Our solicitor can verify, certify, apostille & legalise
All UK recognised degree-awarding universities or colleges
471
recognised UK
institutions
About the Author
KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.
KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory
Ulster Polytechnic was a UK government-recognised institution that gave awards between 1971 and 1984. It later merged with the New University of Ulster to form the University of Ulster, now known as Ulster University.
Ginkgo Advisory can assist with degree 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
Ulster University verifies Ulster Polytechnic qualifications through HEDD.
The usual route is:
HEDD verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required
HEDD can confirm former student status, the award, grade or classification and attendance dates. The current degree enquiry fee is £14.
HEDD degree verification
The candidate must provide a signed consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.
The request should include accurate information, such as:
- the candidate’s name during study;
- any previous name;
- course and qualification;
- award year;
- grade or classification;
- attendance dates; and
- student number, if known.
HEDD does not have an exclusive agreement with Ulster University. A third party may therefore use HEDD or contact the University directly for verification.
Current students
Ulster University cannot verify current students through this HEDD route. It only verifies graduates.
Current Ulster University students can obtain confirmation of attendance through the University’s student-record system or contact the relevant Student Operations team.
Transcripts and confirmation letters
Former students can request an academic transcript or letter confirming their award from Ulster University.
The University currently charges £25 for an original transcript or confirmation letter and advises allowing around three weeks for processing. A confirmation letter can be supplied electronically as a PDF.
Older records may contain less detailed information. Availability will depend on the course, award date and records retained.
Replacement certificates
Ulster University offers replacement award certificates for certain eligible qualifications. The current fee is £50, and the University advises allowing around three weeks for processing.
However, the University’s published replacement service specifically refers to awards of:
- the University of Ulster;
- the former New University of Ulster; and
- the Edexcel Foundation or BTEC.
A former Ulster Polytechnic student should therefore contact Student Operations before ordering. The correct route may depend on the awarding body printed on the original certificate.
Check the awarding body
An older certificate may name:
- Ulster Polytechnic;
- CNAA;
- BTEC or Edexcel;
- another university; or
- a professional awarding body.
The institution where the candidate studied may differ from the organisation that legally awarded the qualification.
We review the certificate wording before starting verification, requesting a replacement document 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 certificate against reliable evidence, such as:
- a HEDD verification result;
- direct Ulster University confirmation;
- an official transcript;
- a confirmation letter;
- 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 UK 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 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 confirmation 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;
- grade or classification;
- attendance dates;
- student number, if known;
- destination country; and
- receiving authority’s requirements.
We will identify whether the correct route involves HEDD, Ulster University or another awarding body.
Frequently asked questions
Who verifies Ulster Polytechnic qualifications?
Ulster University verifies Ulster Polytechnic qualifications through HEDD.
How much does HEDD verification cost?
The current degree enquiry fee is £14.
Can current students be verified?
No. This HEDD route is available for graduates only.
Can former students obtain a transcript?
Yes, where sufficient records remain. Ulster University offers transcripts and letters confirming awards.
Can Ulster University replace an Ulster Polytechnic certificate?
Possibly, but eligibility should be checked before ordering. The correct route depends on the award and awarding body shown on the original certificate.
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 Ulster Polytechnic verification
Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:
Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283
Contact Us
Address
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