Plymouth Polytechnic Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Plymouth Polytechnic degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• University of Plymouth record checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

Plymouth Polytechnic issued recognised qualifications between 1965 and 1989. Its records are now handled by the University of Plymouth.

Who verifies a Plymouth Polytechnic degree?

Third-party enquirers can verify Plymouth Polytechnic qualifications through HEDD.

The verification may confirm:

• whether the candidate studied at the institution;
• the award obtained;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

HEDD currently lists a £32 verification fee. It also warns that the University’s verification department is relocating and may temporarily need an additional two to three weeks to access pre-1993 records.

The current contact is:

Exams and Awards Office
Email: examsandawards@plymouth.ac.uk

Strict consent requirements

The candidate must use the official HEDD consent form.

The form must:

• name the University of Plymouth;
• carry a handwritten signature;
• be dated within the previous three months; and
• be uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

Digital signatures are not accepted under the current HEDD requirements.

Therefore, we check the consent form before submitting the verification request.

Information required

We normally request:

• a clear scan of the certificate;
• the reverse side of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the graduate’s passport;
• the full name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• the signed HEDD consent form; and
• the intended country of use.

Historic searches may take longer where names, dates or course titles do not match the archived record exactly.

Verification letters and historic documents

The University of Plymouth offers an award verification letter for graduates who studied at Plymouth Polytechnic or Polytechnic South West before 1993.

The letter confirms:

• the course studied;
• the award obtained;
• the date of the award; and
• attendance dates.

The University currently charges £25 for a pre-1993 Award Verification Letter. It usually processes the request within seven working days, although busy periods may extend this to ten working days. The graduate must place the order personally.

Transcripts and alumni certificates

The University can produce transcripts for pre-1993 study where sufficient information remains in its paper archives.

However, some historic transcripts may not be available or may contain limited information. In that situation, the University will discuss an alternative document.

Graduates may also order a University of Plymouth alumni certificate for eligible Plymouth Polytechnic and Polytechnic South West degrees.

The current alumni-certificate charge is £55. The certificate uses the University’s current parchment rather than reproducing the exact historic design.

The current University store prices are more recent than the £50 certificate charge shown in the HEDD notice. Therefore, applicants should check the University store before ordering.

Enhanced solicitor certification

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

Enhanced solicitor certification can also incorporate independent academic evidence.

Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain HEDD or University verification;
2. review the original certificate;
3. compare a transcript or verification letter;
4. check the graduate’s identity;
5. confirm the award details; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The Legalisation Office checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its official records. An apostille does not independently verify the academic qualification.

The usual route is:

HEDD or University verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

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

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• searches of paper archives;
• transcript or certificate production;
• solicitor enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available, subject to document eligibility and acceptance by the overseas authority.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

For a non-Hague destination, the process may involve:

1. UK verification and solicitor certification;
2. FCDO legalisation;
3. legalisation by the destination country’s embassy; and
4. final approval in the destination country.

Requirements vary. Therefore, we check the receiving authority’s instructions before preparing the document.

Our process

1. Review the certificate and identify the awarding body.
2. Check and obtain the candidate’s consent.
3. Submit the HEDD or University verification request.
4. Compare the result with the certificate and identification.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Plymouth Polytechnic qualification still valid?

Yes. The later institutional changes do not invalidate qualifications issued under the Plymouth Polytechnic name.

Who verifies the qualification?

The University of Plymouth verifies it through HEDD or its Exams and Awards Office.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

HEDD currently lists a £32 enquiry fee.

Can I use a digital signature?

No. The consent must be hand-signed and dated within the previous three months.

Are pre-1993 records available?

Yes, although the University may need to search paper archives. HEDD currently warns of a temporary delay while the verification department relocates.

Can I obtain a verification letter?

Yes. A pre-1993 Award Verification Letter currently costs £25.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Eligible graduates can order an alumni certificate on current University of Plymouth parchment. The current charge is £55.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

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

Yes, once the document has completed verification and solicitor certification and is ready for FCDO submission.