A. Prior to enrolment on a particular course, the prospective learner is made properly aware of all terms and conditions relevant to that course, either in the prospectus or similar material, by correspondence, or in discussion with the provider.

These would normally include:

1. the full extent of the course;
2. the likely number of study hours necessary for its completion;
3. the likely overall time span between enrolment and completion;
4. what time-limits, if any, are imposed by the provider for completion of the course;
5. the timetable for the provision of materials (whether all at once, or in stages) and whether this is linked to the schedule of fee payments;
6. the total fee payable to the provider in respect of the course;
7. the likely total costs to the learner, including as well as provider fees, the costs of necessary support materials, any likely travel & residential costs, and any examination fees payable to the provider or to other bodies;
8. the schedule of payment of fees (whether all at once or in stages);
9. the provider’s policy on refunds;
10. the availability and extent of learning, tutorial and any other advisory support;
11. the availability and extent of vocational guidance
12. the means of delivery of materials and support (by telephone, post, fax, e-mail, or on-line);
13. any equipment (PC, videos etc) needed by the learner to study the course at home;
14. the timing and extent of any residential or face-to-face component of the course;
15. the stated objective of the course, and its intended outcome;
16. any qualifications required of the learner to undertake the course;
17. the currency (national or international status, recognition arrangements, and particularly license-to-practice implications) of any certificate, diploma or other qualification offered by the provider as the outcome of the course.

If any of this information is not supplied by the provider, because for example it is deemed to be the responsibility of another, such as an awarding body, or of the learner himself, this must also be made clear prior to enrolment.

B. Access requirements imposed by the provider for any course are kept to the necessary minimum and, wherever possible and appropriate, published.

C. The applicant is made aware of his or her responsibility to assess their own needs and capabilities before embarking upon a course, and is offered an opportunity to discuss these matters with the provider prior to enrolment.

Such issues may include:

1. whether the course is suitable for someone with their level of attainment;
2. whether the applicant has the necessary levels of competence to gain full benefit from the course. These competences might include literacy, fluency in English, numeracy and computer literacy;
3. whether the applicant’s own objectives can be realised through that particular course;
4. any special needs of the applicant.

D. Appropriate opportunities are afforded to applicants to assess whether the course meets their needs prior to enrolment.

E. There is a learning agreement between the provider and the learner which specifies:

1. the nature and scope of the course;
2. the mutually-agreed anticipated outcome of the course;
3. the services to which the provider is committed;
4. any disclaimers which protect the provider against changes in external circumstances which prevent him from delivering those services or realising the intended outcome;
5. the rights, obligations and commitments expected of the learner;
6. the financial agreement between the learner and the provider;
7. any allowance for special needs.

The learner is made aware that this agreement may be legally enforceable.