South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education Degree Verification, Solicitor Certification and Apostille

South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education qualifications may need formal verification before they can be used overseas.

The process often involves several separate stages. These may include HEDD degree verification, enhanced solicitor certification, an FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation.

Ginkgo Advisory can coordinate the full document route. For suitable documents, we also provide a 2 working day express FCDO apostille option after verification and solicitor certification are complete.

Quick answer

Cardiff Metropolitan University verifies South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education qualifications through HEDD.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exclusive HEDD partner. Therefore, employers, screening agencies, professional bodies and other third parties must submit routine degree verification requests through the HEDD website.

The candidate must provide a hand-signed consent form. Cardiff Metropolitan University does not accept typed or electronic signatures for HEDD verification.

After HEDD confirms the academic record, our solicitor can prepare enhanced certification with authenticity confirmation. We can then arrange the FCDO apostille and any further embassy legalisation required for overseas use.

South Glamorgan Institute verification and legalisation route

A typical process follows this sequence:

HEDD degree verification through Cardiff Metropolitan University → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required → overseas use

The exact route depends on:

• the institution name printed on the document;
• the date of study;
• the award date;
• the awarding body;
• the type of academic document;
• the available historical records; and
• the receiving authority’s written requirements.

Older qualifications require particular care. The institution that taught the course may not have been the legal awarding body shown on the certificate.

Who verifies South Glamorgan Institute qualifications?

HEDD identifies South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education as a former UK government-recognised body.

Its HEDD profile states that the institution gave awards between 1976 and 1990. Cardiff Metropolitan University now verifies those qualifications.

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s own history records the following institutional names:

• South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education from 1976 to 1988;
• Cardiff Institute of Higher Education from 1988 to 1996;
• University of Wales Institute, Cardiff from 1996 to 2011; and
• Cardiff Metropolitan University from 2011 onwards.

The dates serve different purposes. HEDD describes the historic award records covered by its verification profile, while Cardiff Metropolitan University records the dates during which the institution used each name.

A certificate issued around the transition period may therefore show:

• South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education;
• Cardiff Institute of Higher Education;
• the University of Wales;
• BTEC;
• City & Guilds; or
• another validating or awarding body.

We review the exact wording on the certificate before selecting the verification and replacement-document route.

HEDD is the exclusive third-party verification route

Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exclusive HEDD partner.

Third-party enquirers must register with HEDD and submit the degree verification request through the platform. Cardiff Metropolitan University does not offer a parallel routine verification service for employers or screening agencies.

HEDD can check:

• whether the candidate was a past student;
• the qualification or award obtained;
• the grade or classification;
• the year of graduation; and
• the dates of attendance.

HEDD currently lists a £14 degree enquiry fee. The fee may change, so applicants should confirm the amount before submission.

HEDD verification is for third-party enquirers

The HEDD verification service is designed for third-party enquiries.

Common users include:

• employers;
• background-screening agencies;
• professional regulators;
• educational institutions;
• immigration advisers;
• legal representatives; and
• document verification providers.

A graduate seeking formal self-verification should contact HEDD or Cardiff Metropolitan University about the correct applicant route.

Ginkgo Advisory can act as the third-party enquirer where the verification forms part of our solicitor certification and legalisation service.

A hand-signed consent form is mandatory

Cardiff Metropolitan University applies a strict consent rule.

The candidate must sign the HEDD consent form by hand. A typed name, inserted signature image or electronic signature will not meet the university’s stated requirement.

Using an electronic signature can delay the request. HEDD accepts the completed consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

The consent form should clearly identify:

• the candidate’s full name;
• any previous name used during study;
• the institution;
• the course or qualification;
• the third-party enquirer;
• the information that may be released;
• the candidate’s handwritten signature; and
• the date of signing.

A clear scan or photograph normally works, provided the complete form remains visible and legible.

Information required for HEDD verification

Accurate information reduces the risk of a mismatch.

A third-party HEDD enquiry should normally include:

• the candidate’s name during study;
• the candidate’s current name;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification;
• year of graduation;
• degree result or classification;
• attendance dates, where known;
• student number, where available; and
• a hand-signed consent form.

Cardiff Metropolitan University advises third-party enquirers to provide the person’s name, date of birth, course and qualification. Graduate enquiries should also include the graduation year and degree result. Attendance dates must be requested when the enquiry is submitted.

Which institution name should appear in the HEDD request?

Use the institution name printed on the academic document.

A certificate bearing the name South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education should normally follow the South Glamorgan Institute HEDD profile.

Do not automatically replace the historical name with Cardiff Metropolitan University. The verification result can explain that Cardiff Metropolitan University now maintains or verifies the relevant record.

This approach creates a clear connection between:

• the historical institution shown on the certificate;
• the present verifying university;
• the candidate’s academic record; and
• the solicitor’s certification statement.

What can HEDD verification confirm?

HEDD can provide independent confirmation of the core academic record.

Depending on the information held, the result may confirm:

• former student status;
• the course studied;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification;
• the award year; and
• the attendance period.

This evidence supports enhanced solicitor certification.

A HEDD result does not replace the original degree certificate. It also does not act as an apostille. Each document performs a different function.

Former students seeking official documents

Former students can order certain academic documents through the Cardiff Metropolitan University e-store.

Available services include:

• replacement certificates;
• academic transcripts;
• verification of award letters;
• official academic letters; and
• programme content documents or course information.

Cardiff Metropolitan University asks applicants to allow at least 7 to 10 days for e-store orders. Processing may take longer during busy periods.

An official university letter may help when:

• the overseas authority asks for an institution-issued document;
• the original certificate has been lost;
• the applicant needs confirmation of attendance;
• a transcript is unavailable;
• the course title requires clarification; or
• the historic institution name causes confusion.

Are old transcripts still available?

Transcript availability depends on the age and type of record.

Cardiff Metropolitan University states that it does not guarantee that it holds transcripts or course information from before 1 November 2011. However, the university retains some older records and will review the available information after an applicant places an order.

South Glamorgan Institute qualifications date from the 1970s and 1980s. As a result, a complete module-by-module transcript may not always exist.

Where a transcript is unavailable, alternative evidence may include:

• HEDD verification;
• a verification of award letter;
• a confirmation of study letter;
• confirmation of attendance;
• confirmation of the award;
• archived course information; or
• a statement explaining the limits of the historical record.

The receiving authority should confirm whether it will accept one of these alternatives.

Replacement certificates and the awarding body

A former student should not assume that Cardiff Metropolitan University can issue every replacement certificate.

Cardiff Metropolitan University explains that degrees issued before 1 November 2011 were generally University of Wales awards. In those cases, the University of Wales handles replacement certificates.

However, the precise route depends on the certificate.

University of Wales awards

Many historic qualifications taught by South Glamorgan Institute may show the University of Wales as the awarding body.

The University of Wales normally handles replacement certificates for its awards.

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificates and diplomas may require a replacement through Pearson or its predecessor awarding organisation.

Cardiff Metropolitan University specifically directs certain historic BTEC replacement requests to Edexcel.

City & Guilds qualifications

A City & Guilds certificate usually follows the City & Guilds replacement-document route.

Cardiff Metropolitan University does not issue a replacement merely because the student attended one of its predecessor institutions.

Other historic awarding bodies

Some courses may have involved another professional, technical or validating body.

The award wording printed on the certificate determines which organisation may issue a replacement. We therefore review the document before advising on the next step.

Verification and replacement are separate processes

HEDD verification and certificate replacement serve different purposes.

HEDD checks the academic record for a third-party enquirer.

A replacement certificate recreates an official award document after the original has been lost, destroyed or damaged.

An applicant may therefore obtain a successful HEDD verification even where Cardiff Metropolitan University cannot issue the replacement certificate itself.

Likewise, a replacement certificate does not remove the need for HEDD verification when an overseas authority asks for independent confirmation of the qualification.

Documents Ginkgo Advisory can review

We can assess a range of South Glamorgan Institute and related academic documents, including:

• degree certificates;
• diplomas;
• professional qualifications;
• academic transcripts;
• statements of results;
• verification of award letters;
• confirmation of study letters;
• confirmation of attendance;
• replacement certificates;
• University of Wales documents;
• BTEC certificates and diplomas;
• City & Guilds documents;
• HEDD verification results;
• archived course information; and
• solicitor-certified copies.

The receiving authority may ask for one document or a complete academic document pack.

We review the written requirements before certification begins.

Solicitor verification and solicitor certification

The terms solicitor verification and solicitor certification are often used as though they mean the same thing.

They describe different parts of the process.

Solicitor verification

Solicitor verification checks the academic document against reliable external evidence.

For a South Glamorgan Institute qualification, that evidence may include:

• HEDD verification;
• Cardiff Metropolitan University records;
• an official award letter;
• a University of Wales replacement document;
• confirmation from Pearson;
• confirmation from City & Guilds; or
• another identified awarding body.

The verification stage addresses the authenticity of the academic record.

Solicitor certification

Solicitor certification prepares the relevant document for formal use.

The solicitor may certify a copy, sign an appropriate statement and confirm the basis on which the document was reviewed.

The exact wording depends on the evidence available and the receiving authority’s rules.

Basic solicitor certification

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

For example, the solicitor may certify that a copy is a true copy of the original document seen.

This service does not necessarily confirm:

• that the institution issued the document;
• that the candidate completed the course;
• that the award appears in official records;
• that the document remains valid; or
• that the awarding body has verified the qualification.

A visual copy check may therefore be too limited for some overseas applications.

Enhanced solicitor certification with authenticity confirmation

Ginkgo Advisory offers an enhanced certification route.

Our solicitor reviews the document together with the available academic verification evidence. Depending on the case, this may include a HEDD result, official university letter or awarding-body confirmation.

The review may cover:

• the candidate’s identity;
• the name used during study;
• the institution name;
• the successor institution;
• the awarding body;
• the course title;
• the qualification;
• the grade or classification;
• the award date; and
• the attendance period.

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

This approach creates a stronger documentary trail than a simple statement that the copy matches a document presented by the client.

Why verification should take place before certification

Historical academic documents often contain names that no longer match the current university.

A South Glamorgan Institute certificate may also show the University of Wales or another awarding body.

Verification before certification allows the solicitor to understand:

• who taught the course;
• who awarded the qualification;
• who now verifies the record;
• whether the award appears in HEDD;
• whether a replacement document exists; and
• how to describe the document accurately.

The certification wording should reflect the verified evidence. It should not make unsupported claims about the issuing or awarding institution.

Why verification should take place before the apostille

An FCDO apostille does not verify the academic qualification itself.

The Legalisation Office checks whether the signature, stamp or seal on an eligible UK document matches its records. It then attaches a paper apostille or issues an e-Apostille.

The process does not independently confirm:

• that the student attended the institution;
• that the candidate earned the qualification;
• that the grade is accurate;
• that the certificate is genuine; or
• that the course had a particular status.

HEDD verification addresses the academic record.

Enhanced solicitor certification connects that evidence to the document.

The FCDO apostille authenticates the relevant solicitor signature or other eligible UK signature, stamp or seal.

Recommended evidence chain

The strongest route usually follows this order:

Academic record verification → document and awarding-body review → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

This sequence gives the overseas recipient a clearer chain of evidence.

Starting with the apostille can create problems. The document may carry an apostille but still fail to satisfy an authority that wants confirmation of the underlying qualification.

FCDO apostille for South Glamorgan Institute documents

After verification and solicitor certification, we can submit a suitable document to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for an apostille.

Documents may include:

• a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
• a solicitor-certified diploma;
• a solicitor-certified transcript;
• an official verification of award letter;
• a replacement certificate;
• another official academic statement; or
• a combined certification document.

The correct format depends on what the receiving authority accepts.

Some organisations require a paper apostille attached to a physical document. Others accept an e-Apostille on an eligible electronically signed PDF.

2 working day express FCDO apostille option

For suitable documents, Ginkgo Advisory can arrange a 2 working day express FCDO apostille option.

This timeframe begins after:

• HEDD verification is complete;
• the academic evidence has been reviewed;
• the candidate has provided the necessary documents; and
• solicitor certification is ready.

The 2 working day period applies only to the apostille stage.

It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• manual university checks;
• consent-form corrections;
• archived record searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• University of Wales processing;
• awarding-body enquiries;
• courier delivery;
• weekends;
• public holidays; or
• embassy legalisation.

The FCDO also offers paper and electronic apostille services. Current government guidance states that its e-Apostille service may take up to two working days, while paper processing options follow separate service arrangements.

Paper apostille or e-Apostille?

The receiving authority should decide which format is acceptable.

Paper apostille

A paper apostille attaches to a physical document.

It may suit cases where:

• the recipient requires an original paper document;
• an embassy needs to stamp the document;
• the applicant must submit a physical legalisation pack; or
• the destination does not accept electronic apostilles.

e-Apostille

An e-Apostille applies to an eligible PDF signed electronically by a UK solicitor or notary using an accepted digital signature.

It may suit cases where:

• the receiving authority accepts electronic documents;
• no embassy stage requires a physical document;
• the applicant needs digital submission; or
• speed is important.

Not every overseas authority accepts an e-Apostille. Written confirmation should be obtained before selecting the format.

Embassy legalisation for non-Hague destinations

An FCDO apostille may not complete the process when the destination does not use the Hague Apostille Convention route.

Further embassy, consular or foreign-ministry legalisation may then apply.

A common process is:

Enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy or consular legalisation → approval by the relevant authority in the destination jurisdiction

UK government guidance explains that documents for non-Hague destinations may require FCDO legalisation, an embassy stamp in London and final approval by the destination’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Embassy requirements vary.

They may depend on:

• the document type;
• the issuing institution;
• the awarding body;
• the applicant’s nationality;
• the intended use;
• the recipient;
• the translation requirements; and
• the submission method.

Additional documents an embassy may request

An embassy or receiving authority may ask for more than the academic certificate.

Possible requirements include:

• an academic transcript;
• a HEDD verification;
• an official university letter;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• a replacement certificate;
• a certified translation;
• a passport copy;
• an authorisation letter;
• an application form;
• supporting photocopies; or
• evidence explaining the institution’s change of name.

We check the legalisation chain before arranging the embassy stage.

Our step-by-step service

Step 1: Initial document review

Send us a clear scan of the academic document and the receiving authority’s requirements.

We identify the institution, award date and apparent awarding body.

Step 2: Verification route assessment

Our team checks whether the document should follow:

• the South Glamorgan Institute HEDD route;
• a Cardiff Metropolitan University records route;
• a University of Wales route;
• a Pearson route;
• a City & Guilds route; or
• another historic awarding-body process.

Step 3: Candidate consent

We prepare or review the HEDD consent form.

The candidate signs it by hand before sending us a clear scan.

Step 4: HEDD verification

We submit the third-party HEDD request using the candidate’s academic details.

Where the database cannot complete the check automatically, the relevant records team may need to review it manually.

Step 5: Document and evidence review

Our solicitor examines the academic document and the verification result.

Any difference in names, dates, course titles or awarding bodies receives further review.

Step 6: Enhanced solicitor certification

The solicitor prepares appropriate certification wording.

Where the evidence supports it, the certification includes authenticity confirmation.

Step 7: FCDO apostille

We submit the eligible document for a paper apostille or e-Apostille.

A 2 working day express option is available for suitable cases.

Step 8: Embassy legalisation

We coordinate embassy or consular legalisation where the destination requires it.

Step 9: Return delivery

The completed document pack returns by the agreed postal or courier service.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of the certificate or diploma;
• the academic transcript, if available;
• any official university letter;
• any existing HEDD result;
• the country where the document will be used;
• the name of the receiving authority;
• the purpose of use;
• the required deadline;
• the candidate’s current full name;
• the name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course title;
• award title;
• grade or classification;
• study dates;
• year of graduation;
• any name-change document; and
• the recipient’s written instructions.

A scan normally allows us to identify the likely route.

We will then explain whether we need the original document, a certified copy, an official letter or a replacement certificate.

Common causes of delay

Several issues can slow a South Glamorgan Institute verification.

Electronic consent signatures

Cardiff Metropolitan University requires hand-signed HEDD consent forms.

Typed or electronic signatures can delay the request.

Incorrect institution name

Using only the current university name may create a mismatch where the record appears under South Glamorgan Institute.

Missing historic names

The candidate may have studied under a different surname or previous legal name.

Wrong awarding body

The student may assume South Glamorgan Institute awarded the qualification when the certificate shows the University of Wales, BTEC or another organisation.

Incomplete course information

Generic descriptions such as “business degree” may not match the official record.

Unavailable transcript

A full transcript may no longer exist for an older course.

Replacement request sent to the wrong body

Cardiff Metropolitan University may hold the student record but not have authority to issue the replacement certificate.

Apostille obtained too early

An apostille does not replace HEDD verification.

Embassy rules checked too late

The embassy may require a specific paper format, translation or supporting document.

Frequently asked questions

Is South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education recognised?

Yes. HEDD identifies it as a former UK government-recognised body that gave awards between 1976 and 1990.

Who verifies South Glamorgan Institute qualifications?

Cardiff Metropolitan University verifies the qualifications through HEDD.

Is Cardiff Metropolitan University the same institution?

Cardiff Metropolitan University is the present successor institution.

Its history includes South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education, Cardiff Institute of Higher Education and University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

Can I verify a South Glamorgan Institute degree through HEDD?

Yes. Online degree verification is available through the South Glamorgan Institute HEDD profile.

Is HEDD the exclusive verification route?

Yes, for routine third-party degree verification.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exclusive HEDD partner.

Can a graduate verify their own degree through HEDD?

The standard service is for third-party enquirers.

A graduate who needs self-verification should contact HEDD or Cardiff Metropolitan University for the correct route.

Does the candidate need to sign a consent form?

Yes.

The candidate must sign the consent form by hand.

Can the candidate use an electronic signature?

No. Cardiff Metropolitan University states that typed or electronic signatures will not be accepted for HEDD verification.

What file types does HEDD accept for consent?

The signed consent form can be uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

What does HEDD check?

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

How much does the HEDD enquiry cost?

The current HEDD profile lists a fee of £14 per degree enquiry.

Can Cardiff Metropolitan University issue an official letter?

Former students can order verification of award letters and other official academic documents through the university’s e-store.

Can I obtain an academic transcript?

A transcript may be available, but Cardiff Metropolitan University does not guarantee that it holds full transcript information from before 1 November 2011.

Can Cardiff Metropolitan University replace my certificate?

That depends on the awarding body.

Historic University of Wales awards normally require replacement through the University of Wales. BTEC, City & Guilds and other awards follow their own routes.

What if my certificate says University of Wales?

The University of Wales may need to issue the replacement certificate.

Cardiff Metropolitan University can still hold or verify information about the study record.

What if my qualification is a BTEC award?

The replacement route may be through Pearson or Edexcel.

What if my certificate says City & Guilds?

Replacement documents normally come from City & Guilds.

Does a HEDD result need an apostille?

The HEDD result usually supports the verification process.

The document submitted for apostille may instead be the solicitor-certified certificate, an official university letter or another suitable academic document.

Does an apostille prove that the degree is genuine?

No.

The apostille confirms the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. HEDD and the solicitor verification process address the academic record.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines the document review with reliable academic verification evidence.

Where the evidence supports it, the solicitor can include authenticity confirmation.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2 working day apostille?

Yes, for suitable documents after verification and solicitor certification are complete.

The two working days cover the FCDO apostille stage only.

Is embassy legalisation always required?

No.

It normally applies where the destination does not rely on the Hague apostille process or where the receiving authority specifically requests further embassy or consular legalisation.

Do I need to send the original certificate immediately?

Usually not.

Start by sending us a clear scan. We will confirm whether the process requires the original, a certified copy, an official letter or a replacement certificate.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the full process?

Yes.

We can coordinate:

• HEDD degree verification;
• hand-signed candidate consent;
• historical institution checks;
• awarding-body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation; and
• tracked return delivery.

Start your South Glamorgan Institute verification

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

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

We will identify the correct verification route, review the awarding body and explain the certification and legalisation stages before work begins.