University of Essex Online degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, an experienced online learning provider.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). An independent charity, the agency is trusted by governments and funding bodies to ensure students receive the highest quality education. 

Office for Students (OfS)

We are registered in the Approved (fee cap) category with the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England. They work with higher education providers to ensure success for their students, whatever their circumstances. The OfS aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers.

Teaching Excellence Framework

We were rated Silver in the OfS’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 results. This recognises our commitment to excellent student experiences and outcomes, with outstanding ratings awarded for learning environment and academic support; teaching assessment and feedback; progression; and continuation and retention.

Transparency return

All English higher education providers that are registered with the OfS have to complete an annual Transparency return. The Transparency return looks at the number of applications we received, how many offers we made in relation to those applications, and how many of those offers were accepted which resulted in students registering with us. It also shows these numbers in reference to gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic background.

AACSB accreditation

The University of Essex has been proudly awarded AACSB Business accreditation; this applies to some business courses delivered by University of Essex Online.  

International degree recognition

All of our degree programmes are awarded by the University of Essex, a higher education institution recognised by the UK Government.

Upon successful completion of your degree, you will receive the same degree certificate as if you had studied on campus and there is no mention of the online delivery mode on the certificate. However, the online delivery mode is outlined on the transcript that is issued upon completion which provides a detailed record of your marks and grades.

Practices for the recognition of higher education qualifications vary significantly in different countries and also change from time-to-time. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that any degree you undertake with us is appropriate for your needs and what you want to do upon completion. This may mean checking the international degree recognition rules in your country of residence set by government, regulatory bodies and employers.