Turn your HEQ into a UK honours degree

Our HEQ programme provides you with a recognised route to degree-level study at selected UK universities.

Once you’ve taken the BCS Diploma in IT (complete with professional project) you’re eligible to study a top-up degree in computing/IT. We’ve partnered with Oxford Brookes University and the University of Huddersfield to support your journey into UK university education.

What’s a top-up degree?

It’s a study course that’s equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree. Top-up programmes offer the opportunity to study at university and effectively ‘top up' your existing qualification into a full BSc honours degree.

While an undergraduate degree typically takes three or four years to complete, you can complete a top-up degree programme in just one year. They’re a great way to develop your subject knowledge and enhance your employability. They also open the door to postgraduate study.

Am I eligible?

To study a top-up degree, you’ll need to have completed a qualification that’s equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. This could be an HND, foundation degree or other level 5 qualification.

The BCS Diploma in IT is a level 5 qualification, so you’re eligible to apply for a top-up degree once you’ve passed the Diploma (with project) — though achieving the Diploma does not guarantee you a place on a top-up course.

BCS university partnerships

We’ve partnered with Oxford Brookes University and the University of Huddersfield to provide a recognised pathway to top-up degree study at university for successful BCS Diploma in IT candidates:

Which courses can I apply for?

Oxford Brookes University

Computing BSc (Hons) (Final Year Entry)

Information Technology for Business BSc (Hons) (Final Year Entry)

University of Huddersfield

Information Technology (Top-up) BSc (Hons)

How do I apply

Apply online to Oxford Brookes University: if your application is successful, you’ll be notified in writing by July giving you time to arrange travel/visa etc. ready for September induction.

Apply online to University of Huddersfield: applications for the September 2023/24 intake are currently being processed.

Which university should I choose?

It's a big decision and one that requires significant research. You’ll need to compare lots of universities and consider many different factors. Where’s the location? Which courses do they offer? What are the facilities like? Then you can decide which university will be best for you and your future career.

Find out about student life at Oxford Brookes and the opportunities for international students.

Explore uni life at Huddersfield and the top reasons to choose Huddersfield University.

What next?

Whichever top-up degree you choose, when you finish you’ll be qualified at level 6 and eligible to study a master’s degree. You might decide to apply for one of these MSc programmes:

Oxford Brookes University:

University of Huddersfield:

Want to find out more?

Oxford Brookes University: contact the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (ECM) at tde-ecm-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk

University of Huddersfield: contact the School of Computing and Engineering at compeng@hud.ac.uk or call 01484 957 507.