Award verification and confirmation

Verify your award to pursue your educational, career, and life goals.

On this page you will find information on third-party verification, sharing your documents and where to go to legalise your certificate. 

Verification for employers and agencies

The Higher Education Degree Data check (HEDD) is an online degree verification service for employers and agencies to verify dates in study and qualifications obtained on undergraduate or postgraduate taught degrees at University of Staffordshire.

Please note that this service is for third parties only and the enquirer will need to register with HEDD directly. For further assistance, enquirers should email heddhelp@prospects.ac.uk.


Confirmation of award for graduates

If you would like a formal letter to confirm your award, then you can order an Award Confirmation letter from our online store. Take a look at our full list of services and charges. As part of our approach to be more sustainable we only issue Award Confirmation letters as a PDF.

What does an Award Confirmation letter include

An Award Confirmation letter will include the following information:

  • Your name
  • Awarding Institution
  • Qualification Achieved
  • Award Title
  • Classification
  • Award Date
  • Start and End Date of Studies
  • Mode of study (e.g. full-time or part-time)
  • Mode of delivery (e.g. on campus, distance learning)
  • Language of Delivery and Assessment
  • Confirmation of collaborative academic partnership (where applicable)

Award Confirmation letters are not stamped and are non-customisable; we cannot accommodate requests for text of your choosing to be added to your letter.

Who can have an Award Confirmation letter

Award confirmation letters can be ordered by anyone who has received formal notification of a University of Staffordshire award.

How do I request an Award Confirmation letter

To submit an order for an Award Confirmation letter you will need a validation code. You will not be able to submit an order without this.

To acquire a validation code please submit your request via awards@staffs.ac.uk. You will be asked to provide some supporting documents when logging your request so please make sure you have the following to hand:

  • Copy/photograph of your photo ID (e.g. passport).
  • Proof of name change (e.g. marriage certificate) if applicable.

Once the team have completed our ID checks you will be given a validation code and unique customer ID number.

It can take longer to issue a code for historic and overseas partner awards. An archive fee may apply, see a list of our charges.

You can then head to the online store, add an award confirmation letter to your basket and proceed to checkout. When prompted please enter the codes provided.

Once your payment is complete you will receive an email receipt. The team will email you with your Award Confirmation letter once your order is complete.

Frequently asked questions​

We've collated the most common questions we're asked about award verification and confirmation to help solve any problems or queries you might have.​

Can I get a paper copy?

We only issue Award Confirmation letters in PDF  format. 

Can I order multiple Award Confirmation letters?

If you have completed multiple awards, you can order an Award Confirmation letter for each. Each letter requested must be ordered and paid for separately. 

How long will it take to receive an Award Confirmation letter?

Orders can take up to 15 working days from the point of payment to process.

Can you send it to someone else on my behalf?

Your Award Confirmation letter will be sent to the email address used to place your order.

If you want your Award Confirmation letter to be sent to an email address other than your own, please let us know in your order when prompted to include additional details.

Can I submit an order on someone else’s behalf?

Award documents should only be purchased by the individual the award pertains to. We will not accept orders from third parties, including friends and relatives. 

What is acceptable ID?

We need to see some ID from you so that we can verify we have located your records. To complete our verification your ID should meet the below standards:

  • Is a legal form of ID – student cards will not be accepted.
  • Clearly displays your full name and date of birth.
  • Is still in date or expired within the last 6 months – there should be a clear expiry date.
  • Is in English or has been legally translated.
  • Your photo ID matches your name at the time of award – where it doesn’t, we will also need to see legal evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll), this is so we can link your current name back to the name we have on record.
  • Is clear and legible.

Examples of acceptable photo ID include, Passport, Driving Licence, National ID Card.

Sharing my documents with World Education Services (WES)

What is WES?

World Education Services (WES) is an International Credential Evaluation Service that provides credential evaluations for students who plan to work or study in: 

  • USA;
  • Canada
  • New Zealand

WES provide verification and assessments of foreign academic credentials.

What university documents does WES normally require?

 WES will usually require: 

  • a verified copy of your transcript  
  • a verified copy of your certificate (in some cases)  

These should be shared by either the University or through a secure portal.  

When submitting your WES application you will be informed of the exact documents required. 

How can I share my documents with WES?

If you have a digital transcript (HEAR) you can share this directly with WES.  

Your HEAR is an official document which can be electronically shared with any desired third party, including employers and other institutions, through the GradIntel service.  

Any documents shared though this service should be recognised as a verified university transcript but are only considered valid in their digital form not in PDF format.   

Visit WES’s web page for more details on how to send electronic academic records to WES.

Find out if you are eligible for a HEAR.

Please also read our HEAR FAQs for information about how to access and share your HEAR. 

I’m not eligible for HEAR, how can I share my documents with WES?

The University has an agreement with WES to share certified documents by digital transfer on the student’s behalf.  There is a charge for this service, see a list of our charges.

To facilitate this please share your:

  • Transcript (PDF format) 
  • Certificate (PDF format) 
  • Valid passport 
  • WES reference number 

Once the team have completed our checks you will be given a validation code and unique customer ID number.

It can take longer to issue a code for historic and overseas partner awards. An archive fee may apply, see a list of our charges. 

You can then head to the online store, add WES to your basket and proceed to checkout. When prompted please enter the codes provided.

Once your payment is complete you will receive an email receipt. The team will let you know when your documents have been transferred to WES.  

Note: we will only share documents issued by University of Staffordshire. If you have additional transcripts issued by another institution you will need to contact the institution directly to request your documents be shared.

Sharing documents with third parties

Verification requests

If a third party has requested verification of your award, then please direct them to the online verification service Higher Education Degree Data check (HEDD). We do not accept verification requests directly.  

Sharing transcripts

If you have a digital transcript (HEAR)

You can share this directly.

Your HEAR is an official document which can be electronically shared with any desired third party, including employers and other institutions, through the GradIntel service.  

Any documents shared though this service should be recognised as a verified university transcript but are only considered valid in their digital form not in PDF format.     

See our guidance on how to share your HEAR.

If you are not eligible for a digital transcript (HEAR)

We can share a PDF copy of your transcript with a third party on your behalf. There is a charge for this service, view our list of charges.

This will involve our team sharing the PDF of the transcript you have submitted to us with a third party via email, to confirm that this matches our records.

This is not the same as a certified document as no signature or stamp will be added to your documents. You will need to check with the third-party requesting verification of your transcript that this will be sufficient.

To facilitate this process please share the below via awards@staffs.ac.uk

  • Transcript (PDF format)
  • Valid photo ID

Once the team have completed our checks you will be given a validation code and unique customer ID number.

It can take longer to issue a code for historic and overseas partner awards. An archive fee may apply, see our list of our charges.

You can then head to the online store, add Transcript Verification to your basket and proceed to checkout. When prompted please enter the codes provided. You will be asked to provide the email address of the third-party(s) at this point.

Once your payment is complete you will receive an email receipt. The University will check your documents against our records. Upon successful verification your documents will be shared; you will be copied into the email verification to the third party.

What is acceptable ID?

We need to see some ID from you so that we can verify we have located your records. To complete our verification your ID should meet the below standards:

  • Is a legal form of ID – student cards will not be accepted.
  • Clearly displays your full name and date of birth.
  • Is still in date or expired within the last 6 months – there should be a clear expiry date.
  • Is in English or has been legally translated.
  • Your photo ID matches your name at the time of award – where it doesn’t, we will also need to see legal evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll), this is so we can link your current name back to the name we have on record.
  • Is clear and legible. 

Examples of acceptable photo ID include, Passport, Driving Licence, National ID Card.

Sharing documents abroad

We offer a variety of packages to support Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work applications for professional registration when emigrating abroad. 

Alumni* of the below courses are eligible for a package:

  • BA (Hons) Social Work
  • BA (Hons) Social Work Practice
  • MA Social Work
  • Postgraduate Diploma Social Work
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Adult)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child)
  • BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Mental Health)
  • MSc Nursing Practice (Adult) 
  • MSc Nursing Practice (Mental Health) 
  • BMid (Hons) Midwifery 
  • Diploma of Higher Education Registered Nurse

*This package is only available to those who completed one of these courses at a UK campus.

What is included in the package?

We offer hard-copy and digital emigration packages for both Social Work, Nursing & Midwifery (digital packages are subject to HEAR eligibility). 

Emigration packages can be purchased from our online store. View a list of our charges.

You should check with the regulatory body receiving your application which format is preferred before submitting an order. We cannot provide anything additional to this and will not be able to respond to requests to complete regulatory body forms. 

See below for information on package inclusions:

Social Work

 

Hard-Copy Package
  • Award Confirmation Letter  
    • Confirmation of award, classification, award date, and start and end dates, mode of study, mode of delivery, medium of instruction.
    • A statement to confirm the completion of total mandatory hours required to be awarded.
    • Confirmation that the qualification is approved by SWE/HCPC.
    • Application number (included upon individual request). 
  • Module Descriptors 
  • DHL Delivery 
Digital Package
  • Award Confirmation Letter (PDF format)
    • Confirmation of award, classification, award date, and start and end dates, mode of study, mode of delivery, medium of instruction.
    • A statement to confirm the completion of total mandatory hours required to be awarded.
    • Confirmation that the qualification is approved by SWE/HCPC.
    • Application number (included upon individual request). 
  • Module Descriptors (PDF format) 

Due to the varying requirements of different regulatory bodies, University of Staffordshire will not complete bespoke documentation for former students, all information will be provided in our own format.If there is something you require that we cannot provide you should advise the regulatory body before submitting an order.

University of Staffordshire cannot be held accountable should your application not be accepted.

Nursing and Midwifery

 

Hard-Copy Package
  • Transcript 
  • Award Confirmation Letter 
    • Confirmation of award, classification, award date, and start and end dates, mode of study, mode of delivery, medium of instruction. 
    • A statement to confirm the completion of total mandatory hours required to be awarded.
    • Confirmation that the qualification meets the approval requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of professional registration.
    • Application number (included upon individual request). 
  • Module Descriptors 
  • DHL Delivery 
Digital Package
  • Digital Transcript (HEAR) (PDF format) 
  • Award Confirmation Letter (PDF format)
    • Confirmation of award, classification, award date, and start and end dates, mode of study, mode of delivery, medium of instruction. 
    • A statement to confirm the completion of total mandatory hours required to be awarded.
    • Confirmation that the qualification meets the approval requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for the purpose of professional registration.
    • Application number (included upon individual request). 
  • Module Descriptors (PDF format) 

Due to the varying requirements of different regulatory bodies, University of Staffordshire will not complete bespoke documentation for former students, all information will be provided in our own format. If there is something you require that we cannot provide you should advise the regulatory body before submitting an order. 

University of Staffordshire cannot be held accountable should your application not be accepted. 

Digital package information

What is a digital transcript (HEAR)?

The digital transcript (HEAR) is an extended digital transcript you can access which contains detailed information about your learning and achievements.  The HEAR allows graduates to digitally share an authentic record of their studies with agencies and employers, providing more flexibility than paper transcripts.

Students who were awarded from 2016 onwards will have been issued a digital transcript (HEAR) (exemptions will apply to International Partner college or institution students).

Visit our HEAR page for more information.

How will my digital transcript HEAR be shared with the third-party

Graduates who decide to purchase a digital package will be advised to share their HEAR with the third-party directly. HEAR is designed to be shared directly by the graduate via the GradIntelligence portal – it is recognised as a verified document when shared in this format. See our guidance on how to share your HEAR.

Please check with the third-party how they would like to receive your transcript before selecting a digital package. 

How do I request an emigration package?

 To submit an order for an emigration package you will need a validation code. You will not be able to submit an order without this.

To acquire a validation code please submit your request via awards@staffs.ac.uk. You will be asked to provide some supporting documents when logging your request so please make sure you have the following to hand:

  • Copy/photograph of your photo ID (e.g. passport).
  • Proof of name change (e.g. marriage certificate) if applicable.

Once the team have completed our ID checks you will be given a validation code and unique customer ID number.

It can take longer to issue a code for historic and overseas partner awards. An archive fee may apply, see our list of our charges. 

You can then head to the online store, add the appropriate emigration package to your basket and proceed to checkout. When prompted please enter the codes provided.

Once your payment is complete you will receive an email receipt. The team will let you know when your order has been dispatched/shared.

What is acceptable ID?

We need to see some ID from you so that we can verify we have located your records. To complete our verification your ID should meet the below standards:

  • Is a legal form of ID – student cards will not be accepted.
  • Clearly displays your full name and date of birth.
  • Is still in date or expired within the last 6 months – there should be a clear expiry date.
  • Is in English or has been legally translated.
  • Your photo ID matches your name at the time of award – where it doesn’t, we will also need to see legal evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll), this is so we can link your current name back to the name we have on record.
  • Is clear and legible 

Examples of acceptable photo ID include, Passport, Driving Licence, National ID Card.

Legislation and Apostille

Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a UK public document is genuine and is often required by foreign authorities before they will accept a UK public document for use in their country.

Notarised Copies can only be obtained from an independent notary: for the UK, please see the Notary Society.

The Apostille is the stamp/certification which is issued by the competent authority in the country. In the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) Legalisation Office is the only competent authority to issue apostilles and legalisation certificates. Please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for details on how to apply for your document to be legalised.

Other useful websites

University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021