This Order lists the name of each body which is not a recognised body within section 214(2)(a) or (b) of the Education Reform Act 1988, but which appears to the Scottish Ministers either– a to provide any course which is in preparation for a degree to be granted by such a recognised body and is approved by or on behalf of that body; or b to be a constituent college, school, hall or other institution of a university which is such a recognised body.

Recognised bodies are: a universities, colleges or other bodies which are authorised by Royal Charter, or by or under Act of Parliament, to grant degrees; or b other bodies for the time being permitted by those bodies defined at section (a) to act on their behalf in the granting of degrees.

Such degrees are “recognised awards” and section 214(1) of the Act, which makes it an offence to grant or issue any invitation relating to certain unrecognised degrees and awards, does not apply to them.

The Order updates and replaces the list of bodies contained in the Education (Listed Bodies) (Scotland) Order 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/406), which is revoked. It includes a list, at Part III of the Schedule, of institutions offering courses leading only to Foundation Degrees. The Foundation Degree is an English qualification, at a level below the Bachelor’s Degree, available after two years of study. (A number of institutions included in Part I offering courses leading to a degree also offer courses leading to a Foundation Degree.)

The Order omits a number of institutions previously within the list but which are no longer validated by a recognised body, adds a number of institutions which have become listed bodies by virtue of new validation arrangements, and incorporates other minor amendments and name changes.