Alpha Virtual University
A recognised UK route into a full degree
Alpha Virtual University (Powered by Cavalier Dynamics Technology) is Cavalier’s online education arm. It is a registered UK learning provider and a licensed ATHE centre, delivering internationally recognised qualifications with a direct route into full university degrees.
Accreditation
Registered with a UK Top-Ranking Awarding Body (ATHE)
Alpha is licensed by ATHE, Awards for Training and Higher Education, a UK top-ranking awarding body. ATHE designs and awards regulated UK qualifications, so learners at Alpha receive recognised UK qualifications.
Courses & Levels (3–7)
| Level | What it represents |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | Foundation / introductory. Entry point for those new to a subject. |
| Level 4 | First year of undergraduate study (Certificate of Higher Education standard). |
| Level 5 | Second year of undergraduate study (Diploma / Foundation Degree standard). |
| Level 6 | Final year of undergraduate study (Bachelor’s degree standard). |
| Level 7 | Postgraduate study (Master’s degree standard). |
Entry Requirements
What Each Level Means for You?
| Level | What You Need Before You Start | Same As | After You Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Saudi High School Certificate (Thanawiya) or currently in secondary school, or relevant work experience | Final years of secondary school | Move up to Level 4, or a university foundation year |
| Level 4 | Saudi High School Certificate (Thanawiya) or a completed Level 3 | 1st year of a Bachelor’s degree | Move up to Level 5, or enter the 2nd year of a university degree |
| Level 5 | A completed Level 4 (or the 1st year of a Bachelor’s) | 2nd year of a Bachelor’s degree | Move up to Level 6, or enter the final year of a university degree |
Save the Time. Save the Money.
In Detail
Levels 3 & 4
Level 3 (for example, Diploma in IT or Law)
Level 3 is the same standard as the final years of Saudi secondary school (Thanawiya). It is for students leaving school, and for adults coming back to study.
Who Can Join
- Usual way: You have the Saudi High School Certificate (Thanawiya), or a similar school certificate from another country. Students in their final year of secondary school can also apply.
- Other ways: You have completed intermediate school (Level 2 standard) in a related subject.
- You are a working adult with experience in the field, for example an office or admin role at a law firm, or an IT support role.
Why do it: Level 3 is your foundation. It prepares you to move up to Level 4, or into a university foundation year.
Level 4 (for example, Diploma in Computing or Law)
Level 4 is the same standard as the first year of a Bachelor’s degree. When you finish, you can often enter directly into the second year of a matching university degree.
Who Can Join
- Usual way: You have a Level 3 qualification, such as the Saudi High School Certificate (Thanawiya) or a similar school certificate; an ATHE Level 3 Diploma in a related subject (IT, Business, Law); or a recognised college diploma of a similar standard.
- Other ways: You are a working adult (usually age 21 and above) with about 2 years or more of experience in a supervisor or manager role in IT, business, or a legal setting. A simple interview is usually part of this.
- For students from outside the UK, a good high school leaving certificate that matches the Level 3 standard.
Why do it: Level 4 gives you the full first year of university-level study.
Benefits, Progression & Schools
Benefits of Each Level
Recognised UK Qualification
An ATHE award at every stage of study.
A Step to a Degree
Each level is a funded step toward a full Bachelor’s or Master’s.
Employer-Relevant Skills
Mapped to real sector and employer needs.
Study While You Work
Flexible online delivery around your job.
Accelerated Level 7: a graduate can complete the ATHE Level 7 in as little as 6 months, then progress directly into a top-up Master’s / degree programme, reaching a postgraduate outcome faster and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional on-campus route.
Progression Degree Programme
Alpha’s qualifications are a route, not a dead end. Each completed ATHE level maps onto a stage of a UK-style degree, so learners can top up to a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a partner university.
| Level | Progresses toward |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | Entry to Level 4 / first year of undergraduate study. |
| Level 4 | Second year of a Bachelor’s degree. |
| Level 5 | Final year of a Bachelor’s degree (top-up to full BA/BSc). |
| Level 6 | Bachelor’s-level completion / entry to postgraduate study. |
| Level 7 | Top-up to a full Master’s degree. |
Our Schools
School of Law
ATHE law qualifications (Level 4 and 5 Extended Diplomas in Law), building legal knowledge and progression toward a law degree.
School of AI
Computing and AI qualifications from Level 3 awards to Level 7 Extended Diplomas in Computing Technologies (AI, Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Networking).
School of Healthcare
Healthcare and social-care qualifications from Level 3 to Level 7, including Healthcare Management certificates and diplomas.
Save the Time. Save the Money.
Contact
Start a conversation
Phone
Website
www.cavalier.com.sa
Office
Building No. 1432, Street No. 1232, 90671 King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh, Postal Code 13421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia