Important information for the attention of the students registered at DHBW
Whereas most students at our approved institutions are automatically registered for an Open University (OU) validated award, DHBW students are asked to make a choice about registration in their final year of study.
Regular feedback suggests that DHBW students may not always see the benefits of enrolling for an OU validated award. After all, programmes of study and assessment are the same, regardless of whether students are registered for an OU-validated award or not.
We have tried to address these concerns through the following ‘Questions and Answers’, which we hope you will find useful. Should you have any further questions or comments, please contact our Communications Officer, Armelle Griffin.
Why would I want to register on an OU-validated award?
OU validation is a stamp of quality that guarantees the international currency of your qualification. It responds to stringent quality assurance processes, such as External Examiners scrutiny and the systematic application of Quality Assurance Agency (UK) defined standards. As part of this, sample assessment work is seen by External Examiners who confirm appropriate academic standards have been achieved.
OU validated awards have parity of esteem with the awards offered throughout UK higher education. A validated award is exactly the same as an OU direct award in terms of employment or application for postgraduate study.
Why do I have to pay a fee to register?
The Open University receives no UK government funding for students registered on validated awards, therefore your fee helps us to cover our operational costs. We also use it to maintain our archive system of alumni. All awards are recorded in this archive of alumni and The Open University is obliged to maintain this archive. Employers and other Higher Education providers can contact The Open University and verify if an individual’s degree award is authentic.
When do I have to enrol for an OU-validated award?
You must enrol by 31st January. We will not be able to accept any registrations beyond that date, in accordance with Open University regulations. So, it is crucial that you make up your mind and register by the deadline. The recommendation made to OUVS by the board of examiners (including UK external examiners) to award the bachelor honours degree will only apply to the students who have registered by the cut off date.
I have heard that OU-validated award certificates often come late – Why?
We always endeavour to turn the certificates around as quickly as possible.
But generally the sending of the certificates cannot start before April following graduation, due to meetings of OU and DHBW bodies involved, and due to the fact that the certificates are individually handled and embossed manually.
Where can I find more information about the OU and OU validated awards?
Additionally, you may find the Handbook for Validated Awards particularly useful, as it sets out the principles and regulations for Open University validated awards, whilst The Students’ guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University gives you practical information about what being registered on an award validated by the OU means to students.
You may also contact us by E-Mail or by telephone on +44 (0)1908 332840
Further information in German is available on the DHBW-Website as downloads.