How do top up degrees work?
Our courses are fully recognised by Ofqual and sit on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring that your credits are widely accepted by universities. When applying for a Top-Up degree, you can simply state that your qualification is Ofqual RQF accredited at the specified level and credit value.
Level 3 Diploma in Business Studies Entry onto first year of:
Level 4&5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management Entry onto final year of:
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology Entry onto first year of:
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Entry onto:
Business Management and Leadership BA (Coventry Campus)
Business Management and Leadership BA (London Campus)
Level 3 Diploma in Business Management Entry onto first year of:
Level 5 Extended Diploma in It and Computing:
BSc Information Systems (Top-up)
BSc (Hons) Information Technology and Business Information Systems (Top-up)
Level 4 & 5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business Entry onto final year of:
Level 4 Diploma in Business Management Entry onto second year of:
Level 4 & 5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management Entry onto final year of:
Level 4 & 5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Management Entry onto final year of:
Integrative Health and Social Care (Top- Up) BSc (Hons)
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Accountancy Entry onto first year of:
Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management:
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Entry with Advanced standing onto:
Level 5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Business Management Entry onto final year of:
Level 4&5 / Level 5 Extended Diploma in Accounting and Business Entry onto final year of:
Our degree pathways are designed as direct equivalents to Year 1 and Year 2 of a bachelor’s degree. Recognised by an Ofqual awarding organisation, these pathways are accepted by many universities worldwide.
After completing your pathway, you can progress to one of our partner universities to complete your final year and graduate with a full bachelor’s degree. Similarly, upon completion of our Level 7 pathway, students can advance directly to the final module of an MBA programme.
Our pathways offer one of the most flexible routes to achieving a degree. Delivered fully online with minimal restrictions, you can complete Year 1 and Year 2 while continuing to work or manage other commitments.
Online Business School provides students with official Ofqual documentation and transcripts to support university applications. You can also confirm your qualification directly on the Ofqual register. Please note that each university sets its own entry requirements and will review applications individually.
Graduates can progress to university at different stages depending on the level of their completed Ofqual programme. Typically, Level 3 is equivalent to undergraduate entry, Level 4 to the first year of a degree, Level 5 to the second year, Level 6 to graduate level, and Level 7 to postgraduate level. You can find a full guide on our Study Levels Explained page.
University top-up courses usually require a qualification in a related subject, though it doesn’t always have to be an exact match. If you’ve studied Levels 3–7 in English, an IELTS test may not be needed. With this flexibility, Online Business School graduates have a wide range of study and career opportunities, and universities will consider both your academic achievements and your broader experience.
Most universities will accept Ofqual credits for advanced entry. Therefore students can choose their own university to study full time for a shorter period. Many universities will also offer part time study programmes either as day release or evening study or by distance learning. Some may also offer weekend workshops. Please check this with your preferred university. (Click here to Find a University).
Students should understand that these are general guidelines. Students should always check the requirements with their preferred university or local university Agent if they intend to apply. Many universities operate part time/evening provision, and students should check possibilities with their preferred universities first.
Some UK universities operate overseas campuses and may accept local students on their programmes with advanced entry. For example, UK universities have campuses in Dubai, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, amongst many others.
Students should check locally for these arrangements. There are several UK campuses in UAE https://www.guide2dubai.com/living/education/british-universities-dubai Other examples are Hong Kong, Cyprus, Mauritius and several parts of South Asia. International students looking to complete in the UK may also visit the NARIC website to view equivalencies https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/
Students may want to study at institutions nearer their home country or qualifications outside of UK. For example many Australian, Indian and Canadian universities offer distance learning and will recognise equivalent UK qualifications on a case by case basis.
USA universities will generally accept UK advanced entry students and equivalence but there is a huge difference between regions and universities with general policy.
The Association of MBAs is a membership organisation that provides accreditation and upholds the highest international standards of MBA programmes. Many UK universities are members and offer distance learning study.
Although credits cannot be given, admission can be gained via the Online Business School level 6 or 7 plus the requisite additional entry requirements of your chosen university. Students should check the regulations of their chosen university first.
Our awarding bodies work in close partnership with various universities to facilitate progression opportunities. Top up on campus or online with one of our awarding bodies:
ATHE: https://www.athe.co.uk/progression-routes/
OTHM: https://www.othm.org.uk/university-progression.html
Qualifi: https://qualifi.net/university-progression/
If you require more information regarding specific progression routes, these are available on each course page under ‘university progression’, alternatively you can contact the Online Business School Support team on [email protected] for further advice and guidance.
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