UK universities officially recognise OTHM diplomas, giving international students clear pathways into undergraduate and postgraduate study. Because OTHM is regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), its programmes are considered equivalent to UK standards — from Level 3 foundation diplomas up to Level 7 postgraduate diplomas.
This recognition opens doors for thousands of students each year. For example, completing Level 3 can lead to a bachelor’s admission, while Levels 4–6 are equal to the first, second, and final years of a UK bachelor’s degree. At Level 7, learners can move directly into the dissertation stage of a master’s or MBA programme. According to OTHM centre reports, more than 95% of graduates progress either into higher education or improved career positions after completing their qualification.
In this article, we’ll share a detailed list of UK universities that accept OTHM qualifications, explain the types of degree progression routes available (top-ups, direct entry, and master’s pathways), and highlight why so many international students are choosing OTHM as their bridge to world-class British education.
In this blog, we will cover:
- What OTHM qualifications are and why they are valuable
- A full list of UK universities that accept OTHM diplomas
- The progression routes (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, MBA, DBA)
- Key benefits of choosing OTHM for your UK study pathway
This guide will help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your higher education journey.
What is OTHM?
OTHM (Organisation for Tourism and Hospitality Management) is a UK-based awarding body regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). It provides internationally recognized diplomas from Level 3 to Level 8 in areas like Business, Accounting, IT, Health & Social Care, Logistics, Tourism, Education, and Leadership.
One of the biggest advantages of OTHM qualifications is that they provide direct university progression routes in the UK and overseas. That means students can use their OTHM diploma to gain advanced entry into degree programs, MBA, or even doctoral studies.
Complete List of OTHM Accepted UK Universities
Below is the official and most up-to-date list of UK universities accepting OTHM qualifications (2025 update).
1. Anglia Ruskin University
- Entry into Year 1 with Level 3
- Top-up degrees for OTHM Level 4 & 5
2. Arden University
- Level 4 → Year 2 entry
- Level 4 & 5 → Final year top-up (Business, Tourism, IT, Law, Logistics, Project Management)
- Level 7 → MSc Accounting & Finance (top-up)
3. Aston University
- Level 7 Diploma in Accounting & Finance → MSc Professional Accounting & Finance
4. Bangor University
- Level 3 → Year 1 (Business, Law, IT, Health & Social Care, Engineering)
- Level 4 → Year 2 entry
- Level 4 & 5 → Final-year top-ups
5. Buckinghamshire New University
- Level 3 Diploma in Fashion & Textiles → BA (Hons) progression
6. Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership → MBA top-up
7. Curtin University (UK campus pathway)
- Level 3 → Year 1 entry across undergraduate programs
8. De Montfort University
- Level 3 → Year 1 entry
- Level 4 → Year 2 entry
- Level 4 & 5 → Top-ups in Business, Accounting, Tourism, International Business
9. Northumbria University
- Level 4 & 5 → Final-year entry in multiple disciplines
- Level 7 → MBA top-ups in Finance, HRM, Marketing, Leadership
10. University of Chester
- Level 7 Education Management → MA Educational Leadership
11. University of Gloucestershire
- Level 8 Strategic Management → Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
12. University of Greenwich
- Level 6 & 7 in Occupational Health & Safety → MSc Safety, Health & Environment
13. University of Northampton
- Level 7 Diplomas in Accounting, HRM, Strategic Management → MSc / MBA top-ups
14. University of South Wales
- Level 4 & 5 Early Childhood Education → BA (Hons) final-year
15. University of Staffordshire
- Level 7 Strategic Management → MBA top-up
- Level 4 & 5 Cyber Security → BSc (Hons) Computer Science top-up
16. University of Sunderland
- Level 3 → Year 1
- Level 4 & 5 → Year 2 or final-year top-ups in Business, HRM, Tourism, Marketing
- Level 7 → MBA/MSc top-ups
17. University of the Highlands and Islands
- Level 4 & 5 Diplomas → Year 2 or Year 3 BA (Hons) entry
18. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
- Level 4 & 5 Diplomas → Top-ups in Accounting, Education, IT, Data Science
Other Universities Accepting OTHM (Verify Individually)
In addition to the official OTHM partners, many UK institutions accept OTHM on a case-by-case basis. These include:
- University of Portsmouth
- Middlesex University
- University of Derby
- University of West London
- University of Chichester
- London Metropolitan University
- Leeds Beckett University
It’s always best to confirm with the admissions office before applying.
Why Choose OTHM Pathways to UK Universities?
- Globally Recognized – OTHM is regulated by Ofqual, making it widely accepted.
- Cost-Effective – You can complete Level 4 & 5 diplomas at a lower cost, then “top-up” with just 1 year at a UK university.
- Time-Saving – Skip full degree durations; progress directly to final year or master’s top-up.
- Flexible Levels – Options from Foundation (Level 3) up to Doctorate (Level 8).
- Career-Focused – OTHM courses are designed to build practical skills aligned with the UK job market.
If you are searching for the complete OTHM accepted UK universities list, the above universities are your best options for 2025 and beyond. From undergraduate entry to MBA and doctoral progression, OTHM diplomas open multiple academic doors in the UK.