The Office for Students has made a statutory instrument authorising London School of Innovation Ltd to grant taught awards up to and including master’s level in specified subject areas. The Order was made on 10 March 2026 and comes into force on 13 March 2026, with the authorisation expiring at the end of 12 March 2030. The instrument is issued under section 42 of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, which empowers the OfS to confer degree-awarding powers by order. (legislation.gov.uk)
The authorisation is for awards described in section 42(2)(c) HERA-taught awards “of a specified description”. HERA also defines “taught award” to include degrees (including foundation degrees), diplomas, certificates and other academic awards granted on completion of an appropriate course and assessment. The Order further restricts grant to persons enrolled with the provider at the time they complete the course, a restriction contemplated by section 42(9). (legislation.gov.uk)
According to the Order, the permitted subject areas are computing; engineering and technology; business and management; and combined and general studies. These are time‑limited, taught degree‑awarding powers and do not extend to research degrees. In line with section 42(10), the authorisation is made by statutory instrument. (legislation.gov.uk)
London School of Innovation Ltd is identified in the instrument by registered company number 11942630 and UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) 10091282. OfS documentation published in May 2025 assessed the provider against initial conditions B7 (quality) and B8 (standards), setting out planned MSc programmes including Applied AI and Machine Learning, AI for Business Transformation, Software Technical Leadership and Digital Project Management. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
Before making such an order, the OfS must request advice from the relevant body regarding the quality of, and standards applied to, higher education provided by the applicant provider. Section 46 HERA requires this advice to be provided and considered, and frames how the OfS evidences quality and standards judgments in degree‑awarding power decisions. (legislation.gov.uk)
For students and applicants, the effect is that, from 13 March 2026, those completing eligible taught programmes at LSI in the authorised subjects can receive an award granted by LSI itself, rather than via a validating partner. On expiry at 23:59 on 12 March 2030, further awards would require a renewed or varied authorisation; section 44 allows the OfS to vary or revoke such authorisations by subsequent order. (legislation.gov.uk)
HERA treats awards granted under a section 42 authorisation as recognised in law, addressing the position on “unrecognised degrees”. Providers exercising these powers remain subject to OfS conditions of registration, including Condition B4 on assessment and awards-requiring awards to reflect sector‑recognised standards and ensure reliable student outcomes. (legislation.gov.uk)
Operationally, fixed‑term authorisations are part of the OfS approach to degree‑awarding powers: new or smaller providers may receive time‑limited powers, with progression to broader or indefinite authorisations contingent on continued compliance and performance. OfS public guidance sets out these categories, including authorisations covering all taught awards up to level 7. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
The instrument is signed by Jean Arnold, Interim Director of Quality and Access at the OfS, reflecting current governance arrangements for quality and access functions within the regulator. OfS pages confirm Ms Arnold holds this interim position. (officeforstudents.org.uk)
The Explanatory Note to the Order states no impact assessment was produced, and records no impact on businesses, civil society organisations or the public sector. For admissions and registry teams, practical steps now include updating marketing copy, offer letters and student records to reflect LSI’s status as awarding body for eligible taught programmes within the authorised subjects and dates. (officeforstudents.org.uk)