LIBF is trusted to award degrees
At LIBF, we get asked how we can award degrees even though we don’t have the word 'university' in our name.
Although we don't have the word "university" in our name:
LIBF has Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).
We’ve been checked and approved by the Office for Students and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Our degree awarding powers are currently subject to a standard probationary period, with full authorisation expected in 2026.
What this means for you is that a degree from LIBF carries the same value as a degree from a higher education provider with 'university' in the name. You’ll get an education that is widely recognised and respected, whether you’re continuing your studies or preparing for a new career.
When was LIBF awarded taught degree awarding powers?
We first gained degree awarding powers in 2010, when we first established full-time degree programmes at our London campus.
In 2023, we changed our name to 'LIBF', introducing a wider range of online undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. We received Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) under our new name in 2023.
You can check out our listing on the OfS register here: LIBF Ltd, Registered with the OfS.
Degree awarding powers explained
In the UK, it's not just higher education institutions that have ‘university’ in their name who can award degrees.
Institutions like LIBF, can award degrees if they have something called degree awarding powers (DAP). This means the UK government has officially approved us to offer degrees.
Read on to find out how degree awarding powers work in the UK and why you can trust LIBF to deliver recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Types of degree awarding powers
Foundation Degree Awarding Powers (FDAP)
This allows UK colleges to award two-year foundation degrees, which are one step below a bachelor’s degree.
Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP)
This allows higher education providers to award taught degrees like undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP)
This allows institutions to award research degrees like PhDs.
What’s the role of the Office for Students?
In England, any institution that wants to award degrees has to be registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS makes sure that institutions, like LIBF, meet certain standards for quality, finances, and how they’re run. This helps students feel confident that the degree they’re studying for is worth it.
LIBF is on the OfS register, meaning our degrees are legally recognised and meet the same standards expected of all UK higher education institutions.
What is the role of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)?
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) helps keep the quality of higher education in the UK at a high standard. They check things like course design, student support, and how well the courses are taught. If an institution like LIBF wants to get degree awarding powers, it has to go through a detailed review process led by the QAA. It’s a big part of why your degree from LIBF is recognised and respected, both in the UK and around the world.
The UK Advisory Committee on Degree Awarding Powers works closely with the QAA. This committee advises the Office for Students and other regulators about which institutions are ready for degree awarding powers.
For more information on the QAA's role, see their official paper: The Right to Award UK degrees.
What’s the difference between a recognised body and a listed body?
In the UK, there are two main types of institutions when it comes to awarding degrees: recognised bodies and listed bodies.
Recognised bodies, like LIBF, have the legal right to award degrees.
Listed bodies can deliver courses, but they don’t award the final qualification – a recognised body has to do that.
This system makes sure only high-quality institutions are allowed to award degrees. LIBF is a recognised body, which means the degree you earn with us is officially approved and valued by employers and other universities.
In summary: yes, LIBF is legit
Hopefully now it's clear that degree awarding powers are a key indicator of an institution’s legitimacy, whether has "university" in the name or not. LIBF is fully qualified to award degrees, and our courses meet the high standards set by the OfS and QAA.
So, if you’re thinking about studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with us, you can feel confident that your degree will be valuable, respected, and help you get ahead in your career.
Discover our 150-year historyExplore our online degrees
FAQs about degree awarding powers
Contact us about our online degrees
If you have any queries about how to apply for our online degrees, or anything else, please contact our Study Advisors.
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm UK time.
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