How top-up degrees work
Complete an MBS course and university top up from £6,000
Academic courses provided by MBS are endorsed by OFQUAL awarding bodies, and universities typically acknowledge the credits granted to students. It is important for students to specify to the university that the qualification is OFQUAL RQF validated at the specified level/credit value.
The most flexible and cost effect way to graduate
Our degree pathways serve as a direct counterpart to Year 1 and Year 2 of a bachelor’s degree, accredited by an OFQUAL awarding organization. These pathway courses are recognized by numerous universities globally.
Upon finishing your pathway, you’ll transition to one of our designated universities to conclude Year 3 and attain your complete bachelor’s degree. For students completing our level 7 pathway courses, progression to the final module of an MBA program is facilitated.
Our pathways offer the utmost flexibility for graduation! With online accessibility and minimal constraints, it’s feasible to complete Year 1 and Year 2 while balancing work commitments.
Study at some of the best universities in the world!
Upon completing an OFQUAL-regulated program via MasterMinds Business School, students can progress to a range of universities, which include:
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Coventry University
- University of Derby
- University of Central Lancashire
MasterMinds Business School can provide students with the requisite OFQUAL documentation and transcript. Alternatively, students can visit the OFQUAL website at 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 MasterMinds Business School students can progress onto a university program either to join at undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a level 3 program, or onto a “top-up” degree, depending on the level of their completed OFQUAL program. These level equivalencies can be viewed on our ‘Study Levels Explained‘ page. Generally, level 3 is undergraduate entry, level 4 first year degree, level 5 second year degree, level 6 graduate level and level 7 postgraduate level.
University top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. Your chosen course should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject. In many cases, if you have studied your level 3/4/5/6 or 7 qualifications in English, an IELTS may not be required. There is a wide range of flexibility, allowing our students to have a plethora of career or completion prospects upon graduation from MasterMinds Business School courses. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.
Progression Options
Most universities accept OFQUAL credits for advanced entry, allowing students to select their preferred university for full-time study over a shorter duration. Additionally, many universities offer part-time study programs, including day release, evening study, or distance learning options. Some universities may also provide weekend workshops. It’s important to verify these opportunities with your preferred university. (Click here to Find a University). These are general guidelines, and students should always check specific requirements with their preferred university or local university agent before applying. Many universities offer part-time/evening provisions, and students should inquire about possibilities with their preferred universities initially.
Some UK universities have overseas campuses and may offer advanced entry to local students on their programs. For instance, UK universities have campuses in Dubai, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, among other locations. Students should inquire locally about these arrangements. There are several UK campuses in UAE (https://www.guide2dubai.com/living/education/british-universities-dubai). Other examples include Hong Kong, Cyprus, Mauritius, and various parts of South Asia. International students aiming to study in the UK can also visit the NARIC website to check equivalencies (https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/).
Students may prefer to study at institutions closer to their home country or pursue qualifications outside of the UK. For instance, many Australian, Indian, and Canadian universities provide distance learning options and evaluate UK qualifications on a case-by-case basis for recognition.
In the USA, universities typically accept UK advanced entry students and equivalencies, although policies may vary significantly between regions and institutions.
The Association of MBAs is a membership organisation that provides accreditation and upholds the highest international standards of MBA programmes. Many UK universities are members and offer distance learning study. Although credits cannot be given, admission can be gained via the Online Business School level 6 or 7 plus the requisite additional entry requirements of your chosen university. Students should check the regulations of their chosen university first.
Our awarding bodies work in close partnership with various universities to facilitate progression opportunities.Top up on campus or online with one of our awarding bodies:
ATHE: https://www.athe.co.uk/progression-routes/
OTHM: https://www.othm.org.uk/university-progression.html
Qualifi: https://qualifi.net/university-progression/
If you require more information regarding specific progression routes, these are available on each course page under ‘university progression’, alternatively you can contact the Online Business School Support team on mbscourse@mbsedu.co.uk for further advice and guidance.