National Heart and Lung Institute Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides National Heart and Lung Institute degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• Imperial College London record checks;
• solicitor verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• degree authenticity confirmation;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option;
• embassy or consular legalisation; and
• international return delivery.

The historic National Heart and Lung Institute awarded recognised UK qualifications between 1988 and 1995.

In 1995, the Institute merged with Imperial College London. Therefore, Imperial now verifies qualifications awarded by the former institution.

However, graduates should check the exact awarding body printed on their certificate.

This check matters because some older medical and postgraduate awards may involve legacy arrangements or the University of London.

Quick answers

Who verifies a National Heart and Lung Institute degree?

Imperial College London verifies qualifications awarded by the historic National Heart and Lung Institute.

Third-party enquirers must normally submit the verification request through HEDD.

Is the National Heart and Lung Institute still part of Imperial?

Yes, but the name now refers to an academic department within Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine.

Therefore, graduates must distinguish between:

• the historic degree-awarding institution; and
• the present National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial.

Imperial describes the current NHLI as a centre for cardiovascular and respiratory research, education and innovation.

Can the degree certificate receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes.

A qualification certificate can usually receive an apostille after a UK solicitor or another eligible public official certifies it correctly.

The FCDO can legalise qualification certificates and certified copies that carry an eligible UK public signature.

Can a solicitor confirm the degree’s authenticity?

Yes, provided that reliable evidence supports the conclusion.

For example, our solicitor may rely on:

• a HEDD verification result;
• an Imperial College London transcript;
• a Statement of Award;
• an official Imperial record;
• a replacement certificate; or
• direct evidence from the correct awarding body.

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory arrange the apostille?

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible and correctly prepared documents.

However, this period starts after we complete any required degree verification and solicitor certification.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need embassy or consular legalisation if the destination does not accept an apostille as the final step.

For a non-Hague destination, the process may continue through the relevant embassy and then the local foreign ministry.

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About the National Heart and Lung Institute

The National Heart and Lung Institute was a recognised UK degree-awarding body.

It gave awards between 1988 and 1995.

In 1995, the Institute merged with Imperial College London. As a result, Imperial now verifies former National Heart and Lung Institute qualifications.

The merger did not invalidate earlier qualifications.

Therefore, a certificate issued under the National Heart and Lung Institute name remains an important historic academic document.

However, an overseas employer or regulator may not recognise the former institution.

In that situation, a current Imperial or HEDD verification result can connect the historic award with its present record holder.

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Historic awarding body and current NHLI department

The term “National Heart and Lung Institute” can describe two related but different organisations.

The historic awarding institution

The former National Heart and Lung Institute awarded recognised qualifications between 1988 and 1995.

Imperial College London now verifies those awards through HEDD.

The current Imperial department

Today, the National Heart and Lung Institute operates within Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medicine.

It focuses on cardiovascular and respiratory research, education and innovation.

Therefore, a current NHLI webpage does not by itself verify an old degree.

Instead, graduates should use the formal Imperial and HEDD record routes.

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Who handles National Heart and Lung Institute degree verification?

Imperial College London handles verification of former National Heart and Lung Institute awards.

For third-party checks, HEDD provides the official online route.

HEDD stands for Higher Education Degree Datacheck.

It allows an authorised organisation to compare the information supplied by a candidate with the academic record held by the verifying university.

HEDD can check:

• whether the candidate attended;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• the dates of attendance.

The current HEDD listing charges £14 for a National Heart and Lung Institute degree enquiry.

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Imperial’s responsibility for former medical colleges

Imperial does not only verify its current students and graduates.

HEDD states that Imperial also verifies awards from several institutions that later merged with it.

These include:

• St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, which merged in 1988;
• the National Heart and Lung Institute, which merged in 1995;
• the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, which merged in 1997;
• Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, which merged in 1997; and
• Wye College, which merged in 2000.

This history matters because several former medical institutions may appear in one person’s academic or professional records.

Therefore, applicants should select the exact awarding institution shown on each certificate.

A National Heart and Lung Institute award should not automatically be entered as:

• Imperial College London;
• St Mary’s Hospital Medical School;
• the Royal Postgraduate Medical School; or
• another former institution.

Instead, the HEDD enquiry should reflect the historic certificate accurately.

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National Heart and Lung Institute verification through HEDD

HEDD provides the main online verification route for third parties.

Imperial College London is an exclusive HEDD partner for these degree checks.

Therefore, employers, screening agencies and professional representatives should normally use the HEDD platform rather than send an informal enquiry to an Imperial department.

Ginkgo Advisory can manage the HEDD enquiry as part of the wider certification and legalisation process.

This service can connect:

1. the historic academic record;
2. the degree certificate;
3. the graduate’s identity;
4. the solicitor certification;
5. the FCDO apostille; and
6. any embassy legalisation.

As a result, the overseas recipient receives a clearer evidence trail.

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Who can submit a HEDD enquiry?

HEDD serves third-party enquirers.

These may include:

• employers;
• recruitment companies;
• background-screening agencies;
• solicitors;
• professional regulators;
• universities;
• government authorities; and
• document legalisation providers.

However, a graduate cannot normally use the third-party HEDD route to issue a formal verification result to themselves.

Instead, the graduate must authorise another organisation to submit the request.

Ginkgo Advisory can act as the third-party enquirer where we manage the solicitor certification and legalisation process.

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What can HEDD verify?

A HEDD result can check:

• current or former student status;
• the academic award;
• the grade or classification;
• attendance dates; and
• other information held in the relevant record.

Therefore, HEDD does more than inspect the appearance of the certificate.

It compares the submitted details with the academic record managed by Imperial College London.

However, HEDD may only confirm information that appears in the surviving record.

Older medical or postgraduate records may not contain every detail that a modern record includes.

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Information required for HEDD verification

A National Heart and Lung Institute HEDD enquiry will normally require:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name used during study;
• date of birth;
• the historic institution name;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• year of graduation;
• award classification or result;
• attendance dates;
• student number, if known; and
• signed candidate consent.

In addition, we normally request a clear colour scan of the certificate.

A transcript or official letter may also help.

These documents allow us to copy the historic award details accurately.

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Candidate consent

HEDD requires a consent form signed by the candidate.

The enquirer must upload the form as one of the following file types:

• PDF;
• JPG;
• PNG; or
• TIF.

The consent should clearly authorise the third party to obtain or confirm academic information.

It should also identify the candidate and the authorised enquirer.

Before submission, we check:

• the candidate’s full name;
• the signature;
• the date;
• the scope of the consent;
• the document quality; and
• whether every page is visible.

Without valid consent, HEDD may not process the enquiry.

Therefore, an incomplete form can delay the whole apostille application.

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Why exact academic information matters

HEDD compares the submitted details with the record held by Imperial.

Consequently, small differences can prevent an immediate match.

Common problems include:

• a missing middle name;
• an incorrect award year;
• an abbreviated qualification;
• a shortened course title;
• an old institutional name;
• reversed first and family names;
• an incorrect attendance period; or
• a later change of surname.

Medical and postgraduate qualifications can also use similar titles.

For example, a candidate may remember the research subject rather than the formal award title.

Therefore, we use the certificate and transcript wording wherever possible.

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Name changes and historic records

Imperial issues academic documents in the legal name held when the institution conferred the award.

Its current guidance states that degree certificates, Statements of Award and transcripts use the full legal name registered at the point of conferral.

Therefore, a former student’s old certificate may show:

• a birth name;
• a former married name;
• a previous family name;
• a different name order; or
• additional middle names.

The graduate should provide evidence that links the historic name with the current passport.

Useful evidence may include:

• a marriage certificate;
• a deed poll;
• a statutory declaration;
• a change-of-name certificate; or
• another official identity document.

This supporting evidence does not change the original academic record.

Instead, it helps explain the difference to the solicitor and overseas authority.

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HEDD enquiry fee

HEDD currently lists a £14 degree enquiry fee for the National Heart and Lung Institute.

However, HEDD may change its platform fees.

Therefore, the current charge should be checked when the enquiry begins.

The HEDD fee does not include:

• Ginkgo Advisory’s service fee;
• solicitor review;
• solicitor certification;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• translation; or
• return delivery.

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How long does HEDD verification take?

Some enquiries may match the academic record quickly.

However, a legacy case may require manual review by Imperial College London.

Additional time may arise where:

• the institution name has changed;
• the record uses a former name;
• the qualification title differs;
• the candidate gives incomplete dates;
• the award involves a merged medical institution; or
• Imperial needs to review an older record.

Therefore, clients with a fixed overseas deadline should begin verification early.

The HEDD verification period remains separate from:

• solicitor certification;
• the 2-working-day express apostille stage;
• embassy legalisation; and
• international delivery.

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Check the exact awarding body

The certificate’s awarding body controls the verification and replacement-document route.

A historic certificate may name:

• the National Heart and Lung Institute;
• the University of London;
• Imperial College London;
• another medical school;
• a Royal College; or
• more than one organisation.

Therefore, applicants should not rely only on where they studied.

The teaching institution and awarding body may differ.

For example, the National Heart and Lung Institute may have delivered or supervised the programme while another body formally awarded the qualification.

Consequently, Ginkgo Advisory reviews:

• the complete certificate;
• the signatures;
• the seals;
• the award wording;
• the reverse side;
• any transcript; and
• any accompanying letter.

This review helps us identify the correct record holder before we start.

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What if the certificate names the University of London?

Some older Imperial-associated awards were conferred through the University of London.

Therefore, the University of London may control the transcript or replacement-certificate route where its name appears as the awarding body.

The University of London can provide services such as:

• transcripts;
• Letters of Certification;
• certified copies of certificates;
• certified syllabuses; and
• replacement certificates for awards that it issued.

However, this route does not replace HEDD where HEDD and Imperial hold the relevant verification record.

The right approach may involve:

• HEDD verification through Imperial;
• an academic document from the University of London;
• or both.

Therefore, the exact certificate wording must guide the process.

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Official documents from Imperial College London

Former students may need more than a HEDD result.

Imperial provides several official-document routes for alumni.

These include:

• academic transcripts;
• Statements of Award; and
• replacement degree certificates in qualifying cases.

Depending on the case, these documents can support:

• enhanced solicitor certification;
• professional registration;
• overseas employment;
• further study;
• immigration;
• licensing; and
• formal credential checks.

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Imperial College London transcripts

A transcript provides a formal record of academic study.

Depending on the programme and record, it may show:

• the qualification;
• course or programme details;
• modules;
• marks or grades;
• award information; and
• study dates.

Imperial directs alumni who need transcripts to its alumni-document service.

Graduates who do not have access to their former Imperial account may need to register before using the Alumni Request Form.

However, historic National Heart and Lung Institute records may differ from modern Imperial records.

Therefore, the College may not hold every item in the same format.

A former student should provide:

• the historic institution name;
• full name during study;
• date of birth;
• programme title;
• attendance dates;
• award year; and
• any student number.

This information can help Imperial locate the correct record.

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Statement of Award letter

A Statement of Award can provide official confirmation of a graduate’s qualification.

Imperial alumni can request Statement of Award letters through the College’s alumni-document process. Graduates without account access may first need to register for the service.

Depending on the record, a Statement of Award may confirm:

• the graduate’s identity;
• the programme;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the classification or result; and
• other official details.

This letter can help where:

• the certificate contains an unfamiliar historic institution name;
• an overseas authority asks for a current university letter;
• the graduate cannot obtain a complete transcript;
• the award needs additional explanation; or
• the solicitor needs supporting evidence.

However, the receiving authority must decide whether it accepts the letter instead of a certificate.

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Replacement degree certificates

Imperial states that it only issues replacement degree certificates in exceptional cases.

Therefore, a graduate should not assume that Imperial will issue a duplicate certificate simply because another original would be convenient.

A replacement request may require an explanation where the original was:

• lost;
• stolen;
• destroyed;
• seriously damaged; or
• made unusable.

However, an important awarding-body issue also applies.

If the University of London or another institution issued the original certificate, that body may control the replacement route.

Therefore, graduates should check:

• the awarding body printed on the certificate;
• the award date;
• whether Imperial issued the original;
• whether another institution issued it; and
• what evidence of loss or damage the replacement provider requires.

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Certified copies from the original certificate

A graduate may still hold the original National Heart and Lung Institute certificate.

In that case, a solicitor-certified copy may provide the most practical route.

GOV.UK states that a professional such as a solicitor can certify a copy as a true copy of the original.

The certifier normally:

• writes the certification statement;
• signs and dates the copy;
• prints their name;
• states their occupation; and
• adds contact details.

However, ordinary copy certification only confirms that the copy matches the original shown.

It does not automatically confirm that the historic institution genuinely issued the original.

For that reason, some cases need enhanced certification.

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Degree verification and solicitor certification are different

People often use “verification” and “certification” as though they mean the same thing.

However, each term describes a different process.

Degree verification

Degree verification checks the academic record.

For a National Heart and Lung Institute award, this normally involves HEDD and Imperial College London.

Solicitor verification

It involves a legal professional reviewing the document and the supporting evidence.

Solicitor certification

It places a formal statement and signature on the document or copy.

FCDO apostille

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK public signature, stamp or seal.

Therefore, these stages should not be combined into one vague claim.

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What does solicitor verification involve?

Our solicitor may review:

• the original certificate;
• a clear colour copy;
• a HEDD result;
• an Imperial transcript;
• a Statement of Award;
• a replacement certificate;
• a University of London document;
• the graduate’s passport;
• evidence of a name change; and
• the overseas authority’s instructions.

Next, the solicitor compares the important details.

These may include:

• the graduate’s name;
• the historic institution;
• the current verifying institution;
• the programme;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the result;
• the attendance dates; and
• any student number.

If the details match, the solicitor can consider the correct certification.

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What is basic solicitor certification?

A basic certified true copy confirms that the copy matches the document shown to the solicitor.

It normally answers one question:

Does this copy accurately reproduce the original document presented?

This certification can allow the document to enter the FCDO apostille process.

However, it does not necessarily answer:

Does an independent university record confirm that the historic certificate is genuine?

Therefore, a basic certified copy may not meet every overseas authority’s requirements.

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Enhanced solicitor certification

Ginkgo Advisory offers enhanced solicitor certification where reliable evidence supports it.

This route goes beyond a visual copy check.

First, we obtain or review independent academic verification.

Next, our solicitor compares the verification result with the certificate.

The solicitor then reviews the graduate’s identity and any supporting documents.

Finally, the solicitor prepares certification wording that reflects the evidence.

The enhanced process may include:

1. HEDD or university verification;
2. review of the original degree certificate;
3. review of an Imperial transcript or award letter;
4. comparison of the academic details;
5. identity checks;
6. authenticity confirmation; and
7. solicitor certification.

Therefore, the certification rests on a stronger evidence trail.

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Authenticity confirmation

Authenticity confirmation means that reliable independent evidence supports the document.

For example, the evidence may confirm that:

• Imperial holds a matching academic record;
• the graduate received the stated qualification;
• the award date matches;
• the attendance dates match;
• the result matches;
• the historic and current institutions connect correctly; and
• the document shows no unexplained material difference.

However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity when the evidence justifies that conclusion.

If the record remains incomplete, we explain the limitation.

We will not use stronger wording than the available evidence supports.

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Basic certification compared with enhanced certification

A basic certified true copy asks:

Does the copy match the original document shown?

Enhanced certification may also ask:

Does independent academic evidence support the document’s authenticity?

Therefore, enhanced certification can provide stronger assurance.

It may help with:

• medical or professional registration;
• overseas clinical employment;
• academic appointments;
• immigration;
• further postgraduate study;
• research applications;
• government procedures;
• licensing; and
• formal credential screening.

Nevertheless, the receiving authority decides what it will accept.

For that reason, clients should send us its written requirements before we begin.

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Can a National Heart and Lung Institute certificate receive an apostille?

Yes.

The FCDO can legalise a qualification certificate or a suitable certified copy.

For documents that do not already carry an eligible public signature, a UK solicitor or notary may first need to certify them.

Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:

• a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
• a certified transcript;
• a certified Statement of Award;
• a replacement certificate;
• a University of London letter;
• another eligible academic document; or
• an electronically certified PDF.

However, the final authority may require a specific base document.

Therefore, we check whether it needs:

• the original;
• a certified copy;
• a transcript;
• an official university letter;
• verification evidence; or
• a combined bundle.

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What does the FCDO apostille confirm?

The FCDO Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, stamp or seal on the document matches its official records.

If the details match, it attaches an apostille.

Therefore, the apostille does not check Imperial’s student record.

It does not independently prove that the graduate completed the qualification.

Instead, it authenticates the relevant UK public signature or seal.

For a solicitor-certified copy, the FCDO normally authenticates the solicitor’s signature.

As a result, verification and apostille carry out different tasks.

A strong process may follow this order:

HEDD verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage provides a different form of assurance.

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Two-working-day express FCDO apostille

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, the two-working-day period covers the FCDO stage only.

It starts after:

• we receive the correct document;
• we complete any necessary verification;
• our solicitor approves the evidence;
• we prepare the certification; and
• the document meets the FCDO requirements.

Therefore, the express period does not represent the total case time.

It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• Imperial record searches;
• transcript production;
• Statement of Award production;
• replacement-certificate processing;
• University of London document processing;
• solicitor evidence enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

Nevertheless, the express option can shorten the FCDO stage once the document is ready.

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Paper apostille and e-Apostille

The FCDO provides two main apostille formats:

• a paper apostille; and
• an electronic apostille, known as an e-Apostille.

For a paper apostille, the applicant submits a physical document.

For an e-Apostille, the applicant uploads a PDF that a UK solicitor or notary has signed electronically.

However, not every recipient accepts an e-Apostille.

In addition, not every document qualifies for the electronic route.

Therefore, we check whether the receiving authority needs:

• the original certificate;
• a paper certified copy;
• a wet-ink solicitor signature;
• a paper apostille;
• an electronic package; or
• an embassy stamp.

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Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

An apostille may complete the UK process where the destination uses the Hague Apostille Convention.

However, a non-Hague destination may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

GOV.UK describes a common non-Hague process as:

1. legalisation by the UK Legalisation Office;
2. stamping by the destination country’s embassy in London; and
3. approval by the destination country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nevertheless, every embassy sets its own document rules.

For example, an embassy may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification;
• an Imperial Statement of Award;
• an academic transcript;
• a University of London letter;
• a certified translation;
• a passport copy;
• an application form; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, we check the destination rules before our solicitor certifies the document.

This approach reduces the risk of rejection and repeated fees.

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Documents we normally require

To review a National Heart and Lung Institute degree case, we usually request:

• a clear colour scan of the certificate;
• a scan of the reverse side;
• an academic transcript, if available;
• any Imperial or University of London letter;
• the graduate’s passport identification page;
• the full name used during study;
• any former names;
• date of birth;
• course or programme title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• result or classification;
• attendance dates;
• student number, if known;
• evidence of any name change;
• the intended country of use;
• the receiving authority’s name;
• any written document instructions; and
• a signed HEDD consent form.

We may also need to inspect the original certificate.

The exact requirements depend on the awarding body and the final use.

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Our verification and legalisation process

Step 1: Initial document review

First, we review the complete academic document.

We check:

• the awarding body;
• the teaching institution;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the signatures;
• the seals;
• the result; and
• any references to the University of London or Imperial.

This review identifies the correct record holder.

Step 2: Destination review

Next, we examine the receiving authority’s instructions.

We identify whether it needs:

• degree verification;
• solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• an FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• a translation; or
• a full combination.

Step 3: Candidate consent

The graduate then signs the HEDD consent form.

We check the name, signature, date and scope of authority.

Step 4: HEDD verification

After that, we submit the verification enquiry.

We use the historic institution and award details shown on the academic documents.

Where HEDD needs more information, we respond and monitor the request.

Step 5: Supporting-record review

We review any additional official evidence.

This may include:

• an Imperial transcript;
• a Statement of Award;
• a replacement certificate;
• a University of London document; or
• another official academic record.

Step 6: Authenticity review

Our solicitor compares the independent evidence with the certificate.

Any material difference must be explained before certification.

Step 7: Enhanced solicitor certification

Once the evidence matches, our solicitor prepares the appropriate certification.

Where justified, the wording may include authenticity confirmation.

Step 8: FCDO apostille

We then submit the certified document for an apostille.

For urgent cases, the client may select the 2-working-day express option.

Step 9: Embassy legalisation

Where the destination requires embassy or consular legalisation, we manage that stage after the FCDO process.

Step 10: Completion scan and delivery

Finally, we can provide a scan of the completed document.

We then return the original documents through the agreed postal or courier service.

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Why verify the degree before obtaining an apostille?

An apostille does not check the academic record.

Therefore, an apostille alone does not prove that the graduate received the qualification.

HEDD or another official record route fills that gap.

It connects the certificate with the academic information held by Imperial or the correct awarding body.

Enhanced solicitor certification then links the verification result with the document presented.

As a result, the complete process creates a stronger chain:

academic record → historic certificate → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → overseas authority

This approach can prove especially useful for former medical institutions.

The institution may have merged, changed status or moved its records.

Therefore, a clear evidence trail helps the overseas authority understand the document.

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Common National Heart and Lung Institute verification problems

Confusing the former awarding body with the current department

The historic National Heart and Lung Institute awarded qualifications between 1988 and 1995.

Today, NHLI is an Imperial academic department.

Therefore, a current department webpage does not replace formal degree verification.

Entering only Imperial College London on HEDD

Imperial now verifies the award.

However, the certificate may name the National Heart and Lung Institute.

Therefore, the enquiry should preserve the historic awarding information.

Selecting another former Imperial medical school

Imperial verifies several merged institutions.

Nevertheless, each certificate must follow the correct legacy record.

A National Heart and Lung Institute certificate should not be submitted as a St Mary’s or Royal Postgraduate Medical School award.

Ignoring the University of London

Some older qualifications may show the University of London as the awarding body.

Therefore, the University of London may control certain document or replacement routes.

Expecting the apostille to verify the degree

The apostille checks a signature, seal or stamp.

It does not check the graduate’s academic record.

Using only a scan of the certificate

A scan shows the document’s appearance.

However, it does not provide an independent academic check.

Therefore, HEDD or another official record may still be necessary.

Entering an informal course title

Medical and postgraduate programmes can use similar names.

Consequently, the applicant should use the exact title shown on the certificate or transcript.

Failing to explain a name change

The academic record may retain the name used at the time of the award.

Therefore, the graduate may need evidence that links the old name with the current passport.

Expecting an automatic replacement certificate

Imperial only issues replacement certificates in exceptional cases.

In addition, another awarding body may control the replacement route.

Starting the apostille before checking embassy rules

An embassy may require a particular document or certification statement.

Therefore, an early review can prevent rejection and extra costs.

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Why choose Ginkgo Advisory?

Ginkgo Advisory provides a complete solicitor-led service from London.

Our academic document service covers source verification, solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and further embassy legalisation where required.

We can manage:

• initial certificate review;
• awarding-body identification;
• HEDD verification;
• Imperial document checks;
• legacy University of London issues;
• candidate consent;
• solicitor verification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express option;
• embassy legalisation;
• completion scans; and
• tracked international return delivery.

Therefore, clients do not need to coordinate several providers.

Instead, one team manages the process from verification to final delivery.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a National Heart and Lung Institute degree still valid?

Yes.

The National Heart and Lung Institute was a recognised UK degree-awarding body between 1988 and 1995.

Imperial College London now verifies its former awards.

When did the National Heart and Lung Institute merge with Imperial?

It merged with Imperial College London in 1995.

Is the National Heart and Lung Institute still operating?

The historic awarding body no longer operates separately.

However, Imperial continues to use the NHLI name for its current cardiovascular and respiratory medicine department.

Who verifies an old NHLI degree?

Imperial College London verifies it.

Third-party enquirers normally submit the request through HEDD.

Can I verify my own degree through HEDD?

Usually not through the third-party service.

Instead, the graduate authorises an employer, solicitor, screening agency or another organisation.

What can HEDD check?

HEDD can check student status, the award, the grade and attendance dates.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

HEDD currently lists a £14 enquiry fee for the National Heart and Lung Institute.

Do I need to sign a consent form?

Yes.

HEDD requires a consent form signed by the candidate.

Which file formats does HEDD accept?

HEDD accepts consent forms uploaded as PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF files.

Can Imperial provide a transcript?

Imperial provides an alumni transcript request route.

Graduates may need to register for the Alumni Request Form if they no longer have access to their Imperial account.

Can Imperial provide an official award letter?

Yes.

Imperial alumni can request a Statement of Award through its alumni-document service.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Possibly.

Imperial states that it only issues replacement degree certificates in exceptional cases.

The exact route also depends on who issued the original certificate.

What if the University of London issued my certificate?

The University of London may control the transcript or replacement-document route.

It can provide documents such as transcripts, Letters of Certification and replacement certificates for awards that it issued.

Is HEDD verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

HEDD checks the academic record.

Solicitor certification formally certifies a document or copy.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines solicitor review with reliable independent academic evidence.

For example, our solicitor may use HEDD and official Imperial records before preparing the certification.

Does an apostille prove that my degree is genuine?

No.

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

It does not check the academic record.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for submission.

The two-working-day period covers the FCDO stage only.

Can I obtain an e-Apostille?

Possibly.

The document must qualify for the electronic route, and the receiving authority must accept it.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need it for a non-Hague destination.

The exact process depends on the embassy and final receiving authority.

Do I need to send the original certificate?

Possibly.

We can begin with a clear colour scan and then confirm whether our solicitor needs:

• the original;
• an official digital source;
• an Imperial document;
• or another record from the awarding body.

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