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If you’ve studied before, you could use your previous study, even if you didn’t complete it, towards an Open University qualification.
Over 6,000 people are awarded credit transfer each year. Applying is free and doesn't commit you to study.
Whether you’ve studied some modules or courses at higher education level or completed part of a degree, diploma or certificate, you may be able to use it towards an Open University qualification.
We call this credit transfer, and it allows you to reach your qualification goals sooner, saving you time and money.
Save time and cost – If you're awarded credit you'll have fewer modules to study, so you'll pay less and finish sooner.
Avoid repetition – You may not have to repeat previously completed learning.
Lose nothing – You won't lose any credit from your previous study. Many of our qualifications allow you to transfer credits achieved up to 16 years ago.
If you’re considering starting your studies in April 2026, you must apply for credit transfer by 12/02/2026.
Use our previous study checker to see if you could be eligible for credit transfer. Applying is free and doesn't commit you to study.
When you're awarded credit, you'll receive an email inviting you to log in, view credit awarded and register for your chosen qualification.
Choose a module, enrol and get ready to study!
Our Open qualifications offer the most flexibility to people wanting to transfer previous study to the OU. We'll assess your eligibility for the Open degree as well as your chosen qualification, giving you the option to change direction when you're ready to make your choice.
Use our previous study finder to determine whether your existing credit can be transferred into an OU qualification.
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Find out how you could transfer your previous study to an OU qualification.
Staff at the OU office in Cardiff guided me through the credit transfer procedure, and I was able to start studying at Stage 2 instead of Stage 1. The OU website is very clearly laid out and easy to navigate, so I had no problems registering for all my modules online.

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