University Pathways

How top-up degrees work

All of the academic courses offered by Online Business School are Ofqual approved and universities will generally accept the credits awarded to students. Students should make it clear to the University that the qualification is OFQUAL RQF validated, at the stated level/credit value. Online Business School can provide students with the requisite Ofqual documentation and transcript. Alternatively students can visit the Ofqual website https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ to confirm the qualification. Each University will consider an application on its merits subject to their own specific entry requirements.

Graduating Online Business School students can progress onto a University programme either to join at Undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a Level 3 programme, or onto a “top-up” Degree, depending on the level of their completed Ofqual programme. Generally Level 3 is Undergraduate entry, Level 4 first year Degree, Level 5 second year Degree, Level 6 Graduate level and Level 7 Post Graduate level.

University Top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. This means that the course of study that you choose should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject. There is wide flexibility and this flexibility allows our students to have a wide range of career or completion prospects upon graduation from Online Business School courses. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.

Progression options

On completion of an Online Business School course, students have the following options available to them:

Study FULL TIME or PART TIME on campus in the UK for top-up courses or direct entry to university
Study with UK Universities BASED OVERSEAS
Study with NON UK UNIVERSITIES
Study for an AMBA MBA

Levels 3-7 Explained

Level 3

The Level 3 Course is a 120 credit course, which is equivalent to 2 A levels. The course is made up of 6 modules and 6 written assignments. This course provides entry onto the first year of Undergraduate Degree course, or a Level 4 course.

Level 4

Level 4 is the equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme. The Level 4 course is made up of 10 modules and 8 assignments, which are equivalent to 120 university credits.

Level 5

Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

Level 6

Upon completion of a Level 6 course, you will be eligible for admission onto a Postgraduate Business programme, including an MBA course. The level 6 course is made up of 10 modules and 6 written assignments.

Level 7

The Level 7 course carries 120 credits which gives entry onto the MBA Top Up (one module or one module + dissertation) , this can be completed by studying either online or on campus at a recognised UK or overseas university. our level 7 is made up of 30 modules and 8 written assignments.