Outcomes can be fully attained through open and/or distance study, augmented as and when necessary by face-to-face provision.

Courses need not assume any level of skill and understanding in a given subject at the start.
Different outcomes or completion points may recognise different levels of progress.
Where possible, the course is structured to include points for partial completion.

In particular, in the case of degrees:

1. the awarding body has Chartered or equivalent national status, regardless of the qualifications it offers, if it chooses to call itself a University;
2. those degrees are validated by the appropriate national authority;
3. those national validating mechanisms have international credibility;
4. if degree courses are offered which obtain their ultimate validation by being the degrees of another, properly accredited university, this is clear in all publicity, and the organisation offering such courses does not call itself a university unless entitled to do so under a) above.

Where no limit is given, the provider is able to support the course for an appropriately extended period of time.

Examinations should be properly marked or assessed, with procedures for ensuring security in their setting and assessment, monitoring the quality of those assessments, and providing appropriate feed back to the learner. Learners should be made aware of the procedure whereby assessments can be challenged, and whether resits are possible.

Where the outcome of an assessment is a variance with previous assessments, or with expectations on the part of the learner, reasons for that assessment are given.

Where appropriate, assessment is linked to accreditation by nationally-recognised qualification-awarding bodies. Where such links are not established, the provider does not make undue or unsubstantiated claims as to the level of skill or knowledge gained through successful completion of the course.

Any certificate or diploma offered by the provider on completion of a course clearly:

1. indicates what outcome the provider is recognising (eg course completion, or assessed qualification);
2. indicates the name, nature, academic, vocational or professional recognition and other appropriate details of the awarding body.
3. does not indicate or suggest that ODL QC endorses or validates the qualification concerned.

Any certificate of course completion provided to learners clearly states that it recognises only completion of the course, and does not imply any internally or externally validated qualification in that subject. The criteria by which “course completion” is assessed are made known to the learner prior to enrolment.

Whilst the provider takes responsibility to ensure that the course fits the currently declared curriculum of the awarding body, with other matters it should be made clear which are the responsibilities of the provider and which the applicant: who should ascertain, for example:

1. the on-going availability of any external qualification;
2. the nature of any prior qualifications or other entrance requirements imposed by such an external organisation;
3. the currency of any qualification offered as outcome by an external organisation
4. how, where and when any external examinations or assessments can be taken;
5. what charges, if any, will be made.

At the same time, the provider makes reasonable efforts to keep up-to-date with changes in these matters and at no time misleads applicants or learners as to the provider’s knowledge of or responsibilities in such matters.

In particular:

1. The relationship between the outcome of the course and any standards suggested, required or imposed by the relevant profession are made clear to the learner prior to enrolment;
2. If the outcome offers a qualification from the provider, then the provider also takes appropriate steps to support that qualification subsequently.
3. Wherever possible, indications of opportunities for or routes towards further study are given.