There are a number of significant changes from the previous version of this policy (Fee Rules (Postgraduate Study) 2023/24). These are:
a) Removal of references to Professional Development Courses which ended in December 2023. Amendment to references for Microcredential Terms and Conditions.
b) Addition of information regarding how to update language preferences within the Introduction.
c) Clarification around how The Open University differs from other Higher Education Institutions (Clause A1).
d) Addition of new clause to specify how moving between UK nations will impact upon UK Funding Authority support (new Clause B5.2 and subsequent section renumbering).
e) Clarification that 14 days refers to calendar days (Section D, Section E, Section G, and Glossary).
f) Clarification that The Open University will determine whether you have stopped studying (Clause D5).
g) Amendment to Changing Your Study Plans reference (Clause D6).
h) Clarification that deferral refers to the next presentation or academic year (Clause D8).
i) Clauses F12 and F13 combined and rewritten to describe eligibility for an enhanced Fee Credit in relevant circumstances. Subsequent clauses and references have been renumbered.
j) Clarification that liability for fees is dependent upon the length of module presentation (Clause G1.3).
k) Clarification on how to find out more about the maximum period for Discretionary Fee Credits (Clause H4).
l) Removal of references to examination centres and subsequent renumbering of clauses (original Clause I2). Subsequent removal of Glossary definition for Nonestablished examination centre.
m) Clarification of the additional expenses you may incur when studying a residential school module or one which includes an embedded residential school (original Clause I3, now Clause I2).
n) Removal of the sentence around The Open University reimbursing expenses (original Clause I3, now Clause I2).
o) Removal of cancellation policy clause for residential schools (original Clause I4).
p) General glossary amendments not already mentioned: Addition of definition for Fee Discount, and The Open University Council. Amendments to the Specified British Overseas Territories/Agreed Overseas Territories and updates to Appendix 1 to reflect new terminology.
q) Removal of references to postal correspondence (Further Clarification section).
r) Amendments to Appendix 1 Residency Criteria to include:
a. The UK and Islands refers to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the specified British Overseas Territories.
b. Additional clarifications regarding the Chagos Islands (new Clause Ap1 2.1.6). Subsequent renumbering.
c. Additional clarifications to ‘EU Settlement Status Scheme (EUSS)’ (new clause Ap1 2.3.3).
d. Additional clarifications to the ‘Family members of EU nationals and relevant person of Northern Ireland (RPNI)’ (new Clause Ap1 2.5.4).
e. Amendments to refer to ‘EU settlement status’ and removal of reference to the EEA and Switzerland (Clauses Ap1 2.6, and Ap1 2.6.1).
f. Amendment from UK to ‘England, Northern Ireland or Wales’ (Clause Ap 2.6.5).
g. Addition of new clause regarding Ukraine schemes (Ap1 2.6.7). Subsequent renumbering.
h. Removal of the requirement to be resident in England and Wales (within Ap1 2.6.8, was previously Ap1 2.6.7).
i. Clarification to reference eligibility to enter or remain as a victim of domestic abuse or a child of the person listed (within Clause Ap1 2.6.9, previously Ap1 2.6.8).
j. Additional clarifications to ‘Nationals of countries outside of the UK, EEA and Switzerland’ (new Clause Ap1 2.6.13;). Subsequent renumbering.
k. Additional section Ap1.4 added to describe ‘Changes to your UK residency status after you have started studying a qualification with us.’
s) Amendments to Ap3.3 Administration of the funding to describe entitlement to subsequent instalments when not progressing on your qualification (Clause Ap3 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8). Subsequent renumbering of sections.
t) Clarity on eligibility for postgraduate loans in Northern Ireland (Section Ap4.1).
u) Combined original clause Ap4 2.1 with Ap4 1.1 Subsequent renumbering.
v) Removal of repeated clause within Ap5 1.3.
w) Clarification of discount parameters (Clause Ap 5 1.4).
