Have you previously studied at university but never completed your degree? Or are you looking for a flexible way to study for a university qualification while working or managing other commitments?

The Open University (OU) offers distance-learning opportunities that allow students to study without attending a traditional university campus every day. If you have previously completed eligible higher-education study, you may also be able to transfer some of your previous credits towards an Open University qualification.

This could mean you do not have to repeat all of the study you have already successfully completed.

Important: Credit transfer is assessed individually by The Open University. Eligibility, the amount of credit awarded and how your previous study can be used depend on the qualification, the level and age of your previous study, and the evidence you provide.

What is Open University credit transfer?

Credit transfer allows eligible students to use previous higher-education study towards an Open University qualification.

For example, you may have:

• studied some university modules but not completed your degree;
• completed part of a university degree;
• gained an HNC or HND;
• completed a higher-education certificate or diploma;
• studied at a university outside the UK;
• completed certain professional or vocational qualifications.

The OU says that many of its qualifications allow previous study completed up to 16 years ago to be considered for credit transfer, although some qualifications have shorter time limits. The relevant qualification rules therefore need to be checked before you apply.

Can I study at home with The Open University?

Yes. The Open University is designed around distance learning, allowing students to study without the traditional requirement to attend a university campus every day.

This can be particularly useful if you:

• work full-time or part-time;
• have family or caring responsibilities;
• live a long distance from a university;
• want to return to education after several years;
• need a more flexible approach to higher education;
• want to continue studying while living in the UK or elsewhere.

However, “studying from home” does not mean that studying requires no commitment. You will still need to allocate sufficient time for reading, assignments, assessments and other course requirements.

Can I transfer previous university credits to the Open University?

Potentially, yes.

The OU’s current credit-transfer guidance says that previous higher-education study may be considered if it meets its eligibility requirements.

Examples include previous study at a UK or overseas university, part of a degree, certain certificates and diplomas, and some professional or vocational qualifications.

However, having studied previously does not automatically mean that all your credits will transfer.

The amount of credit you receive depends on factors such as:

• what you studied;
• where you studied;
• when you completed the study;
• the level of the study;
• the qualification you want to study with the OU;
• how closely your previous study relates to the new qualification;
• whether you can provide the required evidence.

The OU recommends using its Previous Study Finder before making an application.

How old can my previous university study be?

This is one of the most important things to check.

The Open University states that some qualifications allow previous study completed up to 16 years ago to be considered for credit transfer. However, other qualifications have tighter restrictions, including limits of five years for some programmes.

The OU also explains that the age of previous study is generally calculated using the date of the last successfully completed module or unit, rather than simply the date on which a qualification was formally awarded.

Therefore, don’t assume that all previous study from the last 16 years will automatically qualify.

Check the rules for your particular OU qualification before applying.

What previous qualifications may be eligible?

Depending on the circumstances, the OU may consider previous study such as:

• university modules;
• part-completed degrees;
• certificates of higher education;
• diplomas of higher education;
• HNCs and HNDs;
• certain professional or vocational qualifications;
• overseas university study;
• other qualifications listed through the OU’s Previous Study Finder.

For example, the OU’s guidance for Scottish university study says that eligible higher-education study can include qualifications and modules completed at Scottish universities, subject to the relevant requirements.

The OU also has specific guidance for qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs and certain regulated qualifications.

How many credits can I transfer?

There is no single answer for everyone.

The amount of credit you can receive depends on your previous study and the OU qualification you want to complete.

The OU says that credit is normally transferred in multiples of 30 credits, although some qualifications require transfers in multiples of 60 credits.

You should therefore avoid assuming that completing one year of a previous degree automatically means you will receive a particular number of OU credits.

The OU carries out an assessment of your individual previous study.

What documents do I need?

You will normally need evidence of your previous study.

This can include an official academic transcript showing the modules or units you completed and the results achieved.

Depending on the qualification you want to study, you may also need:

• your certificate;
• syllabus information;
• module descriptions;
• learning outcomes;
• details of the credit value and level of previous study.

The OU states that official evidence is required and that some named qualifications may require syllabus information or learning outcomes to assess how previous study relates to the qualification.

If you studied at a Scottish university

The OU’s current guidance says that Scottish higher-education study is assessed using the relevant SCQF levels. For example, SCQF Level 7 corresponds to OU Level 1, while Levels 8 and 9 correspond to OU Level 2 for credit-transfer purposes.

If you no longer have your transcript, you may need to contact your former university’s registry or student records department to obtain one.

What if I studied overseas?

Previous overseas university study may also be considered.

The exact amount of credit depends on the country, institution, qualification, level, subject and the OU qualification you want to study.

You will generally need documentary evidence such as transcripts and qualification certificates. In some cases, additional information about the course or modules may be required.

Does credit transfer mean I can finish my degree faster?

It can.

If the OU awards you credit for eligible previous study, you may have fewer modules left to complete.

The Open University explains that credit transfer can help students save time and cost because they may have fewer modules to study.

However, the amount of time and money you can save depends on the credit-transfer assessment and the qualification you choose.

You should therefore obtain your credit-transfer decision before assuming how long your remaining studies will take.

How do I apply for Open University credit transfer?

The process generally involves three stages:

1. Check whether your previous study is eligible

Use the Open University’s Previous Study Finder to see whether your qualification or previous study appears to be eligible.

2. Check how much credit might be available

The Previous Study Finder can indicate the maximum amount of credit that may be transferable. The OU notes that the final personal assessment may not always be the same as the maximum shown by the finder.

3. Make a formal credit-transfer application

You will need to provide the required supporting evidence.

The OU recommends completing the credit-transfer process before registering on a module, so that you know what credit has been awarded and what study remains.

Applying for credit transfer is currently free and does not commit you to studying with the OU.

Is the Open University suitable for people working full-time?

For some people, distance learning can make higher education more manageable alongside employment.

Before enrolling, however, consider:

• how many hours you can realistically study each week;
• whether you prefer full-time or part-time study;
• when assignments are due;
• how you will manage work and study together;
• the total tuition cost;
• whether your chosen qualification is suitable for your career plans;
• whether you qualify for any available funding.

Flexible study can be valuable, but it still requires organisation and consistent study time.

What if I started a degree but never finished it?

This is one of the situations where it may be worth investigating credit transfer

If you completed university modules successfully but left your degree before graduating, don’t automatically assume that your previous study has been wasted.

Your previous study may be eligible for credit transfer, depending on the age, level and nature of the study and the OU qualification you choose.

The best approach is to check your previous qualification through the OU’s credit-transfer system and obtain an assessment rather than assuming how much credit you will receive.

What about studying after a long break?

Returning to university after several years can feel daunting, but previous study may still be useful.

The OU’s credit-transfer system is particularly relevant to people who have previously completed eligible higher-education study and want to return to education.

Remember, though, that the 16-year period is not a universal guarantee. Some OU qualifications have shorter limits, so always check the specific qualification requirements.

Before applying: a useful checklist

Before making a credit-transfer application, gather:

• your university or college name;
• qualification name;
• dates of study;
• official academic transcript;
• certificates, where applicable;
• module names;
• credit values;
• qualification levels;
• syllabus or learning-outcome information, if required;
• the OU qualification you are interested in.

Having this information ready can make the process easier.

Final thoughts

If you previously studied at university but did not complete your qualification, The Open University may be worth investigating.

Credit transfer could allow eligible previous study to count towards a new OU qualification, potentially reducing the amount of study you need to complete.

The important point is not to assume that every previous module will transfer. Eligibility varies according to the qualification, the age and level of your previous study and the evidence available.

For the most accurate and current information, check the Open University’s official credit-transfer guidance and Previous Study Finder before making any decisions.

Check your eligibility

You can start by using the Open University’s official credit-transfer information and Previous Study Finder.

Open University — Credit Transfer

Open University — Credit Transfer: Previous Study Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: September 2026

This article is for general information only. Open University policies, qualification requirements, fees, funding arrangements and credit-transfer rules can change. Always check the latest information directly with The Open University before applying.