Changes to policy and curriculum

Terms and Conditions 2022/23 (Microcredentials)

In March 2022, The Open University published the Terms and Conditions (Microcredentials) 2022/23 for the first time.

These Terms and Conditions set out the terms of the agreement between you, the Microcredential Learner, and The Open University. They also refer to policies, guidance documents and codes of practice listed in Related Documentation. Together, these documents set out the details of your rights and obligations as a Learner of The Open University studying a Microcredential.

The changes made:

There have been several significant changes to this policy:

1. Term Student replaced with Learner throughout.
2. Related documentation list updated to incorporate the Academic Conduct Policy and move Fitness to Study as a document that governs your study.
3. New Sections added entitled “Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Open University” and “Safe Space Reporting”.
4. Introduction has been amended for clarification. It now includes telephone number for arranging contact with a Welsh speaking advisor in The Open University in Wales.
5. Introduction has been amended to refer to the requirement to check all information within the Registration is up-to-date.
6. Sentence within Clause A1.2 has been removed “Subject to Section paragraph A2 “Additional conditions for disclosure of legal restrictions and conditions”, your Registration together with these Terms and Conditions, and the regulations, policies and procedures which are referred to within them, contain the entire agreement between us.” 
7. Section A2 “Additional condition for disclosure of legal restrictions and conditions” has been amended to the latest advice regarding the requirement to disclose unspent criminal convictions at the point of registering to study at The Open University (A2.1); learners who are currently, or become subject to a Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS, or other criminal justice agency) licence, Court Imposed Order or similar relevant condition/restriction imposed by a court or by an authorised body (A2.2); and consequences of non-disclosure (A2.3).
8. Amendment to Clause B1.2 to include payment of fee by other arrangement. Addition of the sub-clause to describe the need to meet any requirements for registration as set out on the FutureLearn website, and you accept the responsibility to have read, understood and met any eligibility criteria.
9. B2.2 revised for clarity.
10. Addition of new Clause B2.3 to state that certain Open University systems and services will not be available to Microcredential Learners.
11. Addition of new Clause B2.4 to state that you agree to use only those services prompted for use on the FutureLearn platform.
12. Addition of new Section B4 “Counting credit towards a qualification.” Subsequent renumbering of sections.
13. Addition of new Section B7 “Microcredential Learner Details”.
14. Addition of two new sub-clauses: C3.1 b) regarding failure to have done something you were required to do as a condition of your registration, and C3.1 g), regarding failure to disclose legal restrictions under Section A2. Addition of information regarding fraudulent action.
15. Removal of sub-clause C4.3.1 i) which referenced the suspension or cancellation of registrations and enrolments where either too few or too many Students have registered for the Microcredential to enable The Open University to provide an appropriate learning experience and/or assessment opportunity in order to meet the learning outcomes of the module and/or accreditation requirements. Subsequent renumbering of section.
16. Addition of new sub clause C4.3.1 iv.
17. Addition of new sentence within Clause C4.3.2: “If a reasonable alternative is not available, The Open University may offer a refund at our discretion”.
18. Rewording of Clause C4.5.1 for clarity.
19. Removal of reference to other charges in Clause D1.1.
20. D2.2 wording added to include failure to submit assessments.
21. Addition of clause F2 to describe the complaints procedure for Welsh Language Standards.
22. Amendments to Section G “Student Discipline” to reference Academic Conduct.
23. Addition of new Section K, “Affiliation with third party organisations”.
24. Glossary updated: Reference to ‘Case Conference Panel’ and Microcredential Learner’.
25. Amendment to Appendix Ap 1.1 to describe the process of disclosure of an unspent conviction and to include two new offences.

For more help or information

Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.