Study American.
Graduate British.
Through our UK partnership, the same Open Credits coursework that earns you US college credit can also earn you a UK Level 5 Extended Diploma. Walk straight into the final year of a UK bachelor's at 30+ universities.
One study. Two credentials.
US recognised credits and a UK-recognised Level 5 Extended Diploma — from a single set of coursework.
What is the Open Credits UK Pathway?
The short version — and why it matters for your degree.
UK-recognised credits
Our UK partner issues qualifications recognised across the UK higher-education system, with every diploma independently verifiable.
One study, two credentials
The same Open Credits coursework is mapped to both US and UK credit systems — your effort unlocks credit in the US and a Level 5 Extended Diploma in the UK with no duplicate work.
Direct entry to UK Year 3
Level 5 is the equivalent of two full years of a UK bachelor's. Graduates enter Year 3 directly at 30+ universities across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Three steps — from enrolment to a UK degree.
Layer UK recognition onto the studying you're already doing. No separate programme. No second stack of textbooks.
Study with Open Credits
Enrol in the 20+ Open Credits courses that map to your chosen diploma — Business or Computer Science. Self-paced, mobile-friendly, transferable credits.
Complete UK assignments
Add a short UK-mapped assignment layer to your Open Credits coursework. One extra step unlocks the UK qualification. A $6,500 UK pathway fee applies.
Enter UK Year 3
Use your Level 5 Extended Diploma to walk straight into the final year of a UK bachelor's at any of 30+ progression universities.
Two Level 5 Extended Diplomas to choose from.
Both diplomas are built from Open Credits units and recognised by our UK progression partners.
Strategic Business Management
Built from 20 mandatory Open Credits units across finance, management, leadership, business law, entrepreneurship, marketing, economics, and global business.
Computer Science
Built from 22 Open Credits units spanning programming, systems, databases, networking, cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering.
Walk into 30+ UK universities — direct entry.
Each university below has an established progression route. Your Level 5 Extended Diploma is your ticket in.
University of Central Lancashire
Year 3Founded 1828. Multi-campus with 350+ undergraduate courses and 42,000+ students from over 100 countries.
University of Leicester
Year 3Public research university. Known globally for inventing genetic fingerprinting. Strong in research & teaching.
Anglia Ruskin University
Year 3Strong focus on employability and real-world skills. Wide range of business & technology disciplines.
University of Wolverhampton
Year 3Recognised for social mobility and commitment to business, engineering, and health sciences.
University of Derby
Year 3Career-focused programmes with strong industry partnerships. Hands-on learning in business, arts, and health.
Arden University
Year 3Specialises in flexible, online learning. Career-oriented programmes with strong student support.
University of Law
Year 3Specialist in legal and business education. Strong connections with practising legal professionals.
Plymouth Marjon University
Year 3Small class sizes, strong personal support, and professionally relevant programmes.
BPP University
Year 3Specialises in professional education — law, business, finance, and health. Strong industry ties.
Buckinghamshire New University
Year 3Practical, career-focused programmes. Known for creative arts, aviation, and healthcare.
University of West of Scotland
Year 3Strong focus on research & innovation in health, engineering, and business.
De Montfort University
Year 3Leicester-based. Innovative teaching with strong industry connections in creative arts, business, and engineering.
Glasgow Caledonian University
Year 3Scotland-based. Committed to social innovation and global impact.
University of East London
Year 3Diverse institution focused on social justice and community. Strong in urban and social studies.
Leeds Beckett University
Year 3Vibrant student community. Strong in sports, business, and creative industries with employability focus.
Liverpool John Moores University
Year 3Research and innovation focused. Excels in engineering, sports science, and maritime studies.
London South Bank University
Year 3Practical, career-focused education in engineering, health, and business.
Northumbria University
Year 3Newcastle-based. Strong in business, law, engineering and creative industries.
Staffordshire University
Year 3Digital technology and innovation focus. Excels in gaming, computer science, and creative arts.
Bath Spa University
Year 3Emphasis on creativity and the arts. Particularly strong in music, visual arts, and creative writing.
University of Bedfordshire
Year 3Strong focus on employability and practical skills. Notable in business, health, and creative industries.
University of Bolton
Year 3Supportive learning environment. Strong in engineering, health, and creative arts.
University of Gloucestershire
Year 3Vibrant campus with sustainability and employability focus.
University of Cumbria
Year 3Strong in education, health, and the arts. Emphasis on practical skills and community engagement.
University of Huddersfield
Year 3Strong placement programmes across various fields. Top-tier facilities and vibrant campus.
University of Chichester
Year 3Close-knit community with a student-focused approach. Strong in arts, humanities, and sports programmes.
University of Lincoln
Year 3Innovative teaching, strong industry connections in engineering, media, and health sciences.
University of Suffolk
Year 3Forward-thinking. Strong in health, business, and arts with personalised support for student success.
Bangor University
Year 3Wales-based. Research excellence in environmental science, psychology, and oceanography.
Wrexham University
Year 3North Wales. Student-centered with strong employability focus.
Birmingham City University
Year 3Practical skills and employability focus. Strong in creative and professional sectors.
The Open University
Year 3Global pioneer in distance learning. Flexible, high-quality education accessible worldwide.
Exact entry point varies by programme and university. Most universities accept Year 3 direct entry for Level 5 graduates; some may place you at Year 2 depending on the degree. Your Open Credits advisor confirms the exact pathway for your target university.
Already studying with us? You're halfway there.
Whichever system you enrolled in first, your credits travel with you. One set of coursework, two recognised credentials.
Already an Open Credits student?
Add the UK assignment layer to your existing Open Credits coursework. A $6,500 UK pathway fee covers the additional UK process — and you walk away with a UK Level 5 Extended Diploma alongside your US credits. One set of study. Two credentials.
Enrolled in the UK programme first?
Your Level 5 studies also count toward credit at Open Credits' US partner universities. One transcript, recognised on both sides of the Atlantic.
See what you actually save.
Compare the Open Credits + UK pathway against studying three full years directly in the UK as an international student.
- Open Credits courseworkYour custom plan
- UK pathway fee$6,500
- UK Year 3 tuition (est.)$16,380
- Total (excl. Open Credits plan)$22,880
- UK tuition × 3 years$49,140
- Living cost × 3 years$44,000
- Visa & insurance (3 yrs)$2,800
- Total$95,940
Open Credits coursework is priced on a custom plan based on the courses you take — your advisor will give you exact numbers in your call. UK estimates assume mid-range international tuition. Actual costs vary by programme, intake, scholarships, and exchange rate.
Ready to begin?
For Students
Talk to an Open Credits Advisor to confirm eligibility, understand tuition at your chosen UK university, and lock in your intake date. Fifteen minutes is all it takes.
Contact an AdvisorFor Centres & Institutions
Become an Open Credits study centre in your country. Offer UK pathways to your students with full academic and operational support.
Partner with usCommon Questions
Yes. The Level 5 Extended Diploma is issued through our UK partner and recognised by 30+ UK universities for direct Year 3 entry.
No additional core courses — you complete the same Open Credits coursework and add a short UK-mapped assignment layer on top.
The UK pathway fee is $6,500 on top of your standard Open Credits plan. Your advisor will share an exact, all-in number for your situation.
Most students complete the Level 5 Extended Diploma in 9–18 months at a self-paced load. You then enrol directly into UK Year 3.
Yes — credits flow both ways. Add the UK layer to your existing coursework and earn the diploma without restarting.
Consultation & Guarantee, built in.
Every learner gets a personal advisor, plus our promise that your credits will count.
Credited toward any plan or bundle you purchase.
Free 1:1 Consultation
Talk to a real Open Credits advisor before you enroll. We learn your degree plan, target university, and timeline, and recommend the exact courses that fit your goals.
- • Personalized course mapping for your university
- • Transfer eligibility check, upfront
- • Clear roadmap to graduation, faster & cheaper
Course Acceptance Guarantee
If a course you took on our recommendation isn't accepted by your university, we'll replace it with an equivalent course, at no extra cost. Your progress is protected.
- • Free swap to an equivalent accepted course
- • Advisor support through the transfer process
- • Peace of mind on every credit you earn
Talk to an advisor, free.
Book a free 1:1 consultation. We'll map your degree, check transfer eligibility, and recommend the right plan, backed by our Course Acceptance Guarantee.
