It quite likely that you may be feeling confused by the number of courses and colleges in London when beginning your search for somewhere to study. Recent figures indicate that there were 426,175 students enrolled at universities and colleges in London. There are 60 publicly funded universities and colleges in London which are regulated by the Government through UK the UK Quality Assurance Agency. In addition to these publicly funded Educational organisations, exist a multitude of specialist Independent colleges offering courses ranging from Diplomas in Fashion Drawing to Masters of Business and Administration.

Finding a Good College in London

You may have carried out your search and selection process of colleges in London from your home country using the internet. Be wary before committing to your ultimate choice of college and parting with any money!

Make sure the college is established to give out accredited qualifications. Many bogus colleges in London draw in students from overseas by alleging to have the same qualification awarding powers as UK universities.

Institutions with UK Degree Awarding Powers

The UK Higher education system maintains its acclaimed global reputation by adhering to strict regulations. For an educational institute to be able to call itself a university and to have UK degree awarding powers it must be assessed by the Advisory Committee on Degree Awarding Powers (ACDAP), part of the UK Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education (QAA) and is required to carry out regular and mandatory external quality assurance reviews. Quite a mouthful!

For a university to be able to issue its own certified qualifications, it must be both approved by ACDAP and registered as a Recognized Body by the DBIS.

Bogus Colleges in London Must be Avoided

Unlike universities, most private colleges do not have independent awarding body status and are not required by law to be regulated to the same quality standards. As a prospective International student applying to study a UK degree at any of the private colleges in London, it is essential to be aware of any warning signs by carrying out your research before making an application.

Flashing Hazard Lights

• It is not advisable to enrol at a college which does not have the stamp of approval from the British Accreditation Council (BAC) which is a recognized external body for monitoring quality standards in Independent colleges.

• Make sure that the college is associated with recognized UK universities with awarding body status and is registered as a Listed Body by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

• Check the awarding body used by the college is internationally recognized.

• Make sure the college offers accredited qualifications by a recognized awarding organization such as Edexcel or OCR listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications (OFQUAL).

• Avoid colleges without approval from the UK Border Agency if you are a prospective International student.

• Visa letters (CAS letters) can only be issued by registered colleges with a valid Tier 4 licence from the UK BA.

It is undeniable that there is a broad spectrum of courses and colleges in London to choose from providing a host of opportunities, however to ensure you get the best learning experience from one of the leading cities for study in the world, make sure you do your homework first.