Thames Polytechnic Degree Verification and Apostille

Thames Polytechnic was a UK government-recognised institution that gave awards between 1970 and 1992. It became the University of Greenwich in 1992.

Ginkgo Advisory can assist with HEDD 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

The University of Greenwich verifies Thames Polytechnic qualifications through HEDD.

The usual route is:

HEDD verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

The current HEDD enquiry fee is £29.

However, the University cannot provide attendance dates through this service. It also cannot verify current students through HEDD.

HEDD verification requirements

HEDD can normally check:

• whether the candidate is a former student;
• the qualification awarded; and
• the grade or classification.

The candidate must first register with the Greenwich Digital Document Verification Service and provide the registration email address used to HEDD. A QR-coded certificate should also be uploaded when available.

The HEDD consent form must:

• name the University of Greenwich;
• carry a handwritten signature; and
• be dated within the previous three months.

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

HEDD may retain part of the enquiry fee when a request is unsuccessful or cancelled.

Current students

The University of Greenwich cannot verify current students through HEDD.

Current students should request a student status letter through the University’s Digital Student Centre.

Replacement Thames Polytechnic certificates

Graduates of Thames Polytechnic must request replacement degree certificates through Open University Validation Services, rather than the University of Greenwich’s standard replacement-certificate service.

The correct route depends on the awarding body printed on the original certificate. Historic documents may name:

• Thames Polytechnic;
• CNAA;
• BTEC or Edexcel;
• another validating university; or
• another professional awarding body.

We review the certificate wording before arranging verification or replacement documents.

Transcripts and official letters

The University of Greenwich handles requests for transcripts and confirmation-of-study letters where it holds the relevant records.

Graduates who left after 2000 may use the Digital Documents Service. Older Thames Polytechnic records may require a manual search, and full transcript information may not always remain available.

Where a transcript cannot be produced, an award verification or other official confirmation may be suitable.

Solicitor verification and certification

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

It does not independently prove that the qualification is genuine.

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

• a HEDD result;
• a QR-verified digital document;
• an official transcript;
• an Open University replacement certificate; or
• another awarding-body confirmation.

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

FCDO apostille

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

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

The recommended route is:

academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option covers the apostille stage only. It excludes HEDD processing, university searches, replacement certificates, delivery and embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a non-Hague destination may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical route is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The receiving authority may also request an official transcript, verification letter, certified translation or identity document.

What to send us

Please provide:

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

We will identify whether the correct route involves HEDD, the University of Greenwich, Open University Validation Services or another awarding body.

Frequently asked questions

Who verifies Thames Polytechnic qualifications?

The University of Greenwich verifies them through HEDD.

Can HEDD confirm attendance dates?

No. The University of Greenwich does not provide attendance dates through this verification service.

Can HEDD verify a current student?

No. Current students should request a student status letter through the Digital Student Centre.

Must the graduate register with Greenwich first?

Yes. The graduate should register with the Greenwich Digital Document Verification Service and provide the registration email address to HEDD.

Who issues a replacement certificate?

Thames Polytechnic graduates should apply through Open University Validation Services.

Does an apostille verify the qualification?

No. HEDD or the relevant awarding body 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 verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.

Start your Thames Polytechnic verification

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

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