About UK degree awarding bodies and UK degree course providers
There are 157 institutions in the UK that are permitted to award a wide variety of degrees to suit most educational aspirations. All institutions have degree awarding powers recognised by the UK authorities (UK and Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies).
There are also over 700 colleges and other institutions which do not have degree awarding powers but provide complete courses leading to recognised UK degrees. Courses at these institutions are validated by institutions which have degree awarding powers.
The growth of the Internet has enabled UK Institutions to make information on their courses available to a global audience. This growth and the need for more flexible provision, opening higher education up to a wider group of people means that many universities and colleges now offer their degrees through distance learning.
Recognised bodies
The UK authorities recognise those institutions which have been granted degree awarding powers by either a Royal Charter, Act of Parliament or the Privy Council. These are known as 'recognised bodies'. All UK universities and some higher education colleges are recognised bodies.
See all institutions which are recognised by the UK authorities as having UK degree awarding powers.
You can see relevant statutory instrument on the legislation.gov.uk website: The Education (Recognised Bodies) (England) Order 2010
You can also download the current criteria (PDF, 303 Kb) required for institutions to be granted degree awarding powers and university title;
or download the English and Welsh criteria (PDF, 102 Kb) required for further education institutions to be granted foundation degree awarding powers (FDAPs). This criteria also has a supplementary companion guide (PDF, 163 Kb) and frequently asked questions.
Listed bodies
Other institutions, which do not have the power to award their own degrees, may provide full courses which lead to a degree of a Recognised Body. These are known as 'listed bodies'.
See all institutions which are recognised by the UK authorities as being able to offer courses leading to a degree of a recognised body.
You can see relevant statutory instrument on the legislation.gov.uk website: The Education (Listed Bodies) (England) Order 2010.
Download guidance on the eligibility for inclusion of an institution as a listed body.
All the degrees awarded by UK recognised bodies at their own institution or through listed bodies are recognised degrees.
Organisations on the above lists are permitted to award UK degrees or offer full provision that leads to a UK degree. Organisations that only offer part of a degree course are not listed. In such cases, enquirers are recommended to contact the degree awarding body to confirm that the course was originally set up by them. Degree awarding bodies not on our list of recognised bodies will not be awarding recognised UK degrees.
