Frequently Asked Questions

UKPSA (United Kingdom Professional Studies Academy) is a London-based academic institution that offers IACC-accredited professional education programmes. Founded to bridge the gap between professional experience and academic recognition, UKPSA provides structured pathways to internationally recognised qualifications in business, technology, and health. The institution is registered with Companies House (No. 16650407) and operates a fully online delivery model through the Macertis LMS platform, serving students and partner institutions across more than 30 countries.

Yes. UKPSA holds full accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Colleges (IACC), an independent body that evaluates educational institutions against rigorous international quality standards. This accreditation covers our institutional governance, academic programmes, assessment methods, and quality assurance processes. Our accreditation certificates and institutional documents are publicly available on our Accreditation page for full transparency.

UKPSA University is registered and headquartered in London, United Kingdom (Companies House No. 16650407), with offices at 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ. All programmes are delivered online through the Macertis LMS platform, enabling access from anywhere in the world without the need for physical attendance.

IACC (International Accreditation Council for Colleges) accreditation means that UKPSA has been independently evaluated and meets internationally recognised standards of academic quality. The evaluation covers governance, programme design, faculty qualifications, student services, and institutional integrity. IACC accreditation provides assurance to students, employers, and partner institutions that our qualifications meet rigorous quality benchmarks.

IVQA (International Verification & Quality Assurance) is an independent verification body that provides a public registry for diploma authentication. Every UKPSA diploma includes a unique reference number and QR code that can be verified through the IVQA portal. This allows employers, regulatory bodies, and other institutions to instantly confirm the authenticity and validity of any UKPSA credential, providing an additional layer of trust and transparency.

UKPSA is specifically designed for working professionals and adult learners. Unlike traditional universities that require physical attendance and follow fixed academic calendars, UKPSA delivers all programmes 100% online through the Macertis LMS platform. Students can study at their own pace from any location. Additionally, our VAE (Validation of Prior Experience) pathways enable professionals to convert their work experience into formal qualifications, a process not typically available at conventional institutions.

UKPSA offers three qualification levels aligned to established educational frameworks: Level 5 (Specialised Technician, equivalent to Bac+2/Foundation Degree), Level 6 (Professional Bachelor, equivalent to Bac+3/Bachelor's Degree), and Level 7 (Master, equivalent to Bac+5/Master's Degree). Each level has defined learning outcomes, competency requirements, and credit structures that reflect international academic standards.

UKPSA offers programmes across three main fields: Business & Management (including marketing, SME management, strategic leadership, and international trade), Technology & Digital Skills (including software development, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and systems engineering), and Health (pharmaceutical assistance and parapharmacy management). Each field includes multiple specialisations at different qualification levels.

All programmes are delivered 100% online through the Macertis LMS platform. This includes structured course modules with multimedia content, live virtual classrooms for interactive learning, formative and summative assessments, access to a digital library of academic resources, and direct communication channels with academic advisers. Students can study at their own pace from any location with internet access.

Programme duration depends on the qualification level and study mode. Level 5 (Specialised Technician) typically requires 1-2 years, Level 6 (Professional Bachelor) requires 3 years, and Level 7 (Master) requires 2 years following a Bachelor. For VAE candidates, the process is significantly shorter (typically 4 to 8 weeks) as it is based on the assessment of existing professional competencies rather than coursework.

UKPSA graduates work across a range of sectors including healthcare management, pharmaceutical assistance, IT infrastructure, software development, digital marketing, international trade, small business management, and public administration. Our graduates are active in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The combination of IACC accreditation and IVQA verification supports credential recognition by employers and institutions internationally.

Admission requirements vary by programme level. Level 5 typically requires secondary education completion (baccalaureate or equivalent). Level 6 requires a Level 5 qualification or equivalent academic background. Level 7 requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. For VAE pathways, a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience is required. All applicants must complete an eligibility assessment as part of the application process.

VAE is an academic process that enables professionals to obtain a diploma based on demonstrated professional experience, without attending traditional classes. Candidates compile a portfolio of evidence, including work samples, employer references, certifications, and professional achievements, that is reviewed by an expert panel against the learning outcomes of the targeted qualification. A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required.

UKPSA offers four pathways: VAE (Validation of Prior Experience) for candidates with relevant professional work experience, VES (Validation of Higher Education) for those with prior academic study that can be credited toward a UKPSA qualification, VAPP (Validation of Professional & Personal Experience) for programme access without formal academic prerequisites, and VAEC (Validation of Coaching Experience) for coaching and mentoring professionals seeking formal recognition.

Assessment follows a structured four-stage process: (1) application and eligibility confirmation, where the academic team reviews your background against the target qualification; (2) guided portfolio development with an assigned academic adviser who helps you document and organise your professional evidence; (3) panel evaluation by qualified assessors who assess your competencies against programme learning outcomes; and (4) a formal certification decision. The entire process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.

A VAE portfolio typically includes: a detailed CV and career narrative, professional work samples demonstrating relevant competencies, employer references or letters confirming your responsibilities and achievements, copies of relevant professional certifications or training certificates, project reports or case studies from your work, and a reflective statement linking your experience to the target qualification's learning outcomes. Your assigned academic adviser will guide you through the specific requirements.

Yes. The VAE pathway is specifically designed for professionals who can demonstrate the competencies and knowledge required for a qualification through their professional experience. No classroom attendance or online coursework is required. The assessment is based entirely on the portfolio of professional evidence you compile, reviewed by an expert academic panel. This makes VAE ideal for experienced professionals seeking formal recognition of skills they have already developed.

Every UKPSA diploma includes a unique reference number and QR code that can be verified through the IVQA (International Verification & Quality Assurance) public portal at any time. Employers, institutions, and regulatory bodies can instantly confirm the authenticity, qualification level, programme details, and issuance date of any UKPSA credential. This verification is permanent and free of charge, ensuring long-term value for graduates.

UKPSA diplomas are issued in three languages: English, French, and Spanish. Graduates can select their preferred language during the certification process. This multilingual approach supports international recognition and accessibility across different regions, particularly in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America where our graduates operate.

UKPSA qualifications carry IACC accreditation and IVQA verification, providing a strong foundation for international recognition. Our graduates and partner institutions operate across 30+ countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. While the level of formal governmental recognition may vary by jurisdiction, the combination of independent accreditation, transparent verification, and competency-based assessment provides employers and institutions with confidence in the quality of UKPSA credentials.

A competency-based qualification measures what a learner can actually do, not just what they know in theory. UKPSA programmes define clear learning outcomes (specific skills, knowledge areas, and professional behaviours) that students must demonstrate through assessments, projects, or portfolio evidence. This approach ensures that UKPSA graduates are not only academically qualified but practically prepared for the demands of their profession.

Institutions can apply for partnership through our online application process available on the Apply as Partner page. Each applicant undergoes a structured evaluation against UKPSA's quality standards, including assessment of institutional governance, academic capacity, facilities, and student support services. Approved partners gain access to UKPSA's full programme catalogue, the Macertis LMS platform, IVQA diploma verification services, and ongoing academic support from our team.

Partner institutions benefit from IACC-accredited programme delivery, access to the Macertis LMS platform for online and blended learning, IVQA diploma verification services for all graduates, international academic network membership connecting them to institutions across 30+ countries, co-branding opportunities with a UK-registered institution, and dedicated partnership management support from UKPSA's team.

Yes, an annual institutional adhesion fee applies. This fee covers access to UKPSA's programme catalogue, the Macertis LMS platform, quality assurance oversight, and ongoing academic support. The fee structure is transparent and discussed during the partnership evaluation process. Full details are provided to qualifying applicants following the initial assessment. Payment is processed securely through Stripe.

Partner institutions deliver UKPSA's standardised programme curriculum to ensure consistent quality across all locations. However, within the established framework, partners may adapt delivery methods (online, blended, or face-to-face), scheduling, and local support services to meet the needs of their student population. Any curriculum modifications must be approved by UKPSA's Academic Board to maintain accreditation standards.