List of degree courses in UK
The following institutions or bodies can award degrees which are unique to them, but do not have the powers to award any degree, unlike the recognised bodies.
Degree-awarding powers and criteria for university title
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has revised the guidance for:
- degree awarding powers
- university title and university college title
- designation as an institution eligible to receive HEFCE funding
- transfers from the further education to the higher education sector
All new applications must be submitted to HEFCE. HEFCE will be accepting new applications for all 4 processes from 15 September 2015. Read the guidance on the criteria and application process.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do I know whether the institution I want to study at is recognised in the UK?
A. The UK authorities recognise those institutions that can offer degrees by virtue of their own degree awarding powers (recognised bodies) or those powers of another institution (listed bodies).
You can search for recognised bodies, listed bodies and other awards.
If you are in any doubt about the validity of the course you are applying for, check the legal basis on which the course is being offered with the institution and check that the degree will be one awarded by a recognised body.
Q. What do I do if the course I want to study is not validated by any of the recognised bodies?
A. The course may be offered by a foreign university. Foreign universities may offer degrees in the UK provided they make it clear that they are not UK degrees. The UK authorities cannot advise on the quality of these courses. It is up to you to check what recognition arrangements exist in the country of origin for any degree course you undertake in the UK.
If you are in any doubt about the validity of the course you are applying for, check the legal basis on which the course is being offered with the institution and check that the degree will be one from a recognised body.
Q. I have a query about whether a UK qualification that is not a degree is accredited or recognised. Who should I ask about this?
A. You may want to contact the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), which is the regulator of qualifications, exams and tests in England. Ofqual maintain a Register of Regulated Qualifications which includes a record of regulated awarding bodies for these qualifications.
Q. What do I do if the institution where I want to study is not recognised?
A. Check with the college or university the legal basis on which it offers courses. Then check with the institution which is said to validate the course. There may have been some additions to the lists since they were last updated.
Q. How will I know if the college or institution I wish to study at in the UK will be acceptable to the Home Office or UK Border Agency?
A. You can check whether any such college or institution will be acceptable for coming to study in the UK by accessing the UK Border Agency’s Register of Tier 4 Sponsors (approved education providers).
