University College of Osteopathy Degree Verification and Apostille

University College of Osteopathy, commonly known as UCO, joined Health Sciences University on 1 August 2024. It now operates as the UCO School of Osteopathy within Health Sciences University.

Ginkgo Advisory can assist with direct qualification verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available after verification and certification are complete.

Quick answer

University College of Osteopathy qualifications cannot currently be verified through HEDD.

Verification must be requested directly from the institution. Following the 2024 merger, former UCO records are handled within Health Sciences University.

The usual route is:

direct university verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

Candidate consent is required before academic information can be released to a third party.

Direct degree verification

A verification request should normally include:

• the candidate’s full name during study;
• any previous name;
• date of birth;
• programme and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• grade or classification;
• student number, if known;
• a clear certificate copy; and
• written candidate consent.

Requests can be directed to the Registry team at Health Sciences University. The current institution continues to support former University College of Osteopathy students and alumni.

Depending on the records available, the university may confirm:

• former student status;
• qualification obtained;
• classification;
• award date; and
• attendance dates.

UCO and Health Sciences University

The institution began as the British School of Osteopathy in 1917. It became the University College of Osteopathy in 2017.

UCO then merged into Health Sciences University in August 2024. Osteopathy courses continue in London under the UCO School of Osteopathy name.

Academic documents may therefore display:

• British School of Osteopathy;
• University College of Osteopathy;
• UCO;
• Health Sciences University; or
• another validating university.

The wording on the certificate determines the correct verification and replacement-document route.

Transcripts and replacement documents

Health Sciences University supports alumni of UCO and its other predecessor institutions.

Former students may request documents such as:

• academic transcripts;
• student confirmation letters;
• replacement degree certificates;
• diploma supplements; and
• other available academic records.

Requests should be made through the Registry team. Availability depends on the award date, qualification and awarding institution.

Where another university validated or awarded an older qualification, that university may need to provide the replacement certificate.

Academic qualification and osteopath registration

Degree verification is different from checking whether someone is currently registered to practise as an osteopath.

UK osteopaths must hold a recognised qualification and register with the General Osteopathic Council. Current professional registration can be checked through the GOsC Register.

Therefore:

• university verification confirms the academic award;
• solicitor certification prepares the document for formal use;
• an apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature; and
• the GOsC Register confirms current professional registration.

An apostilled degree certificate does not prove that the holder is presently registered or permitted to practise.

Solicitor verification and certification

A basic solicitor-certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document presented to the solicitor.

It does not independently confirm that UCO awarded the qualification.

Our enhanced service reviews the academic document against reliable evidence, such as:

• direct university verification;
• an official transcript;
• a student confirmation letter;
• a replacement certificate;
• confirmation from an earlier validating university; or
• another secure academic record.

Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor can provide certification with authenticity confirmation.

This provides a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can proceed to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

An apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the osteopathy qualification or professional status.

The recommended process is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option covers the apostille stage only.

It excludes:

• university verification;
• archive searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• courier delivery; and
• embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical process is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The overseas authority may also require:

• an official transcript;
• a university verification letter;
• a certified translation;
• proof of GOsC registration;
• professional good-standing evidence; or
• supporting identity documents.

Academic verification and professional registration evidence should be prepared separately where both are required.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of the certificate;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s name during study;
• programme and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• grade or classification;
• student number, if known;
• destination country; and
• receiving authority’s requirements.

We will identify whether verification should come from Health Sciences University, the former UCO records team or another validating university.

Frequently asked questions

Can HEDD verify a University College of Osteopathy qualification?

No. HEDD directs enquirers to contact the institution directly.

Is University College of Osteopathy still operating?

UCO joined Health Sciences University in August 2024. It continues as the UCO School of Osteopathy within the university.

Are old UCO qualifications still valid?

Yes. The merger does not invalidate qualifications previously awarded by University College of Osteopathy or an earlier validating university.

Is candidate consent required?

Yes. A third party should obtain the candidate’s written permission before requesting academic information.

Can former students obtain transcripts or replacement certificates?

Potentially. Health Sciences University supports former UCO students, but availability depends on the award date and awarding body.

Does degree verification confirm current GOsC registration?

No. Current professional registration must be checked separately through the General Osteopathic Council Register.

Does an apostille verify the qualification?

No. The university verifies the academic record. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?

Yes. We can coordinate direct verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.

Start your UCO qualification verification

Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:

Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283