When you’re considering a degree, it’s vital to know whether your institution of choice is accredited. Without this vital professional or academic accreditation, you can find yourself studying on a low-quality course that doesn’t give you a recognised qualification – and there are plenty of shady training providers out there who will happily take your money without being clear and upfront about what they offer.
So before you jump ahead and excitedly enrol on a new course, check that the provider is accredited. Here’s how to do this.
Check the government website
The government degree checker website tells you whether the institution you are interested in is accredited and formally recognised. For example, if you were going to study a journalism degree at https://schoolofjournalism.co.uk/, you can use the Office for Students national register to check its status. This gives peace of mind before you hand over your hard-earned cash!
Do your research
In addition to checking the base requirements for operation, check that any university you are interested in offers the quality and value you want from your course. Read reviews, check the website carefully, search for it online to see how it is referenced in news and forums, look at career prospects, and check grades and onward destinations for graduates. This information will help you to build up a clear picture and make a confident decision about where you want to study, as you pursue your career goals with an investment in professional training.
In short, do your homework before you sign up to any university.
