New College Durham Degree Verification, Solicitor Certification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides New College Durham degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• direct verification through New College Durham;
• confirmation of the correct awarding body;
• Academic Registry record checks;
• solicitor verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option;
• embassy or consular legalisation; and
• international return delivery.

New College Durham does not currently offer degree verification through HEDD.

Instead, applicants must contact the College or the body that awarded the qualification.

Therefore, the first step is to check the certificate carefully.

Although the student may have studied at New College Durham, another institution may have issued the final award.

Quick answers

Who verifies a New College Durham degree?

New College Durham’s Academic Registry can confirm documents that the College issued. It can also provide information about qualifications studied at the College.

However, another organisation may need to verify the award where the certificate names:

• the Open University;
• Teesside University;
• Leeds Beckett University;
• the University of Sunderland;
• CNAA; or
• another awarding body.

Therefore, the correct verifier depends on the certificate.

Can I verify a New College Durham qualification through HEDD?

No.

The HEDD listing directs applicants to contact the College directly.

Moreover, New College Durham’s current Academic Registry guidance confirms that it handles higher-education certificate and previous-qualification enquiries.

Does New College Durham award its own degrees?

New College Durham holds Foundation Degree Awarding Powers.

The College first gained those powers in 2011. It states that the powers became indefinite in 2023. However, other universities still validate and award some programmes taught at the College.

Can a New College Durham certificate receive an apostille?

Yes.

The FCDO can legalise a qualification certificate after a UK public official, such as a solicitor, certifies it correctly.

Can a solicitor confirm the qualification’s authenticity?

Yes, provided that reliable evidence supports the conclusion.

For example, our solicitor may rely on:

• direct College confirmation;
• a certified document from Academic Registry;
• a transcript;
• a diploma supplement;
• confirmation from the awarding university;
• a CNAA record;
• the original certificate; and
• the graduate’s identification.

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory obtain an apostille?

We offer a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only.

It starts after we complete the required 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 non-Hague destinations, the process may continue through the relevant embassy and the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

---

About New College Durham

New College Durham is a higher and further education college in County Durham.

It operates its University Centre at the Framwellgate Moor Campus.

The College holds Foundation Degree Awarding Powers. Therefore, it can design and award its own approved foundation degrees. It first gained those powers in 2011 and later received indefinite approval.

However, New College Durham also delivers programmes that other universities validate.

As a result, two students may study at the same College but receive certificates from different awarding institutions.

For example, a qualification may come from:

• New College Durham;
• the Open University;
• Teesside University;
• Leeds Beckett University;
• the University of Sunderland;
• CNAA; or
• another professional or vocational awarding organisation.

Therefore, applicants must check the exact wording on the certificate.

---

New College Durham is not Durham University

New College Durham and Durham University are separate institutions.

The shared place name often causes confusion.

A graduate should not select Durham University simply because the certificate refers to study in Durham.

Durham University has its own HEDD record and document service. New College Durham, by contrast, directs past-qualification enquiries to its Academic Registry or the relevant awarding body.

Therefore, applicants should check:

• the institution named at the top of the certificate;
• the formal awarding body;
• the signatures and seals;
• the qualification title; and
• any statement about validation.

Using the wrong institution may delay verification or produce a failed search.

---

Direct verification rather than HEDD

New College Durham does not provide online degree verification through HEDD.

Instead, applicants must contact the College directly.

The older HEDD information lists verification by phone. However, the College’s current website gives a broader route.

Academic Registry now handles:

• higher-education certificate queries;
• previous-qualification enquiries;
• document-validity checks;
• transcripts;
• diploma supplements;
• replacement-document questions; and
• confirmation that a person studied at the College.

Therefore, applicants should follow the current Academic Registry process rather than rely only on the older HEDD contact method.

The main College contact details remain:

New College Durham
Framwellgate Moor Campus
Durham
DH1 5ES
United Kingdom

Telephone: 0191 375 4000
General email: help@newdur.ac.uk

The College publishes its switchboard hours as Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

---

What can New College Durham verify?

Academic Registry states that it can confirm the validity of documents issued by New College Durham.

It can also provide information about qualifications studied at the College.

Depending on the available record, confirmation may cover:

• whether the person studied at the College;
• the programme;
• the qualification;
• the award;
• the grade or classification;
• study dates;
• the award date;
• module information; and
• the awarding body.

However, the College may not hold every part of an older record.

For example, it states that it has limited transcript data for qualifications completed before 2008.

Therefore, historic cases may need another route.

---

The awarding body decides the verification route

The teaching institution and awarding body are not always the same.

New College Durham may have:

• delivered the teaching;
• enrolled the student;
• managed assessments;
• produced the transcript; or
• hosted the course.

However, another institution may have formally awarded the qualification.

The certificate or diploma supplement should identify the awarding body.

This distinction controls:

• who verifies the qualification;
• who issues a replacement certificate;
• who can confirm the award;
• who holds the main degree record; and
• which document the solicitor should certify.

Therefore, Ginkgo Advisory reviews the full document before starting the application.

---

Route 1: New College Durham awards

New College Durham can award its own approved foundation degrees.

The College’s academic regulations state that it maintains the definitive degree register for its awards. It also issues the degree parchment, transcript and diploma supplement.

Therefore, Academic Registry should normally hold the relevant record for a New College Durham-awarded foundation degree.

A College-awarded certificate may show:

• New College Durham as the awarding body;
• the Foundation Degree title;
• the graduate’s name;
• the award date;
• the classification, where applicable;
• authorised signatures; and
• the College seal or design.

In this case, the verification route should normally begin with New College Durham.

---

Route 2: Open University validated awards

New College Durham also offers programmes that the Open University validates.

Under that arrangement:

• New College Durham delivers the programme;
• New College Durham produces the transcript;
• the Open University confers the award; and
• the Open University issues the certificate.

Therefore, the Open University may control:

• award verification;
• replacement certificates;
• official confirmation of the award; and
• certain legalisation documents.

Meanwhile, New College Durham may still provide:

• the transcript;
• the diploma supplement;
• confirmation of study;
• module information; and
• evidence about the programme delivered.

As a result, some cases may require evidence from both organisations.

---

Route 3: Partner-university awards

New College Durham’s current Academic Registry guidance lists several universities under its higher-education replacement-certificate routes.

These include:

• the Open University;
• Teesside University;
• Leeds Beckett University; and
• the University of Sunderland.

Therefore, a graduate must contact the named awarding university where that university issued the degree certificate.

For example, if Teesside University appears as the awarding body, Teesside University may need to provide:

• award verification;
• a replacement certificate;
• an official confirmation letter; or
• another university document.

New College Durham may still hold the local study record.

However, it should not be described as the awarding institution where another university issued the qualification.

---

Route 4: CNAA awards before 1995

New College Durham states that students who studied there before 1995 are likely to hold an award validated by the Council for National Academic Awards, known as CNAA.

The Open University now holds the CNAA records used to authenticate original CNAA award documents.

Therefore, a graduate with a pre-1995 certificate should check whether it names:

• CNAA;
• the Council for National Academic Awards;
• New College Durham as the teaching institution; or
• a predecessor college.

If CNAA issued the award, the verification route should normally follow the current CNAA records service.

New College Durham may still help with local study information.

However, CNAA confirmation may provide the main evidence for the award itself.

---

Route 5: Further education and professional qualifications

Not every qualification studied at New College Durham is a degree.

The College also delivers further education, professional and technical awards.

For example, the awarding body may be:

• Pearson or BTEC;
• City & Guilds;
• CACHE;
• NCFE;
• NOCN;
• One Awards;
• AQA;
• OCR;
• WJEC; or
• another examination board.

In those cases, the relevant awarding organisation may control:

• verification;
• replacement certificates;
• certified statements;
• result confirmation; and
• historic records.

Therefore, the applicant should not request “degree verification” where the document is actually:

• an HNC;
• an HND;
• an Access to HE Diploma;
• a vocational diploma;
• an apprenticeship qualification;
• a professional certificate;
• an A Level; or
• a GCSE.

The correct terminology improves the chance of a successful search.

---

Candidate consent

The College requires candidate consent before releasing personal academic information to a third party.

The exact form may depend on the request.

Therefore, applicants should contact Academic Registry for its latest requirements.

A suitable consent form should normally include:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course title;
• study dates;
• the authorised third party;
• the information that may be released;
• the purpose of the request;
• the candidate’s signature; and
• the date.

The wording should clearly allow the College or awarding body to release educational information.

A broad identity-check consent may not provide enough authority.

Therefore, Ginkgo Advisory can prepare a case-specific consent form before submission.

---

Information normally required for verification

We usually request:

• the graduate’s full name during study;
• any later name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• classification or grade;
• start and end dates;
• the campus or study location;
• the awarding body;
• a clear colour scan of the certificate;
• a scan of the reverse side;
• a transcript, if available;
• a diploma supplement, if available;
• the graduate’s passport;
• evidence of any name change; and
• signed consent.

Older cases may require additional information.

For example, Academic Registry may ask for:

• the department;
• a former address;
• an old student card;
• a candidate number;
• the validating university;
• module details; or
• copies of correspondence from the College.

Therefore, graduates should provide every academic record they still hold.

---

Confirmation of student status

New College Durham can provide a letter confirming that a person studied at the College.

The College directs these requests to Academic Registry.

A confirmation letter may help where:

• the overseas authority does not recognise the College;
• another university issued the certificate;
• the graduate needs study dates;
• the certificate provides limited information;
• the qualification title has changed; or
• the solicitor needs supporting evidence.

However, a study-status letter may not prove the final award.

Therefore, it should not replace award verification where the receiving authority needs confirmation of the qualification.

---

Replacement transcripts and diploma supplements

Academic Registry provides replacement transcripts and diploma supplements for recent higher-education qualifications.

The College currently charges £12 per document.

It can provide the document as:

• a PDF; or
• a paper copy.

The College states that processing may take up to one week.

A transcript may show:

• modules;
• grades or marks;
• credits;
• academic years;
• the award;
• the classification; and
• the programme title.

A diploma supplement may also explain:

• the qualification level;
• the awarding institution;
• the teaching institution;
• the mode of study;
• the language of instruction;
• the programme structure; and
• access to further study.

Therefore, these documents can provide valuable evidence for overseas applications.

---

Limited records before 2008

New College Durham states that it holds limited transcript data for qualifications completed before 2008.

As a result, Academic Registry may not be able to issue a complete transcript or diploma supplement.

However, the College may provide a summary of the module information that remains available.

It currently states that it does not charge for this alternative summary.

Therefore, an older graduate may receive:

• a full transcript;
• a partial transcript;
• a module summary;
• basic confirmation of study; or
• no detailed module record.

The overseas authority must decide whether it accepts the available document.

---

College certification of an existing copy

New College Durham can certify a copy of an academic document.

The College currently charges £5 for this service and states that processing may take up to one week.

This route may provide useful evidence because Academic Registry checks or certifies a document connected with the College record.

However, College certification differs from solicitor certification.

The College confirms the document within its academic role.

Meanwhile, a solicitor prepares the document for a legal or apostille process.

In some cases, both stages may strengthen the application.

---

Replacement New College Durham foundation degree certificate

New College Durham can issue a replacement certificate for one of its own Foundation Degree awards.

The College currently charges £40.

It states that production takes around four to six weeks.

Moreover, it only issues a replacement where the original has been lost or destroyed.

Therefore, a graduate should not request a replacement merely to obtain a spare original.

The applicant may need to provide:

• an explanation of the loss;
• identification;
• award details;
• an old copy, if available;
• a student number; and
• payment.

---

Replacements for partner-university awards

New College Durham cannot replace a certificate that another university issued.

Instead, the graduate must apply to the awarding body.

The College’s guidance directs graduates to the relevant replacement service for awards issued by:

• the Open University;
• Teesside University;
• Leeds Beckett University; and
• the University of Sunderland.

Therefore, the certificate’s logo and award wording matter.

A replacement from the wrong institution will not solve the problem.

---

What if the original certificate has been lost?

First, identify the awarding body.

Next, check whether that organisation offers a replacement certificate.

Where New College Durham awarded the Foundation Degree, the College may issue a replacement.

However, where another university conferred the award, that university controls the replacement process.

If CNAA issued the award, the graduate should follow the CNAA record route.

Meanwhile, for further education qualifications, the relevant examination board may issue a replacement certificate or certified statement.

Therefore, the lost-document route may differ from the verification route.

---

New College Durham does not provide apostilles

New College Durham states that it does not offer an apostille service.

Instead, it directs students with apostille questions to the UK Legalisation Office.

However, the College’s lack of an apostille service does not mean that the qualification cannot receive one.

It simply means that the graduate must use a separate solicitor and FCDO process.

Ginkgo Advisory can manage:

1. verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO apostille;
4. embassy legalisation, where required; and
5. return delivery.

---

Degree verification and solicitor certification are different

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

However, they cover different stages.

Degree or qualification verification

Verification checks the academic record.

For a New College Durham case, this may involve:

• Academic Registry;
• the Open University;
• a partner university;
• CNAA;
• a professional body; or
• another awarding organisation.

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, each stage serves a separate purpose.

---

What does solicitor verification involve?

Our solicitor may review:

• the original certificate;
• a clear colour copy;
• direct confirmation from Academic Registry;
• a College-certified copy;
• a transcript;
• a diploma supplement;
• a status letter;
• an Open University record;
• a partner-university record;
• CNAA confirmation;
• the graduate’s passport;
• evidence of a name change; and
• the overseas authority’s requirements.

Next, the solicitor compares the important details.

These may include:

• the graduate’s name;
• the teaching institution;
• the awarding body;
• the course;
• the qualification;
• the classification;
• the study dates;
• the award date;
• the student number; and
• the validation arrangement.

If the evidence matches, the solicitor can prepare the correct certification.

---

What is basic solicitor certification?

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

GOV.UK explains that a solicitor may certify a true copy by signing and dating the copy and adding the required professional details.

Basic certification answers:

Does this copy match the original document presented?

However, it does not automatically answer:

Does the College or awarding university confirm the qualification?

Therefore, a basic certified copy may not satisfy every overseas authority.

---

Enhanced solicitor certification

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

This service goes beyond a visual comparison with the original.

First, we identify the correct record holder.

Next, we obtain or review independent academic evidence.

Our solicitor then compares the evidence with the qualification document.

Finally, the solicitor prepares wording that reflects the checks completed.

The enhanced process may include:

1. direct College or awarding-body verification;
2. review of the original certificate;
3. review of a transcript or diploma supplement;
4. comparison of the award details;
5. identity and name checks;
6. authenticity confirmation; and
7. solicitor certification.

Therefore, enhanced certification creates a stronger evidence trail.

---

Authenticity confirmation

Authenticity confirmation means that reliable independent evidence supports the document.

For example, the evidence may confirm that:

• the College holds a matching record;
• the awarding body confirms the award;
• the qualification title matches;
• the award date matches;
• the grade or classification matches;
• the study dates match;
• the certificate details remain consistent; and
• no unexplained material difference appears.

However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity where the evidence justifies that wording.

If the record remains incomplete, we will explain the limitation.

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

---

Basic certification compared with enhanced certification

A basic certified true copy answers:

Does the copy match the document shown?

Enhanced certification may also address:

Does independent academic evidence support the document’s authenticity?

Therefore, enhanced certification can provide stronger assurance.

It may help with:

• overseas employment;
• immigration;
• professional registration;
• further study;
• teaching applications;
• social work registration;
• healthcare registration;
• licensing;
• government procedures; and
• credential evaluation.

Nevertheless, the receiving authority decides what it will accept.

For that reason, clients should provide its written instructions before we begin.

---

Can a New College Durham certificate receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes.

The FCDO can legalise a UK qualification certificate after a UK public official certifies it correctly.

Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:

• a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
• a certified Foundation Degree certificate;
• a certified transcript;
• a certified diploma supplement;
• a certified Academic Registry letter;
• a replacement certificate;
• a CNAA document;
• a partner-university document; or
• another eligible academic record.

However, the receiving authority may require a particular document.

Therefore, we check whether it needs:

• the original certificate;
• a certified copy;
• an official transcript;
• a College letter;
• direct university verification; or
• a complete document pack.

---

What does the FCDO apostille confirm?

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

If the details match, it attaches an apostille.

Therefore, the apostille does not check the academic record.

It does not prove by itself that the graduate earned 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 perform different tasks.

A strong route may follow this order:

academic verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage adds a different type of assurance.

---

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 begins after:

• we identify the correct awarding body;
• the College or university completes the required 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:

• Academic Registry processing;
• partner-university verification;
• CNAA verification;
• transcript production;
• diploma-supplement production;
• replacement-certificate production;
• solicitor evidence enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

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

---

Paper apostille and e-Apostille

The FCDO offers:

• 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 document qualifies for an e-Apostille.

Moreover, not every receiving authority accepts the electronic format.

For example, the authority may require:

• the original paper certificate;
• a wet-ink solicitor signature;
• a physical apostille;
• a sealed university envelope;
• an embassy stamp; or
• paper supporting evidence.

Therefore, we confirm the requirements before choosing the format.

---

Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

An apostille may complete the UK stage where the destination follows the Hague Apostille Convention.

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

A common process may involve:

1. academic verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO apostille or authentication;
4. embassy or consular legalisation; and
5. local approval after arrival.

GOV.UK explains that non-Hague cases may require an embassy stamp in London and later approval by the destination’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, every embassy sets its own rules.

For example, an embassy may ask for:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• direct College verification;
• an awarding-university letter;
• a transcript;
• a diploma supplement;
• a sealed envelope;
• 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.

---

Documents we normally require

To review a New College Durham case, we normally request:

• a clear colour scan of the certificate;
• a scan of the reverse side;
• an academic transcript, if available;
• a diploma supplement, if available;
• any study or award letter;
• the graduate’s passport identification page;
• the full name used during study;
• any later name;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• award year;
• classification or grade;
• start and end dates;
• student number, if known;
• the awarding body;
• evidence of any name change;
• the intended country of use;
• the receiving authority’s name;
• written document requirements; and
• signed candidate consent.

We may also need to inspect the original certificate.

The exact requirement depends on the awarding body and final use.

---

Our verification and legalisation process

Step 1: Initial document review

First, we review the front and back of the certificate.

We check:

• the teaching institution;
• the awarding body;
• the qualification;
• the award date;
• the classification;
• the signatures;
• the seals;
• any university logo; and
• any validation wording.

Step 2: Verification-route selection

Next, we decide whether the case should go to:

• New College Durham;
• the Open University;
• a partner university;
• CNAA;
• a professional body; or
• another awarding organisation.

Step 3: Destination review

We then check what the receiving authority needs.

This may include:

• verification only;
• solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• an apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• a translation; or
• the full process.

Step 4: Candidate consent

The graduate signs the required consent form.

We check the personal details, signature, date and scope of authority.

Step 5: Independent verification

We submit the enquiry to the correct record holder.

Where helpful, we also obtain or review:

• a transcript;
• a diploma supplement;
• a certified College copy;
• a study-status letter;
• an awarding-university record; or
• CNAA confirmation.

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 document to the FCDO.

For urgent cases, the client may choose 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 originals through the agreed postal or courier service.

---

Why verify the qualification before obtaining an apostille?

An apostille does not check the student record.

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

Academic verification fills that gap.

It links the certificate with the record held by New College Durham or the correct awarding institution.

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

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

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

This approach proves especially useful where the teaching institution and awarding body differ.

---

Common New College Durham verification problems

Confusing New College Durham with Durham University

They are separate institutions.

Therefore, applicants must select the body shown on the certificate.

Trying to use HEDD

New College Durham does not offer degree verification through HEDD.

Applicants must use the College or the correct awarding body.

Assuming New College Durham awarded every degree

The College teaches programmes that other universities validate.

Therefore, the awarding body may be the Open University or another partner.

Ignoring CNAA on an older certificate

A pre-1995 qualification may be a CNAA award.

Consequently, the Open University’s CNAA record service may hold the main verification evidence.

Treating a vocational qualification as a degree

BTEC, City & Guilds, NCFE and similar awards follow their own verification routes.

Therefore, the applicant should identify the qualification type accurately.

Contacting only the teaching department

Academic Registry handles qualification and certificate queries.

A course tutor may not have authority to issue formal verification.

Expecting a complete pre-2008 transcript

The College has limited data for older records.

Therefore, it may provide only a module summary or partial information.

Expecting New College Durham to replace another university’s certificate

The awarding university controls its own replacement certificates.

Therefore, New College Durham cannot issue a replacement for every course taught there.

Ordering a replacement without losing the original

The College only replaces its own Foundation Degree certificate where the original has been lost or destroyed.

Confusing College certification with solicitor certification

Academic Registry can certify a College document.

However, a solicitor performs a separate legal certification for the apostille route.

Expecting the apostille to verify the qualification

The apostille checks a public signature, stamp or seal.

It does not check the academic record.

Starting the apostille before checking embassy rules

An embassy may require a particular base document or certification statement.

Therefore, early review can prevent rejection and extra costs.

---

Why choose Ginkgo Advisory?

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

We can manage:

• initial document review;
• awarding-body identification;
• direct College verification;
• Open University and partner-university checks;
• CNAA verification routes;
• candidate consent;
• transcript and diploma-supplement review;
• solicitor verification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option;
• embassy legalisation;
• completion scans; and
• tracked international return delivery.

Therefore, clients do not need to coordinate several providers.

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

---

Frequently asked questions

Is New College Durham a recognised degree-awarding body?

New College Durham holds Foundation Degree Awarding Powers.

It first gained those powers in 2011 and later received indefinite approval.

Does New College Durham award every degree taught there?

No.

New College Durham awards its own approved Foundation Degrees.

However, other universities validate and award some programmes.

Who verifies a New College Durham degree?

The correct verifier depends on the awarding body.

Academic Registry verifies documents issued by New College Durham and provides information about qualifications studied there. Another university may need to verify a partner award.

Can I use HEDD?

No.

New College Durham does not provide degree verification through HEDD.

How should I contact the College?

Use the College’s Academic Registry route or call the main switchboard on 0191 375 4000.

The general College email is help@newdur.ac.uk.

What can Academic Registry confirm?

It can confirm the validity of documents issued by New College Durham and provide information about previous qualifications studied at the College.

Do I need candidate consent?

Yes, where a third party requests personal academic information.

The College may specify the exact wording or form.

Can I request a letter confirming that I studied there?

Yes.

Academic Registry handles confirmation-of-student-status requests.

Can I obtain a transcript?

Yes, for eligible records.

Academic Registry currently charges £12 for a replacement transcript or diploma supplement.

How long does a transcript take?

The College states that processing may take up to one week.

Can I receive the transcript as a PDF?

Yes.

The College offers PDF and paper formats.

What if I completed the course before 2008?

The College has limited data for older records.

It may provide a summary of the available module information instead of a full transcript.

Can the College certify a copy of my document?

Yes.

It currently charges £5 and states that processing may take up to one week.

Can I obtain a replacement New College Durham Foundation Degree certificate?

Yes, if the original has been lost or destroyed.

The current fee is £40, and the College states that processing takes four to six weeks.

What if another university awarded my degree?

You must normally approach that university for the replacement certificate or formal award confirmation.

What if I studied before 1995?

The qualification may have been validated by CNAA.

The Open University now handles confirmation of CNAA awards.

Is New College Durham the same as Durham University?

No.

They are separate institutions with different academic records and verification routes.

Is degree verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

Degree verification checks the academic record.

Solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines solicitor review with independent academic evidence.

For example, our solicitor may rely on Academic Registry confirmation, a transcript and the original certificate.

Does an apostille prove that the degree is genuine?

No.

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

It does not check the student record.

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

Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for FCDO 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 receiving authority.

Do I need to send the original certificate?

Possibly.

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

• the original;
• a College-certified copy;
• a transcript;
• a university verification result; or
• another document from the awarding body.