Online degrees
without the high fees

Affordable study programmes with exclusive online modules fast tracking learners to a university qualification

How top-up degrees work?


University Progression Options


How top-up degrees work?

  • Academic courses offered by Online Alathena College are approved by OFQUAL awarding bodies, and universities will generally accept the credits awarded to students.
  • Online Alathena College can provide students with the requisite Ofqual documentation and transcript. Alternatively, students can visit the Ofqual website https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ to confirm the qualification. 
  • Students should make it clear to the university that the qualification is OFQUAL RQF validated at the stated level/credit value.
  • Each University will consider an application on its merits subject to their own specific entry requirements.
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The most flexible and
cost effect way to graduate

We make education accessible for students from all over the world. Our doors are open to the students of all ages and any levels of experience. By choosing us you are opting for a full-training program that will support you from start to finish.
Graduating Online Alathena College students can progress onto a University programme either to join at Undergraduate entry level, usually on completion of a Level 3 programme, or onto a “Top-Up” Degree, depending on the level of their completed Ofqual programme.
Generally, Level 3 is Undergraduate entry, Level 4 first year Degree, Level 5 second year Degree, Level 6 Graduate level and Level 7 Post Graduate level.
University Top-up courses require you to have a qualification in a relevant subject. Your chosen course should be closely tied to your previous qualification. However, it does not have to be the same subject. In many cases, if you have studied your Level 3/4/5/6 or 7 qualifications in English, an IELTS may not be required. 
There is a wide range of flexibility, allowing our students to have a plethora of career or completion prospects upon graduation from Online Alathena College courses. Universities will generally look at your broader experiences and motivations as well as formal qualifications.
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How you will learn?

Learner Journey

Our online business management, hotel and hospitality, and computing courses will help you obtain a diploma, which is recognised by employers and awarded by OFQUAL, the UK government higher education regulating body.

These diplomas can then be used as progression onto completion of a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree course, at an accredited UK or overseas university.
  • Choose a course
  • Study the course modules
  • Complete online multiple choice tests and written assignments
  • Receive your certificate and university credits
  • Top up your qualification and earn an undergraduate degree or MBA from your chosen university
Your degree or MBA will be awarded to you by the university you complete your final year with. We currently partner with UK universities, who accept the OFQUAL credits awarded from studying our courses.

Assessment

Assessment at Online Alathena College is a very straightforward process:
  • After you have completed an online module, you will have an online assessment to complete. This assessment contains 30 multiple-choice questions. You will have one hour to complete these questions, which are answered in sets of five, so you will have plenty of time to review and edit your answers. After an hour, the test will automatically time out.
  • After you have completed the test, your results will be displayed immediately. If you have passed, you will receive a certificate of completion. If you don’t pass, you will receive a notification of a “refer’’ where you will be told how to retake a module assessment. You can complete these modules at your own pace, as there is no deadline to complete the course.
  • When the online modules have been successfully completed, you will then be able to take the final written assignments provided by Online Alathena College that test your knowledge and understanding of the modules. After successful completion of these eight assignments, you will receive your diploma from the OFQUAL awarding organisation.
  • You will then be eligible to apply for progression onto a top up course through a recognised UK university on campus or by distance learning.

Levels Explained

  • The Level 3 Course is a 120 credit course, which is equivalent to 2 A levels. The course is made up of 6 modules and 6 written assignments. This course provides entry onto the first year of Undergraduate Degree course, or a Level 4 course.
  • Level 4 is the equivalent to the first year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme. The Level 4 course is made up of 10 modules and 8 assignments, which are equivalent to 120 university credits.
  • Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.
  • Upon completion of a Level 6 course, you will be eligible for admission onto a Postgraduate Business programme, including an MBA course. The level 6 course is made up of 10 modules and 6 written assignments.
  • The Level 7 course carries 120 credits which gives entry onto the MBA Top Up (one module or one module + dissertation) , this can be completed by studying either online or on campus at a recognised UK or overseas university. Our level 7 is made up of 30 modules and 8 written assignments.

Support

  • At Online Alathena College, we are with you every step of the way – you are never alone. We understand that some prospective students have the misconception that distance learning means you will be on your own. Fortunately, at OAC, that is not the case!
  • When you enrol onto your chosen course, you will be assigned a personal tutor. The tutor will be there to support you with any questions and further explanations on your course via email, phone or Zoom.
  • With Online Alathena College, you get OFQUAL approved courses, online learning flexibility, and unlimited tutor support for maximum study potential.

Progression Options

On completion of an Online Alathena College course, students have the following options available to them:

Study FULL TIME or PART TIME on campus in the UK for top-up courses or direct entry to University

Most Universities will accept Ofqual credits for advanced entry. Therefore students can choose their own University to study full time for a shorter period. Many Universities will also offer part time study programmes either as day release or evening study. Some may also offer weekend workshops. Please check this with your preferred University. (Click here to Find a University). Students should understand that these are general guidelines. Students should always check the requirements with their preferred University or local University Agent if they intend to apply. Many Universities operate part time/evening provision, and students should check possibilities with their preferred Universities first.

Study with UK Universities BASED OVERSEAS

Some UK universities operate overseas campuses and may accept local students on their programmes with advanced entry. For example, UK universities have campuses in Dubai, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, amongst many others. Students should check locally for these arrangements. There are several UK campuses in UAE https://www.guide2dubai.com/living/education/british-universities-dubai
Other examples are Hong Kong, Cyprus, Mauritius and several parts of South Asia. International students looking to complete in the UK may also visit the NARIC website to view equivalencies https://www.naric.org.uk/naric/

Study with NON UK UNIVERSITIES

Students may want to study at institutions nearer their home country or qualifications outside of UK. For example many Australian, Indian and Canadian universities offer distance learning and will recognise equivalent UK qualifications on a case by case basis.
USA universities will generally accept UK advanced entry students and equivalence but there is a huge difference between regions and universities with general policy.

Study for an AMBA MBA

The Association of MBAs is a membership organisation that provides accreditation and upholds the highest international standards of MBA programmes. Many UK Universities are Members and offer distance learning study. Although credits cannot be given, admission can be gained via the Online Alathena College Level 6 or 7 plus the requisite additional entry requirements of your chosen University. Students should check the regulations of their chosen University first.

Awarding body approved progression routes

Our awarding bodies work in close partnership with various universities to facilitate progression opportunities.Top up on campus or online with one of our awarding bodies:

Qualifi: https://qualifi.net/university-progression/
If you require more information regarding specific progression routes, these are available on each course page under ‘university progression’, alternatively you can contact the Online Alathena College Support team on info@alathenacollege.com for further advice and guidance.

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