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
Ginkgo Advisory provides University College Northampton degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their academic documents overseas.
Our solicitor-led service can include:
- direct University of Northampton verification;
- formal verification letters;
- university-certified copies;
- solicitor verification;
- enhanced solicitor certification;
- authenticity confirmation;
- certified true copies;
- FCDO apostille;
- a 2-working-day express apostille option;
- embassy or consular legalisation; and
- international return delivery.
University College Northampton awarded recognised UK qualifications between 1999 and 2005.
In 2005, the institution gained full university status and became the University of Northampton. Therefore, the University of Northampton now manages verification and document requests for former University College Northampton students.
Quick answers
Who verifies a University College Northampton degree?
The University of Northampton handles current verification requests.
Third parties cannot verify the qualification through HEDD. Instead, they must use the University’s direct verification service and provide the former student’s consent.
Is “Prospects test University” the correct verifier?
No.
That name appears on the HEDD page as erroneous test data. It is not the real successor institution.
The correct successor is the University of Northampton. Applicants should not use “Prospects test University” in verification requests, solicitor certificates or legalisation documents.
Can the degree receive an FCDO apostille?
Yes.
In most cases, our solicitor can certify a suitable copy before submitting it for an FCDO apostille.
The FCDO can legalise qualification certificates and document copies after a UK solicitor or another eligible public official certifies them.
Can a solicitor confirm the degree’s authenticity?
Yes, where reliable university evidence supports that conclusion.
For example, our solicitor may rely on:
- a University of Northampton verification letter;
- a university-certified copy;
- an academic transcript;
- a replacement certificate;
- the original academic document; and
- the graduate’s identification.
How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory arrange the apostille?
We offer a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible and correctly prepared documents.
However, this period only covers the FCDO stage. It begins after the university verification and solicitor certification are complete.
Do I need embassy legalisation?
You may need embassy or consular legalisation if the destination does not accept an apostille as the final step.
For a non-Hague destination, the process may continue through the relevant embassy and then the destination country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
University College Northampton and the University of Northampton
Nene College became University College Northampton in 1999.
Then, in 2005, the institution gained full university status and became the University of Northampton.
As a result, a graduate may hold:
- a University College Northampton certificate;
- a transcript issued under the former name;
- a current verification letter from the University of Northampton; or
- a replacement document that uses the current university name.
This difference is normal.
However, an overseas employer or regulator may not understand the institutional change. Therefore, a formal University verification letter can connect the historic certificate with the current record holder.
Direct verification rather than HEDD
University College Northampton qualifications do not use the HEDD online verification service.
The HEDD page directs applicants to contact the institution directly. It also lists the historic verification email address as:
verifications@northampton.ac.uk
Today, the University of Northampton offers a formal verification-letter service through its online shop.
A verification letter can confirm:
- the former student’s full name;
- date of birth;
- student number;
- award title;
- classification;
- award date;
- start and end dates;
- mode of study;
- place of study;
- partner-institution information; and
- language of teaching and assessment.
The University currently charges £15 for an emailed verification letter or form completion.
It advises applicants to allow up to four working weeks after it receives the order, payment, required information and signed consent.
The older HEDD page describes the enquiry as free. However, the University’s current official service carries a fee. Therefore, applicants should follow the current University guidance.
Candidate consent
The University of Northampton requires the former student’s consent when a third party requests verification.
The student must complete the University’s data-protection consent form before the University releases academic information.
A suitable consent form should identify:
- the former student;
- the authorised third party;
- the qualification;
- the information that may be released;
- the purpose of the request;
- the student’s signature; and
- the date.
Ginkgo Advisory can prepare and review the consent before submission.
However, we will use the University’s own form where the University requires it.
Information required for verification
We normally request:
- the graduate’s full name during study;
- any later name;
- date of birth;
- student number, if known;
- course title;
- qualification title;
- award year;
- classification or grade;
- start and end dates;
- mode and place of study;
- a clear colour scan of the certificate;
- a scan of the reverse side;
- an academic transcript, if available;
- the graduate’s passport;
- evidence of any name change; and
- signed candidate consent.
Small differences may delay a historic record search.
For example, problems may arise because of:
- a missing middle name;
- an incorrect award year;
- a shortened course title;
- a later change of surname;
- incomplete study dates;
- an incorrect student number; or
- confusion between University College Northampton and the current University.
Therefore, we copy the information directly from the academic documents wherever possible.
Limits on pre-September 2005 records
University College Northampton awards fall within the University’s pre-September 2005 record period.
The University states that it cannot guarantee verification of awards conferred before September 2005 because of limits in the records it holds.
It considers these cases individually and provides a refund if it cannot complete the request.
This warning does not mean that every University College Northampton record is unavailable.
Instead, the University may hold:
- a full student record;
- limited award details;
- dates and classification only;
- a partial transcript;
- a student-results record; or
- insufficient information for a full verification.
Therefore, graduates should provide every academic document still available.
University-certified copies
The University of Northampton can certify copies of certificates and transcripts.
The former student or an authorised third party sends clear colour scans of the documents. The University then:
- checks the documents against its available records;
- confirms their authenticity;
- stamps the copies; and
- signs them through the Ceremonies and Certification Officer.
The current fee is £10 per request.
The University advises applicants to allow up to four working weeks.
A University-certified copy can provide useful evidence for enhanced solicitor certification.
However, the University does not keep copies of every graduate’s certificate or transcript. Therefore, the applicant must provide a scan of the original document.
If the original no longer exists, the graduate may need to request a replacement first.
Replacement certificates and transcripts
The University of Northampton offers replacement documents for eligible former students.
For an award conferred before 1 September 2005:
- a replacement certificate currently costs £40;
- a replacement transcript currently costs £30; and
- processing may take up to eight working weeks.
However, the University cannot guarantee replacement documents for awards made before September 2005.
It will try to complete the order and provide a refund if the available records do not support production.
The University only issues a replacement certificate where the original has been lost or destroyed.
A graduate cannot hold two original certificates for the same award.
Older HNC, HND and external awards
Not every qualification studied at University College Northampton was necessarily awarded by the institution itself.
The certificate may name:
- University College Northampton;
- another university;
- Pearson, BTEC or Edexcel;
- City & Guilds;
- a professional body; or
- another validating organisation.
The University states that Pearson handles replacement HNC and HND awards conferred before 1997.
City & Guilds also controls its own qualifications.
Therefore, applicants should check the exact awarding body printed on the certificate.
The awarding body controls:
- formal award verification;
- replacement certificates;
- transcript records;
- certified award statements; and
- the correct document for apostille purposes.
Verification and solicitor certification
University verification and solicitor certification perform different roles.
University verification
The University of Northampton checks the academic record.
Solicitor verification
Our solicitor reviews the certificate, University evidence and the graduate’s identification.
Solicitor certification
The solicitor places a formal certification statement on the document or copy.
A solicitor can certify a document as a true copy by signing, dating and adding their professional details.
FCDO apostille
The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.
Therefore, one stage does not replace the others.
Basic solicitor certification
A basic certified true copy confirms that the copy matches the original document shown to the solicitor.
It answers one question:
Does this copy match the document presented?
However, basic certification does not automatically confirm that University College Northampton genuinely issued the original certificate.
Therefore, some overseas authorities may also request independent University verification.
Enhanced solicitor certification
Ginkgo Advisory offers enhanced solicitor certification where reliable evidence supports it.
First, we obtain or review verification from the University of Northampton.
Next, our solicitor compares that evidence with the certificate and the graduate’s identification.
Finally, the solicitor prepares wording that reflects the checks completed.
The enhanced process may include:
- direct University verification;
- review of the original certificate;
- review of a University-certified copy;
- review of a transcript or verification letter;
- comparison of the academic details;
- identity and name checks;
- authenticity confirmation; and
- solicitor certification.
Therefore, enhanced certification connects the historic certificate with an independent academic record.
However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity when the available evidence supports that conclusion.
FCDO apostille
A University College Northampton qualification can usually receive an FCDO apostille after correct preparation.
Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:
- a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
- a certified University verification letter;
- a University-certified copy;
- a certified academic transcript;
- a replacement certificate; or
- another eligible academic document.
The FCDO checks whether the relevant signature, stamp or seal matches its official records.
If the details match, the Legalisation Office attaches an apostille.
Therefore, an apostille does not independently verify the academic record.
A strong process may follow this order:
University verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille
Each stage provides a different type of assurance.
Two-working-day express FCDO apostille
Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.
However, the two-working-day period only covers the FCDO stage.
It begins after:
- University verification is complete;
- the required document is available;
- our solicitor approves the evidence;
- the certification is ready; and
- the document meets the FCDO requirements.
Therefore, the express period does not include:
- the University’s four-week verification period;
- archived-record searches;
- certified-copy production;
- transcript production;
- replacement-certificate production;
- solicitor evidence enquiries;
- embassy legalisation; or
- international delivery.
The FCDO offers both paper apostilles and e-Apostilles. However, the receiving authority must accept the selected format.
Embassy legalisation
Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.
A typical non-Hague process may involve:
- University verification;
- solicitor certification;
- FCDO apostille or authentication;
- embassy legalisation; and
- approval by the destination country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, every embassy sets its own rules.
For example, it may require:
- the original certificate;
- a solicitor-certified copy;
- a University verification letter;
- a University-certified copy;
- an academic transcript;
- a certified translation;
- a passport copy; or
- specific certification wording.
Therefore, we check the destination requirements before preparing the document.
Our process
Step 1: Document review
First, we review the front and back of the certificate.
We identify:
- the institution;
- the awarding body;
- the qualification;
- the award date;
- the classification;
- the signatures; and
- the seals.
Step 2: Verification-route selection
Next, we decide whether the case requires:
- a University verification letter;
- a University-certified copy;
- a transcript;
- another awarding body; or
- more than one source.
Step 3: Candidate consent
The graduate completes the University’s consent form.
Step 4: University verification
We submit the enquiry using the exact academic details shown on the documents.
Step 5: Authenticity review
Our solicitor compares the University response with the certificate and identification evidence.
Step 6: Solicitor certification
Where the evidence matches, our solicitor prepares the appropriate certification.
Step 7: FCDO apostille
We submit the document for an apostille.
A 2-working-day express option is available for eligible cases.
Step 8: Embassy legalisation
Where required, we arrange the embassy or consular stage.
Step 9: Return delivery
Finally, we provide a completion scan where requested.
We then return the documents through the agreed postal or courier service.
Frequently asked questions
Is a University College Northampton degree still valid?
Yes.
The institution’s change to the University of Northampton does not invalidate awards issued under the earlier name.
What did University College Northampton become?
It became the University of Northampton in 2005.
Who verifies the degree?
The University of Northampton handles current verification requests.
Is “Prospects test University” the real verifier?
No.
It is an incorrect HEDD test label.
The University of Northampton is the correct successor institution.
Can I verify the degree through HEDD?
No.
The HEDD page directs applicants to contact the University directly.
How much does verification cost?
The University currently charges £15 for an emailed verification letter or form completion.
How long does verification take?
The University advises applicants to allow up to four working weeks.
Do I need candidate consent?
Yes.
A third-party verification request requires signed consent from the former student.
Can the University verify every 1999–2005 award?
Not necessarily.
The University cannot guarantee verification of awards conferred before September 2005 because of limits in its historic records.
Can I obtain a University-certified copy?
Yes, where the University can confirm the supplied document.
The current fee is £10, and processing may take up to four working weeks.
Can I obtain a replacement certificate?
Possibly.
A pre-September 2005 replacement certificate currently costs £40 and may take up to eight working weeks. However, the University cannot guarantee production.
Can I obtain a replacement transcript?
Possibly.
A pre-September 2005 replacement transcript currently costs £30 and may take up to eight working weeks.
Is University verification the same as solicitor certification?
No.
University verification checks the academic record.
Solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.
Does an apostille verify the degree?
No.
The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not check the academic record.
Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?
Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for FCDO submission.
Do I need embassy legalisation?
You may need further embassy or consular processing where the destination does not accept an apostille as the final step.
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