Royal Academy of Music Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Royal Academy of Music degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their qualifications overseas.

Our service can include:

• direct academic verification;
• University of London award checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

The Royal Academy of Music is a member institution of the University of London. Students completing its BMus, PGCert, MA, MMus, MPhil and PhD programmes currently receive awards from the University of London.

Who verifies the qualification?

Royal Academy of Music qualifications cannot currently be verified online through HEDD.

The current RAM-specific HEDD entry directs third-party enquirers to contact the Academy’s Registry by email. Verification may confirm:

• whether the candidate was a student;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

Verification contact: registry@ram.ac.uk

The candidate must provide written, signed consent. The current verification fee is not published on HEDD.

For central University of London award queries, the University also provides guidance through its verification and transcript teams.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available academic transcript;
• the graduate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• any previous name;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• signed candidate consent; and
• the intended country of use.

The certificate is important because it identifies whether the document is a University of London degree, an Academy diploma or another professional award.

Degree or Academy diploma?

Not every Royal Academy of Music qualification is a University of London degree.

Current University of London awards include:

• BMus;
• PGCert;
• MA;
• MMus;
• MPhil; and
• PhD.

However, the Academy also offers professional diplomas, advanced diplomas and the LRAM teaching qualification. These documents may require direct Academy verification rather than central University of London verification.

Therefore, we check the exact title and awarding body before starting the process.

Transcripts and replacement certificates

The Royal Academy of Music assists alumni with:

• academic transcripts;
• letters of certification;
• replacement documents; and
• other official alumni records.

However, replacement degree certificates for BMus, PGDip, PGCert, MA and MMus awards must be requested directly from the University of London Diploma Production Office.

This distinction matters because:

• RAM normally holds the teaching and detailed academic record;
• the University of London issued the degree award; and
• either organisation may need to provide part of the evidence.

Enhanced solicitor certification

A standard certified true copy 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 verification from RAM or the University of London;
2. review the original certificate;
3. compare an academic transcript or certification letter;
4. confirm the awarding institution;
5. check the graduate’s identity; 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 usual route is:

academic verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The FCDO checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its official records. It does not independently verify the academic record. Qualification certificates and certified copies may be legalised after suitable certification by a UK solicitor or notary.

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:

• RAM or University of London verification;
• transcript or certificate production;
• solicitor verification enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Both paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available, subject to document eligibility and acceptance by the receiving authority.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the UK authentication stage.

The overseas authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• academic verification;
• an official transcript;
• a certification letter;
• a certified translation; or
• specific certification wording.

For a non-Hague destination, further embassy and destination-country processing may be required.

Therefore, we check the receiving authority’s requirements before preparing the documents.

Our process

1. Review the certificate and identify the awarding body.
2. Obtain the graduate’s signed consent.
3. Request verification from RAM or the University of London.
4. Review any transcript or certification letter.
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

Who awards Royal Academy of Music degrees?

Current BMus, PGCert, MA, MMus, MPhil and PhD students receive University of London awards.

Can I verify the degree through HEDD?

No. The current RAM HEDD entry directs applicants to contact the Academy directly.

Who should receive the verification request?

The practical starting point is the Royal Academy of Music Registry at registry@ram.ac.uk.

Do I need candidate consent?

Yes. A third-party request requires written consent carrying the candidate’s signature.

Can I obtain a replacement degree certificate?

Yes. Replacement BMus, PGDip, PGCert, MA and MMus certificates must be requested from the University of London Diploma Production Office.

Can RAM provide a transcript?

Yes. The Academy assists alumni with academic transcripts and letters of certification.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal rather than the underlying academic record.

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

Yes, once verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.

Contact Ginkgo Advisory

To request a quote, please send:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the intended country of use; and
• the receiving authority’s instructions.