How Top-Up Degrees Work

Fast-Track Your Graduation from Just £6,000!

The academic programs offered through BCES Admissions Abroad are recognised by OFQUAL-approved awarding bodies. Most universities accept these qualifications, as long as students clearly mention that their course is validated on the OFQUAL RQF framework with the correct level and credit value.

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The Most Flexible and Affordable Route to Your Degree

Our degree pathways cover the same ground as Year 1 and Year 2 of a bachelor’s degree and are fully recognised by an OFQUAL awarding body. These pathway courses are accepted by a wide range of universities across the globe.

After finishing your pathway with us, you’ll have the opportunity to join one of our partner universities to complete Year 3 and earn your full bachelor’s degree. If you’re taking our Level 7 pathway courses, you’ll be ready to move straight into the final stage of an MBA program.

Our pathways are incredibly flexible and online, with minimal restrictions which means you can balance studying for your first two years while still working or managing your life. It’s the smart, cost-effective way to graduate without putting everything on hold.

Earn Your Spot at Top Universities Around the Globe!

When you complete an OFQUAL-regulated program through BCES Admissions Abroad, you open doors to continue your studies at some fantastic universities. Many students go on to join institutions like:

  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Coventry University
  • University of Derby
  • University of Central Lancashire

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we provide all the necessary OFQUAL-certified documents and transcripts to help you progress smoothly. If you want to verify your qualification independently, you can also visit the official OFQUAL website at https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/. Keep in mind, each university reviews applications based on their own entry criteria and individual standards.

Once you finish your program with us, you can move on to a university course either at the undergraduate entry level, usually after completing a Level 3 qualification, or directly into a “top-up” degree, depending on the level of your OFQUAL-approved studies. In general, Level 3 corresponds to undergraduate entry, Level 4 to the first year of a degree, Level 5 to the second year, Level 6 is graduate level, and Level 7 is postgraduate.

Keep in mind, university top-up courses usually require you to hold a qualification related to your chosen subject. While your course should be connected to your previous studies, it doesn’t have to be the exact same subject. Often, if your prior qualifications at Level 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 were completed in English, you might not need to take an IELTS test. This flexibility gives our students plenty of options for their future careers or further study after completing courses with BCES Admissions Abroad. Universities typically consider your overall experience and motivation alongside your formal qualifications

Progression Options

Many universities accept OFQUAL credits for advanced entry, which means you can pick your university and study full-time for a shorter duration. If full-time isn’t an option, lots of universities offer part-time programs—these could be day-release classes, evening sessions, distance learning, or even weekend workshops. It’s important to check directly with your chosen university about what formats they offer. Remember, these are general guidelines, so always confirm the specific entry requirements with your university or local education agent before applying.

Several UK universities have campuses abroad and accept local students through advanced entry. Places like Dubai, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong host UK campuses where you might be able to continue your studies closer to home. If this interests you, make sure to look into the options available locally. For example, the UAE has a number of British university campuses https://www.guide2dubai.com/living/education/british-universities-dubai. Other popular locations include Cyprus, Mauritius, and various parts of South Asia. International students considering studying in the UK can also use the NARIC website https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/ to check qualification equivalencies.

If you prefer to study closer to home or explore qualifications outside the UK, many universities in countries like Australia, India, and Canada offer distance learning options and may recognise UK qualifications on a case-by-case basis. In the US, universities often accept UK qualifications for advanced entry, but policies vary widely between regions and institutions, so it’s best to check individually.

The Association of MBAs (AMBA) is a respected organisation that accredits MBA programs worldwide, ensuring they meet top international standards. Many UK universities that are AMBA members offer MBA programs via distance learning. While credits from BCES Admissions Abroad cannot be transferred directly, you can gain admission if you meet the university’s entry requirements along with completion of our Level 6 or Level 7 courses. Always verify the specific requirements with your chosen university first.

We work closely with recognised awarding bodies that partner with universities to make your progression smooth and straightforward. You can top up your degree on campus or online through one of these trusted bodies:

  • ATHE: https://www.athe.co.uk/progression-routes/
  • OTHM: https://www.othm.org.uk/university-progression.html
  • Qualifi: https://qualifi.net/university-progression/

For detailed info about progression options, check the ‘university progression’ section on your course page. If you need further advice, feel free to reach out to the BCES Admissions Abroad support team at online@bces.in.

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