How the UK Degree Pathway Works in Cambodia
See how NCC Education Levels 3, 4 and 5 connect to the final online UK Bachelor’s degree stage.
Many families in Cambodia want a British degree but cannot spend three or four years paying for study and living costs overseas. The pathway at the International Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) Cambodia is built for them. You complete most of your studies on our Phnom Penh campus and finish with a UK Bachelor’s degree, without leaving Cambodia.
Here is how the four stages fit together.
The four stages
| Stage | Where you study | Your qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | IIHE Cambodia campus | NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Business or Computing |
| Year 2 | IIHE Cambodia campus | NCC Education Level 4 Diploma |
| Year 3 | IIHE Cambodia campus | NCC Education Level 5 Diploma |
| Year 4 | Online, with continued support at IIHE Cambodia | UK Bachelor’s degree validated and awarded by the University of Greater Manchester |
Year 1: Level 3 Diploma
Year 1 prepares you for university study in English. You build subject knowledge, academic writing and study skills. If you already hold a recognised qualification, you may be able to start at a later stage.
Year 2 and Year 3 (Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas)
These two years cover the core of your degree subject, Business or Computing. You attend classes in person with IIHE trainers, use NCC Education’s online learning materials and complete official assessments and examinations. NCC Education awards each diploma.
Year 4: the UK degree stage
After Level 5, you move to the final top-up year. It is validated and awarded by the University of Greater Manchester, and delivered online by Western International College Online (WINC). You can keep using the IIHE Cambodia campus and receive local support while you study.
Who does what
- NCC Education is a UK awarding body, established as a computing initiative of the British Government in 1966. It develops the programmes, provides the learning materials and awards the Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications.
- IIHE Cambodia registers you with NCC Education, provides qualified trainers, organises assessments and examinations, monitors your progress and coordinates each stage.
- The University of Greater Manchester validates and awards the final Bachelor’s degree.
- Western International College Online (WINC) delivers the final top-up programme online.
IIHE Cambodia is accredited by NCC Education, not by the university.
What you need to know before you start
- You must successfully complete each stage before you move to the next.
- Entry to the final stage is subject to the published university requirements.
- Entry to the Level 3 Diploma: 4 secondary school subjects at grade C or equivalent, including English and Maths, plus an IELTS score of 5.5 or above, or a pass (40% or more) in the free NCC Education Higher English Placement Test at IIHE Cambodia.
- The standard route takes four academic years.
Next step
The easiest way to understand where you would start is a free consultation. Bring your latest education documents and, if you like, your parents. We will explain the pathway, fees and next intake in Khmer or English.