In the UK, the power to award degrees is regulated by law. The Privy Council is responsible for granting degree awarding powers and the right of an institution to call itself a university (known as 'university title').
These pages provide an introduction to taught, research and Foundation Degree awarding powers, and university title. They offer information on the key features; the guidance and criteria; the role of QAA; the role of the Advisory Committee on Degree Awarding Powers; making an application; the scrutiny process; and costs.
If you are simply looking for a list of institutions that are entitled to award degrees and other higher education qualifications, you should consult the lists of recognised bodies and recognised awards held by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Some institutions without degree awarding powers have formal arrangements in place to deliver courses leading to awards from recognised bodies. Institutions of this type are known as listed bodies. These lists are available on the website of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, at: www.bis.gov.uk/policies/higher-education.