Frequently asked questions

Forgotten log-in details

To log in, you need your registered email address, or your OU Computer Username (OUCU), and your password.

If you can't remember your password, please visit www.open.ac.uk/students and select the ‘reset your password’ link. Alternatively, you can contact the Computing and Distribution Helpdesk on +44 (0)1908 653972.

Your OUCU is in the format of your initials and digits (i.e. abc123). If you can't remember your OUCU and you are an OU Business School graduate, then please email us, providing your full name and date of birth.

If you are not an Open University Business School graduate, then please make contact with Student Services and they will assist you with your request.

Requests for certificates or transcripts

Academic transcript information is provided by the University in a document called the Diploma Supplement. This document is arranged to a common, pan-EU format and covers all academic qualifications at the higher education level.

So long as you have an OUCU and therefore can access OU StudentHome, you can download this document from there as a PDF file.

The Diploma Supplement will give you full details of the modules you completed in your OU studies along with the date of qualification, and you can choose to have the details expressed in terms of the levels approved in the higher education qualifications framework, that is applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland or to the different levels approved for the different framework (this is applicable to Scotland).

A chart and some notes, produced by the UK’s National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC), that explains the framework can be downloaded from OU StudentHome.

If this document isn’t suitable for your needs, the qualification and ceremonies team will issue duplicate certificates for a charge of £40. You can pay over the phone or by sending a cheque. You can contact the qualification and ceremonies team on +44 (0)1908 653003. You will need to quote your PI number.

Verification of your Open University qualification

If you have been asked to obtain verification from an official OU source that confirms the successful outcome to your studies (perhaps by an employer), your request should be directed to our Verifications team.

Contact the team with your full name, date of birth and your PI number (if possible).

Informing us if your name has changed

In order to change your name on the OU student and alumni databases, we will need formal documentary evidence of your change of name, for example a copy of your enrolled deed poll, or recorded name change if you're in Scotland, or marriage certificate.

You should send a copy, please do not send originals, quoting your Personal Identifier (PI) number by email or send by post to:

Student Registration & Enquiry Service
The Open University
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
United Kingdom