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent residents.
Submitting official transcripts
Learn more about how to submit an official transcript and the difference between official and unofficial documentation by reviewing the document and transcript submission information on our website.
Submitting Required Documents (Resume)
As part of your portfolio, you will be asked to submit a 1-2 page resume. During your consultation, you will be instructed on how to submit the document. The resume gives the assessor information about your past and present education, employment, volunteer experiences, and skills.
Proof of status and proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Applicants who have Convention Refugee status should submit official proof of status documentation through the my.brocku.ca student portal. If English is not your first language, your application to Brock will prompt you to provide proof of English proficiency through the my.brocku.ca student portal.
Students who are admitted to an undergraduate program through the PLAR pathway may be eligible for full-time studies. PLAR students in full-time studies may qualify for financial aid through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Full-time students are subject to tuition and ancillary fees. Any additional course material fees will apply (varies depending on program)
If you have questions about fees or OSAP, please connect to Brock Central.