Thames Valley University Degree Verification and Apostille

Thames Valley University was a recognised UK university that gave awards between 1992 and 2011. It was renamed the University of West London in 2011, which now verifies its qualifications.

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 once verification and certification are complete.

Quick answer

Thames Valley University qualifications can be verified through HEDD.

The usual route is:

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

The University of West London is an exclusive HEDD partner. Third-party degree checks must be submitted through HEDD.

The current degree enquiry fee is £14. Verification of awards issued before 1994 remains subject to the availability of historical records.

HEDD degree verification

HEDD can check:

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

The candidate must provide a signed consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

The request should include accurate information, such as:

• the name used during study;
• course title;
• qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year; and
• student number, if known.

Incorrect or incomplete information may prevent the university from locating the record.

Current students

Current students cannot be verified through HEDD.

They should request an official student-status or enrolment letter directly from the University of West London.

Transcripts, certificates and official letters

Former Thames Valley University students can request documents through the University of West London’s alumni service.

Available documents include:

• replacement degree certificates;
• academic transcripts;
• official confirmation-of-study letters;
• academic references;
• course syllabi; and
• certified copies of certificates or transcripts.

UWL can also stamp and certify copies supplied by former students. Some transcripts can be sent directly to overseas professional boards or receiving authorities.

Document availability depends on the records held and the course studied.

Check the awarding body

A Thames Valley University certificate may name:

• Thames Valley University;
• the University of West London;
• another validating university;
• BTEC or Edexcel; or
• a professional awarding body.

The institution where the candidate studied may differ from the legal awarding body.

We review the certificate wording before ordering replacement documents or preparing solicitor certification.

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 candidate obtained the qualification.

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

• a HEDD verification;
• an official transcript;
• a university confirmation letter;
• a certified university copy;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another awarding-body record.

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 sequence 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 record searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• courier delivery; and
• embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention 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, university 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;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• student number, if known;
• destination country; and
• receiving authority’s requirements.

We will identify whether the document should follow HEDD, the University of West London or another awarding-body route.

Frequently asked questions

Who verifies Thames Valley University qualifications?

The University of West London verifies them through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

Can HEDD verify every Thames Valley University award?

Most awards from 1994 onwards should follow the standard route. Verification of earlier awards remains subject to record availability.

Can former students obtain a transcript?

Yes, where sufficient records remain. UWL provides transcripts, replacement certificates and official letters for graduates of Thames Valley University and other predecessor institutions.

Does an apostille verify the qualification?

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

Start your Thames Valley University verification

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

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