University Pathways

How top-up degrees work

All of the academic courses offered by Online Business School are Ofqual approved, and universities will generally accept the credits awarded to students. Students should make it clear to the University that the qualification is OFQUAL RQF validated at the stated level/credit value. Online Business School can provide students with the requisite Ofqual documentation and transcript. Alternatively, students can visit the Ofqual website https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ to confirm the qualification. Each University will consider an application on its merits subject to their own specific entry requirements.

Graduating Online Business School students can progress onto a University programme either to join at Undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a Level 3 programme, or onto a “top-up” Degree, depending on the level of their completed Ofqual programme. These level equivalencies can be viewed on our ‘Study Levels Explained‘ page. Generally, Level 3 is Undergraduate entry, Level 4 first year Degree, Level 5 second year Degree, Level 6 Graduate level and Level 7 Post Graduate level.

University Top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. Your chosen course should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject. In many cases, if you have studied your level 3/4/5/6 or 7 qualifications in English, an IELTS may not be required. There is a wide range of flexibility, allowing our students to have a plethora of career or completion prospects upon graduation from Online Business School courses. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.