To score 20 points, the qualification must meet the guidelines set out by the Home Office.

A United Kingdom recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level

For your qualification to be considered a United Kingdom recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level, it must have been awarded by a United Kingdom recognised body.

A United Kingdom recognised body is an institution which has been granted degree awarding powers by a Royal Charter, an Act of Parliament or the Privy Council. All United Kingdom universities and some higher education colleges are United Kingdom recognised bodies.

Further information on United Kingdom recognised bodies can be found on the website of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills on the right of this page.

You will not be awarded points for a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma, except a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (see below).

United Kingdom Postgraduate Certificate in Education

United Kingdom Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs), including Professional Graduate Diplomas in Education obtained in Scotland, are acceptable for this requirement. It is not necessary for the awarding body to be a United Kingdom recognised body.

Higher national diplomas (HND) from a Scottish institution

The qualification must be at HND level. The institution at which you studied for your HND must be a Scottish institution. We will use the address of the institution to confirm this point.

Qualifications that cannot be used for the award of points include:

• foundation degrees;
• honorary degrees;  
• qualifications awarded in the United Kingdom by overseas awarding bodies; 
• qualifications undertaken in overseas campuses of United Kingdom institutions; 
• professional and vocational qualifications; and  
• postgraduate certificates or diplomas.