Southampton College of Art Degree Verification, Solicitor Certification and Apostille

Southampton College of Art qualifications may require careful checks before they can be certified and legalised for overseas use.

Ginkgo Advisory can help with academic document verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available for suitable documents after verification and certification are complete.

Quick answer

Southampton Solent University is the successor institution listed by HEDD for Southampton College of Art.

However, the university cannot verify awards made before 1984. Southampton College of Art stopped giving awards in 1978. Therefore, many documents bearing the Southampton College of Art name cannot be verified through the standard HEDD route.

In these cases, the correct route may involve:

• an official confirmation letter from Southampton Solent University;
• the original awarding body;
• the Open University for a CNAA award;
• Pearson for an older HNC or HND;
• City & Guilds; or
• another university named on the certificate.

The wording printed on the document will determine the correct verification route.

Who verifies Southampton College of Art qualifications?

HEDD describes Southampton College of Art as a former UK government-recognised body that gave awards between 1855 and 1978.

Its qualifications are now linked to Southampton Solent University. The university changed its name from Solent University to Southampton Solent University on 24 September 2024.

Southampton Solent University is an exclusive HEDD partner. Third-party degree verification enquiries must normally be submitted through HEDD.

A signed candidate consent form must be uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF. Digital signatures are accepted. The current HEDD degree enquiry fee is £14.

HEDD can usually check:

• current or former student status;
• the award obtained;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

The pre-1984 verification problem

Southampton Solent University states that it cannot verify awards made before 1984.

This creates a practical issue for Southampton College of Art documents because the institution’s HEDD award period ended in 1978. A standard HEDD request may therefore be unable to confirm the qualification.

The university also cannot verify dates of birth for candidates who graduated before 1998.

Before placing a verification request, we review:

• the institution named on the certificate;
• the date of the award;
• the course;
• the qualification type; and
• the legal awarding body.

Alternative verification routes

Southampton Solent University confirmation letter

Replacement certificates are not available for college or institute certificates and diplomas issued before 1992.

However, Southampton Solent University may provide a confirmation letter when the graduate supplies their full name, course title, graduation year and attendance dates.

CNAA degrees

A degree awarded by the Council for National Academic Awards before 1992 should normally be checked through the Open University.

The Open University holds the former CNAA award records and can provide confirmation documentation.

Older HNC and HND awards

Pearson handles replacement certificates for HNC and HND qualifications awarded before 2005.

Applicants should check whether the document names BTEC, Edexcel or another predecessor awarding body.

City & Guilds qualifications

City & Guilds normally handles replacement documents for its own awards and Pitman qualifications.

Awards issued by another university

Some historic courses may have led to an award from another university.

Where the certificate names Nottingham Trent University or another awarding institution, verification and replacement requests should usually go to that institution.

Solicitor verification and certification

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

It does not automatically prove that the college issued the document or that the qualification appears in official records.

Our enhanced service goes further. The solicitor reviews the available verification evidence, such as:

• an official confirmation letter;
• an awarding-body record;
• a CNAA confirmation;
• a replacement certificate;
• a HEDD result; or
• other reliable academic evidence.

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

FCDO apostille

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

An apostille confirms the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the academic qualification.

The recommended evidence chain is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2 working day express FCDO apostille option for suitable documents. This period starts after the verification evidence and solicitor-certified document are ready.

It does not include university searches, awarding-body checks, courier delivery or embassy processing.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a country that does not use the Hague apostille system may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical route is:

verification → solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

Embassy requirements vary. Some authorities may also request an academic transcript, official letter, translation or supporting identity document.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of the certificate;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s full name during study;
• the course title;
• attendance dates;
• the award year;
• any student number;
• the destination country;
• the purpose of use; and
• the receiving authority’s instructions.

We will identify whether the case should follow HEDD, Southampton Solent University, CNAA, Pearson, City & Guilds or another awarding-body route.

Frequently asked questions

Can HEDD verify a Southampton College of Art qualification?

HEDD lists Southampton Solent University as the verifying institution. However, the university cannot verify awards made before 1984.

Because Southampton College of Art stopped giving awards in 1978, many qualifications will need an alternative records or awarding-body route.

Are digital consent signatures accepted?

Yes. HEDD states that Southampton Solent University accepts digital signatures on candidate consent forms.

Can I obtain a replacement Southampton College of Art certificate?

Replacement certificates are not available for pre-1992 college or institute certificates and diplomas.

The university may instead provide a confirmation letter where sufficient records remain.

What if my degree was awarded by CNAA?

The Open University normally handles confirmation of pre-1992 CNAA awards.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Academic verification should take place before solicitor certification and legalisation.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?

Yes. We can assist with:

• verification route assessment;
• awarding-body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation; and
• return delivery.

Start your Southampton College of Art verification

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

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