Thinking of
changing
university?

Prospective students who wish to apply for the accreditation of credits previously gained at either The University of Buckingham or another institution may apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

APL is the generic term used for the award of credit for learning undertaken prior to entry to a programme of study; APL falls into two main categories: Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) – the recognition of learning that has previously been assessed and certificated by a recognised provider of higher education; and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) – the recognition of prior learning gained through relevant professional and/or personal experience.

With the exception of the MBChB (for which APL is not available), APL is accepted by The University of Buckingham for undergraduate programmes of study providing the outcomes of prior learning can be mapped to the intended University of Buckingham award. APL is accepted for postgraduate taught awards where specified in programme regulations. APL is not generally applicable to postgraduate research awards; however, admission with exemption from the probationary period is possible where the prospective student can demonstrate that previous work is of sufficient standing to justify this.

The regulations governing APL at The University of Buckingham are published in the General Academic Regulations (section 4).

Students leaving the University are provided with an academic transcript of their studies that details the number and level of credits earned to date; where sufficient credits have been earned to justify an award, students are also provided with the applicable certificate and diploma supplement. Former students may also request confirmation of their dates of registration (which will be provided by Registry) and/or an academic reference (please note, however, that academic staff are not obliged to provide references and do so at their absolute discretion).

Transferring to us as an undergraduate is easier than you think. Every year students are switching university to another for a variety of reasons. If you’re one of those wishing to explore this, we’ll give you the very best advice to support you in your choices.

Frequently asked questions about transferring university to Buckingham

What evidence do I need to provide if I want to transfer credits?

From students looking to transfer credits we would require copies of your official transcripts for the modules which you have already studied, and as much detail about the modules as possible. We would also need a personal statement, detailing why you would like to transfer to The University of Buckingham. Finally we would need the contact details of an academic referee at your current institution.

Can I transfer into the final year? 

The University carefully considers credit transfer students on an individual basis. However, due to the accelerated nature of our programmes, allowing our students to complete their Honours degree in two-years, it is rare that we offer more than six months’ worth of exemptions.

What are the fees for credit transfer students?

Credit transfer fees are dependent on the number of exemptions which you receive. Students will not pay the cost of modules for which they are receiving exemptions. If you have any questions, you can also email our Admissions team at admissions@buckingham.ac.uk

I'm a home student, how will transferring credits affect my student loan?

It is important that you contact the Student Loan Company to confirm that you are transferring to Buckingham. Your loan entitlement is dependent on the amount of student finance you have already received. Please be aware that unlike your previous university, there is a tuition fee shortfall between the money you will receive from the student loan company and The University of Buckingham's annual tuition fees. .

I am taking an international qualification, can I still transfer credits?

We will consider students who are transferring from International Institutions provided that the credits which they have already studied are an equivalent level to UK Undergraduate credits. For Visa purposes, it is also crucial that you provide justification of why you would like to join The University of Buckingham. The admissions tutors need justification as to why you want to transfer, so make sure to include this at the top of your personal statement.

How will transferring credits affect my Student Visa? E.g. Will I need to travel back to my country of domicile to apply for my visa?

If you are transferring from another university in the UK and have not completed the qualification at your previous University, transferring would involve acquiring a new Student visa. This would need to be obtained from your home country. You cannot transfer your Student visa between institutions.