The City College has been accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for Independent Further and Higher Education since 1985.

The British Accreditation Council was established in 1984, in succession to an earlier scheme run by the Department of Education and Science, and acts as the national accrediting authority for independent further and higher education in Britain. Its sponsors include the chief bodies responsible for the maintenance of academic standards in Britain, i.e. Universities, National Validating Bodies, Public and Professional Examining Boards, the British Council etc.

What does the accreditation mean? Accredited institutions satisfy the standards laid down by the BAC in respect of premises; general organisation; control and supervision of both students and staff; the quality of teaching and support services; including the suitability of courses for the needs of students, the welfare of students and legal and financial viability.

The Edinburgh Business School is the Graduate School of Heriot-Watt University. The City College is an Approved Support Centre of the Edinburgh Business School, providing tuition and tutorial support to students wishing to follow the Heriot-Watt MBA in London on a full-time basis. The rigorous approval process each centre must complete before it can offer the programme, ensures that students receive quality learning experience. Teaching, which is based on the course texts, is provided by academics that have been approved by the Edinburgh Business School.

Inaugurated in 1956, the Institute of Travel and Tourism seeks to develop and maintain professional standards throughout the travel industry for the benefit of its members. The Advanced Diplomas in Hospitality and Travel & Tourism Management are both accredited by the ITT of which The City College is a Corporate Member.

Under a validation and approval arrangement, The City College is offering undergraduate programmes in Business Management.