Student guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University

This guide introduces you to The Open University and explains what it means to study on a programme validated by the Open University. 

It outlines our relationship with the institution you are registered with, our responsibilities to you and what would happen if our relationship with your institution came to an end.

In addition to the Student Protection Plan your institution will have, The Open University’s Student Protection Plan sets out the measures in place to protect students on validated awards in the unlikely situation where a risk to the continuation of their studies arises from the ending of that relationship.

Download the Student Guide 2026-27