Conditions of Registration (Microcredentials) 2026/27
In March 2026, The Open University published the Conditions of Registration (Microcredentials hosted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)) 2026/27.
There are some changes from the previous version of this policy (Conditions of Registration (Microcredentials hosted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)) 2025/26). These are:
- Title updated from Conditions of Registration (Microcredentials hosted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)) to Conditions of Registration (Microcredentials).
- Introduction updated to confirm that those studying Microcredentials will be referred to as Microcredential Students rather than Learners.
- Introduction updated to explain that we have approved Microcredential-only Qualifications in principle and the terms set out in this document will apply to anyone studying a Microcredential-only qualification, once they become available.
- Clause B2.6 updated to explain the circumstances in which you might be eligible for a fee refund or waiver if you wish to end your Microcredential studies.
- Clause D1.4a amended to remove duplicated content around bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.
- Clause D1.5 updated to remove references to deferrals as this is not an option when studying a Microcredential.
- Clause D2.1 updated with a link to the new Student Reasonable Adjustments Policy.
- Clause E1.1 updated to clarify that you are only eligible for a fee refund after module start date if you are within the two-week cancellation period.
- Clause E2.3 updated to remove reference to Fee Rules as Microcredentials are out of scope of the Fee Rules. Fee refund information for Microcredential Students has been included in Clause B2.6.
- Clause G1.1 updated to confirm you must provide us with an email address that is unique to you and not shared with anyone else.
- Section J removed to avoid repetition and to streamline the document.
- Clause J1.2 (previously K1.2) list expanded to include further examples of orders and restrictions.
- Section J2 (previously K2) restructured for clarity and readability with no substantive changes to content.
- New Section K: Using Library Facilities included to provide clarity regarding library access for Microcredential Students.
- General, minor updates to wording, layout and clause numbering to remove duplicated messaging, reduce document length and improve readability.
