Policies and regulations
FutureLearn’s policies and regulations provide a clear and comprehensive framework for our learners and staff. From academic regulations and governance to student wellbeing guidance, these policies reflect our commitment to widening access to education and promoting a culture of lifelong learning. Through our policies, we ensure that everyone who engages with our site, products and services, either as a learner or staff member, is able to do so in a fair, supportive and accessible environment.
Our policies and regulations are rigorously reviewed so learners can access them at leisure. However, please note that these are our standard regulations and policies so learners should also refer to their programme documents where any non-standard regulations will be explained.
If you would like to report any concerns or issues with the implementation of any of the policies or regulations, please refer to FutureLearn’s Whistleblowing Policy.
Key student policies 2025/26
Learn more about FutureLearn’s key student policies.
Mitigating circumstances and extensions regulations
Student code of conduct
Academic integrity
Governance
Academic appeals
Leave of absence or withdrawal
Student harassment and sexual misconduct
Report and support
Learning, teaching and assessment strategy
Corporate, social and responsibility (CSR)
Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
General regulations 2025/26
This document covers what you need to know if you’re experiencing any issues or are unhappy with an aspect of the service FutureLearn provides. You can find further information on the different types of issues or concerns that you might have and advice on the best ways to deal with these in this document.
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This policy sets out the circumstances in which students enrolled with FutureLearn may be entitled to apply for a refund and/or compensation.
This policy details the terms and conditions which form the relationship between FutureLearn and students when accepting an offer on an online master’s degree programme delivered by FutureLearn.
This policy outlines how fees are set, how and when learners are expected to pay fees as well as guidance on additional and optional fees, withdrawals and fee liability.
Academic regulations, policies and guidance
Academic Regulations & Regulatory Framework
This policy outlines FutureLearn’s approach to protecting academic standards and enhancing the quality of the student learning experience.
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Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Student Assessment
This document covers what you need to know if there are extenuating circumstances that may affect your studies. We have developed rules for extenuating circumstances to ensure you understand how we define an extenuating circumstance and that we are treating all students fairly in all our decisions.
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External Examiner Procedure
This document outlines FutureLearn’s formal regulations on appointing external examiners as well as their rights and responsibilities to learners.
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Teaching Observation
This document sets out the principles and guidance relating to the routine use of observation of teaching (OoT) as part of FutureLearn’s approach to improving users’ learning experiences.
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Academic Integrity & Misconduct
This document outlines the expected behaviours of all FutureLearn users. It also offers guidance on what FutureLearn defines as academic misconduct, how it is managed and how to avoid it.
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Student Disciplinary Procedure
This document sets out FutureLearn’s approach to addressing behaviour that goes against the code of conduct.
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Appeals
This document outlines the full appeals procedure, should any FutureLearn user wish to submit an academic appeal.
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This policy outlines FutureLearn’s approach to protecting academic standards and enhancing the quality of the student learning experience.
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Extenuating Circumstances Affecting Student Assessment
This document covers what you need to know if there are extenuating circumstances that may affect your studies. We have developed rules for extenuating circumstances to ensure you understand how we define an extenuating circumstance and that we are treating all students fairly in all our decisions.
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External Examiner Procedure
This document outlines FutureLearn’s formal regulations on appointing external examiners as well as their rights and responsibilities to learners.
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Teaching Observation
This document sets out the principles and guidance relating to the routine use of observation of teaching (OoT) as part of FutureLearn’s approach to improving users’ learning experiences.
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Academic Integrity & Misconduct
This document outlines the expected behaviours of all FutureLearn users. It also offers guidance on what FutureLearn defines as academic misconduct, how it is managed and how to avoid it.
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Student Disciplinary Procedure
This document sets out FutureLearn’s approach to addressing behaviour that goes against the code of conduct.
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Appeals
This document outlines the full appeals procedure, should any FutureLearn user wish to submit an academic appeal.
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Student Code of Conduct
This document sets out the behaviour and key principles of good conduct that FutureLearn expects from students under its Student Code of Conduct. By joining FutureLearn, you agree that you will follow these principles as a FutureLearn user. Anyone suspected of breaking the Student Code of Conduct may be investigated in line with FutureLearn’s regulations.
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Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
This document details FutureLearn’s approach to academic freedom and freedom of speech on the platform and all related sites.
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Admissions
This document sets out the procedure for student admissions, enrolment and termination at FutureLearn. It applies to all FutureLearn applicants (i.e. for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes) and students who are registered users on the FutureLearn platform joining new courses.
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Transfer
This document offers guidance for current, incoming and outgoing students who wish to transfer courses and degree programmes.
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Agent Approval & Progression Agreement Process
This document outlines the procedures to be followed when approving and managing the use of education agents to represent FutureLearn in the European Economic Area (EEA) and overseas markets.
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Changes Policy
This policy outlines FutureLearn’s approach to leading and managing change within the company and on the platform and doing so in a manner that is effective, fair and consistent and in line with FutureLearn’s other policies.
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Student Withdrawal
This policy provides guidance for students who are considering withdrawing completely from their studies.
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Whistleblowing Policy (Students)
This policy covers what students need to do if they would like to report suspected wrongdoing as well as guidance on how to raise a concern and what qualifies as a public interest disclosure.
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Whistleblowing Policy (Staff)
This policy covers what students need to do if they would like to report suspected wrongdoing as well as guidance on how to raise a concern and what qualifies as a public interest disclosure.
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Research & Ethics
This document sets out the framework and guidelines for ethical and productive research practices associated with FutureLearn. It also provides guidelines for institutions and researchers in relation to research undertaken with data provided by FutureLearn, or in relation to FutureLearn courses or technologies.
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This document sets out the behaviour and key principles of good conduct that FutureLearn expects from students under its Student Code of Conduct. By joining FutureLearn, you agree that you will follow these principles as a FutureLearn user. Anyone suspected of breaking the Student Code of Conduct may be investigated in line with FutureLearn’s regulations.
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Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech
This document details FutureLearn’s approach to academic freedom and freedom of speech on the platform and all related sites.
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Admissions
This document sets out the procedure for student admissions, enrolment and termination at FutureLearn. It applies to all FutureLearn applicants (i.e. for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes) and students who are registered users on the FutureLearn platform joining new courses.
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Transfer
This document offers guidance for current, incoming and outgoing students who wish to transfer courses and degree programmes.
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Agent Approval & Progression Agreement Process
This document outlines the procedures to be followed when approving and managing the use of education agents to represent FutureLearn in the European Economic Area (EEA) and overseas markets.
Download PDF
Changes Policy
This policy outlines FutureLearn’s approach to leading and managing change within the company and on the platform and doing so in a manner that is effective, fair and consistent and in line with FutureLearn’s other policies.
Download PDF
Student Withdrawal
This policy provides guidance for students who are considering withdrawing completely from their studies.
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Whistleblowing Policy (Students)
This policy covers what students need to do if they would like to report suspected wrongdoing as well as guidance on how to raise a concern and what qualifies as a public interest disclosure.
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Whistleblowing Policy (Staff)
This policy covers what students need to do if they would like to report suspected wrongdoing as well as guidance on how to raise a concern and what qualifies as a public interest disclosure.
Download PDF
Research & Ethics
This document sets out the framework and guidelines for ethical and productive research practices associated with FutureLearn. It also provides guidelines for institutions and researchers in relation to research undertaken with data provided by FutureLearn, or in relation to FutureLearn courses or technologies.
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Assessment and Feedback Procedures
This policy is designed to ensure everyone involved in academic assessment understands FutureLearn’s key guidelines for providing feedback that is clear, constructive and effective.
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Assessment Regulations: Volumes & Choice
These guidelines set out the appropriate equivalencies for the different types of assessment to ensure each is proportionate and has the right volume. It has been designed to help educators create fair and equitable assessments for all learners on the platform.
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Articulation Approval Process
This policy sets out guidance for proposing new progression or articulation agreements with UK and overseas higher education institutions.
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This policy is designed to ensure everyone involved in academic assessment understands FutureLearn’s key guidelines for providing feedback that is clear, constructive and effective.
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Assessment Regulations: Volumes & Choice
These guidelines set out the appropriate equivalencies for the different types of assessment to ensure each is proportionate and has the right volume. It has been designed to help educators create fair and equitable assessments for all learners on the platform.
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Articulation Approval Process
This policy sets out guidance for proposing new progression or articulation agreements with UK and overseas higher education institutions.
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Student life, health and wellbeing
This policy outlines how FutureLearn will meet its commitment to creating accessible and inclusive websites.
This document sets out how FutureLearn and degree partners may monitor learner attendance and engagement for relevant degree programmes to support students and help address any barriers to learning, where necessary.
This policy sets out how we will work with learners if there are concerns about their behaviour and their ability to engage and continue with their studies. This is not a disciplinary process and should be seen as a way of supporting learners so that they can continue learning on the platform with the necessary level of care.
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This policy outlines support and arrangements for a student who is or becomes pregnant, is planning to adopt, has a baby, or in the sad event of suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth after joining FutureLearn. FutureLearn’s admissions policy includes information for students on pregnancy and maternity.
This document details how FutureLearn will provide reasonable adjustments for all disabled students at FutureLearn.
This policy outlines FutureLearn's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or characteristics.
This policy offers guidance to students, and the staff responsible for student education and welfare, on how the needs of students, in relation to religion and belief should be met.
The document demonstrates FutureLearn’s commitment to safeguarding the adults and young adults who are using the platform. This policy applies to all FutureLearn staff, applicants, students and representatives.
This document sets out FutureLearn’s procedure for handling reports of sexual misconduct, bullying and harassment. The procedure covers all reports made by FutureLearn users, or reports made by members of staff or third parties about FutureLearn users.
This document details FutureLearn’s approach to preventing suicide by creating safer learning environments, establishing effective suicide prevention interventions and ensuring that students and staff who are affected by suicide have access to timely and appropriate support.
Academic Quality and Standards Handbook 2025/26
This document outlines the procedure for proposing, consulting on and implementing modifications to existing programmes, including short courses, microcredentials, bootcamps and degree programmes. It also sets out FutureLearn’s approach to handling programme suspensions and closures as part of the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic quality for learners.
This document sets out FutureLearn’s framework for providing formal and informal opportunities for academics to get involved and help to develop the Higher Education Services academic delivery.
This document details FutureLearn’s approach to annually monitoring and reviewing its courses, assessing the maintenance of academic standards, the quality of learning opportunities for our students, and the outcomes they achieve.
This document sets out FutureLearn’s policy and procedures for providing formal opportunities for students to feedback to FutureLearn about their experience.
This document outlines the process for producing, amending, approving and publishing online courses and programmes for students.
Other policies
This policy sets out FutureLearn’s objectives and responsibilities for conflicts of interest, and the arrangements that have been adopted to manage them.
Non-academic policies
This document outlines FutureLearn’s commitment to widening access and participation for all its learners.
This document details FutureLearn’s zero tolerance approach to bribery or corruption of any kind, and sets out clear guidelines for risk assessment and reporting suspicious activity or conduct.
This policy supports FutureLearn in effectively managing the risk associated with fraud and provides guiding principles to direct the identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring and reporting of fraud in the company.
This policy sets out FutureLearn’s underlying approach to risk management and provides guidance on how colleagues are expected to assess and manage risk within their day-to-day activities.
This policy outlines FutureLearn’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment and upholding and strengthening its ethical standards and how it will do so by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.
This policy sets out FutureLearn's approach to the acceptance of philanthropic donations. This document applies to all staff who in the course of their work may take receipt of philanthropic donations to FutureLearn.
FutureLearn's Standard T&Cs
This document sets out the rules for using the FutureLearn platform and all related sites. By agreeing to become a FutureLearn user, you agree to the terms and conditions of a contract between you and us which covers: (a) your use of our website; and (b) how we make our learning programmes available to you.
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Terms of Business
These terms and conditions set out the way in which we do business with our customers, when they place an order for a product with us on any of our websites.
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Privacy Policy
FutureLearn's Higher Education Services privacy policy details what information we collect, how we use your information, who we may share your information with, how our course and degree providers may use your information, how we use cookies, the legal basis for sharing your information, data retention, the storage and security of your data and your rights as a FutureLearn user or visitor of our site(s).
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Social Media and Acceptable Use Policy
This policy sets out the standards expected of anyone using social media in connection to FutureLearn (either as an employee or student).
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Copyright Policy
This policy gives an overview of copyright laws and covers all printed, electronic and digital
copyrighted material created and used by FutureLearn.
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Data Protection Policy
FutureLearn's Higher Education Services privacy policy sets out FutureLearn’s overall principles related to the collection and use of personal data and the responsibilities of FutureLearn and its partner institutions.
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Cookie Policy
This document details how FutureLearn uses cookies on the platform and related websites, including how cookies are defined, and what cookies are used for and how users on the site can manage cookie preferences.
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Data Retention Policy
This policy details FutureLearn’s approach to learner data retention and deletion. In line with GDPR act, FutureLearn will not keep learner data for longer than necessary, and this document outlines these conditions.
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Delivery Policy
This delivery policy applies only in relation to orders for products that are fulfilled directly by FutureLearn.
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General Survey Competitions Terms and Conditions
This document details the rules that apply to all competitions and prize draws on the FutureLearn platform and related websites. By entering the competition, you agree to these terms and conditions. These general survey competition terms and conditions apply alongside the FutureLearn Platform terms of use.
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This document sets out the rules for using the FutureLearn platform and all related sites. By agreeing to become a FutureLearn user, you agree to the terms and conditions of a contract between you and us which covers: (a) your use of our website; and (b) how we make our learning programmes available to you.
Read more
Terms of Business
These terms and conditions set out the way in which we do business with our customers, when they place an order for a product with us on any of our websites.
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Privacy Policy
FutureLearn's Higher Education Services privacy policy details what information we collect, how we use your information, who we may share your information with, how our course and degree providers may use your information, how we use cookies, the legal basis for sharing your information, data retention, the storage and security of your data and your rights as a FutureLearn user or visitor of our site(s).
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Social Media and Acceptable Use Policy
This policy sets out the standards expected of anyone using social media in connection to FutureLearn (either as an employee or student).
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Copyright Policy
This policy gives an overview of copyright laws and covers all printed, electronic and digital
copyrighted material created and used by FutureLearn.
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Data Protection Policy
FutureLearn's Higher Education Services privacy policy sets out FutureLearn’s overall principles related to the collection and use of personal data and the responsibilities of FutureLearn and its partner institutions.
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Cookie Policy
This document details how FutureLearn uses cookies on the platform and related websites, including how cookies are defined, and what cookies are used for and how users on the site can manage cookie preferences.
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Data Retention Policy
This policy details FutureLearn’s approach to learner data retention and deletion. In line with GDPR act, FutureLearn will not keep learner data for longer than necessary, and this document outlines these conditions.
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Delivery Policy
This delivery policy applies only in relation to orders for products that are fulfilled directly by FutureLearn.
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General Survey Competitions Terms and Conditions
This document details the rules that apply to all competitions and prize draws on the FutureLearn platform and related websites. By entering the competition, you agree to these terms and conditions. These general survey competition terms and conditions apply alongside the FutureLearn Platform terms of use.
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Business Terms of Service
These terms of service outline the way in which we do business with our customers, when they place an order for a product with us on any of our websites.
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These terms of service outline the way in which we do business with our customers, when they place an order for a product with us on any of our websites.
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Academic Partnerships & Due Diligence
This document sets out the information and evidence required to complete the due diligence checks on a new partner organisation.
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This document offers guidance to FutureLearn staff, learners and any other stakeholders on the process for escalation of any adverse event or circumstance that materially affects the business.
Contact the Academic Registry
If you have questions about our policies and regulations, please email us.