University for the Creative Arts Degree Verification and Apostille

University for the Creative Arts, commonly known as UCA, is a recognised UK university with degree-awarding powers.

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 solicitor certification are complete.

Quick answer

University for the Creative Arts qualifications can be verified through HEDD.

The usual process is:

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

HEDD can verify current or former student status, the award, grade or classification and attendance dates. The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

HEDD consent requirements

UCA applies strict consent requirements.

The candidate must use a HEDD consent form that:

• names the University for the Creative Arts;
• carries the student’s handwritten ink signature;
• is dated within the previous three months; and
• is uploaded as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.

Typed and electronic signatures are not accepted for this verification route.

The request should also include the candidate’s:

• name during study;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• classification; and
• student number, where available.

Certificates, transcripts and official letters

Former students can request several documents from UCA, including:

• replacement certificates;
• certified certificate copies;
• replacement transcripts; and
• letters confirming study dates and the award.

Current charges include:

• replacement certificate: £40;
• certified certificate copy: £5 for a PDF or £10 for a hard copy; and
• replacement transcript: £20.

Transcripts normally take up to ten working days to prepare. UCA sends transcripts by post and does not provide digital transcripts.

Replacement certificates are available only where the original has been irretrievably lost or destroyed. The graduate must complete a signed declaration.

Check the awarding body

Most university degrees will be UCA awards. However, some further education or partner qualifications may name another awarding body.

For example:

• BTEC or Edexcel awards normally require documents from Pearson;
• Access to Higher Education awards may require documents from the relevant validating agency; and
• some collaborative courses may involve another institution.

We review the wording on the certificate before starting verification or ordering replacement documents.

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 UCA issued the certificate or that the candidate obtained the qualification.

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

• a HEDD verification result;
• an official transcript;
• a certified university copy;
• a replacement certificate; or
• a letter confirming study dates and the award.

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

This creates a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.

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 process 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;
• UCA document production;
• transcript preparation;
• 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 process 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 certificate scan;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s name during study;
• course and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year and classification;
• student number, if known;
• destination country; and
• receiving authority’s requirements.

We will confirm the correct verification, certification and legalisation route.

Frequently asked questions

Can HEDD verify a UCA qualification?

Yes. HEDD can verify current and former student status, the award, grade and attendance dates.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current degree enquiry fee is £14.

Is a handwritten consent form required?

Yes. The consent form must carry the candidate’s handwritten ink signature and be dated within the previous three months.

Are digital signatures accepted?

No. UCA requires a handwritten ink signature for the HEDD verification route.

Can former students obtain a transcript?

Yes. Replacement transcripts currently cost £20 and normally take up to ten working days. They are supplied in paper form.

Can UCA issue a replacement certificate?

Yes, for eligible UCA and predecessor-institution awards where the original has been irretrievably lost or destroyed.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. HEDD or UCA 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 UCA degree verification

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

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

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