On completion of a degree students will receive a degree certificate. This certificate helps increase our chance of being hired and is a method of demonstrating our academic ability to future employers. But what is the significance of a degree certificate, why is it important and does it display your grade?
In short, yes, your degree certificate does display your overall grade. This is known as your degree classification. Although the classification is displayed, detailed grade information is not provided. Your degree certificate states your name, the qualification you have received and the degree classification you have achieved, for example a ‘First-Class Degree’.
If you wish to learn more about degree certificates, then continue reading for more detail on relevant questions you may have on the topic.
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What is a Degree Certificate?
Degree certificates are issued upon completion of Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees. The certificate acts as an official and formal educational credential which is issued to students.
A degree certificate signifies the standard of knowledge that the student has reached about a certain subject or vocation. Click here to see what a typical degree certificate would include at Oxford University.
Most students will receive their degree certificate at a graduation ceremony held in-person –attendance is normally free of charge. Most universities will not allow the certificate to be collected by someone other than the person who completed the course. If you cannot make it to the ceremony, or you would simply prefer to collect it via an alternate method, you need to contact your university regarding this. Most likely, your institution will post the degree to your address, but keep in mind some universities charge delivery costs.
Furthermore, some universities do not offer electronic degree certificates or additional paper copies, if they do, they may charge an additional fee for these copies and give a set time period on receiving these extra copies.
A transcript will also be issued by your university which entails a detailed record of your marks or grades. However, it’s important to note that a degree certificate is not equivalent to a transcript, and they are used for distinctly different reasons.
How Do You Apply For a Degree Certificate?
Your institution’s website will share their specific process on how to apply for your degree certificate as it may differ slightly depending on which university you attend, but generally, the process is fairly similar.
You will need to provide your personal details, most likely including your name, address, contact details, etc. Universities are also likely to ask for identification such as a passport or a birth certificate.
They will also require obvious information regarding your course, such as your grades which you likely have to provide documents for. Click here for more detail on how to apply for a degree certificate.
What Might You Need a Degree Certificate For?
A degree can be a brilliant tool to further your career in multiple fields which is why your degree certificate is important. Future employers will require proof of your qualifications as will universities and other institutions if you decide to continue down the academic route.
For example, to further your qualifications, you can apply to do a master’s degree at university where you will be asked to submit your final transcripts and for some universities, your degree certificate will also be required. Proof of attending the proper ceremonies and your final grade is often compulsory.
How Do You Replace a Degree Certificate?
If your certificate gets damaged or lost you should contact your institution, as under some circumstances, you can apply to receive a new certificate. A magistrate, commissioner for oaths, or practising solicitor should be able to sign a statutory declaration, which is required for a replacement.
Generally, there is a cost to replace your degree certificate, so we advise that you keep your certificate in a safe place to avoid this scenario.
What is a University Transcript?
A transcript is a documented record of all your grades and marks awarded by your university. A transcript is likely to display the following:
- Your name
- Institution of study
- A list of all courses taken
- A list of all grades received
- Your grade
- Your credit values
- A signature or a stamp for certification provided by the registry of your previous institution.
You can usually get a copy from your institution’s registry department. Once a student has graduated, the transcripts will include award details and study dates. Click here to see what a typical transcript looks like.
What Might You Need a University Transcript For?
Your final transcript is likely to be requested by future employers and by universities if you wish to take on a higher degree. The transcript acts as an identification marker for your qualifications and skills and is used for reference purposes.
How Much Do University Transcripts Cost?
Upon completion of a degree, all students should receive one transcript free of charge. However, for additional copies of transcripts, universities may charge a fee, for example, the University of Birmingham charge £10 for a transcript, but this will vary depending on your institution.