Foundation Degrees

Launched in 2001, Foundation Degrees were the first new higher education qualification introduced in 25 years. They represent a significant step forward in the design and delivery of degree level education, bringing institutions and employers together to create a blend of academic and work-based learning.
In partnership with institutions, businesses are creating Foundation Degrees tailored to their organisation and the needs of their business and staff.

Foundation degrees are an alternative to honours degrees and  provide the opportunity for people who are working and wish to gain formal academic qualifications to do so without having to give up work. They can choose to progress further in the field in which they are already employed by choosing a tailor made Foundation Degree that is relevant to their line of work or something different to enable them to progress into a new area of work.

Foundation Degrees are offered by universities in partnership with higher education institutions and further education colleges. Flexible study methods make them attractive to people already in work, unemployed people or those wanting to embark on a career change. On successful completion, foundation degree graduates can revisit their career options and may choose to progress to further professional qualifications, or to a bachelor degree with further study which normally takes about a year. The qualification on its own is broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor degree and can lead straight to a job or prepares the student for developing professional skills in the future.

Foundation Degrees are an intermediate, work-related higher education qualification designed in conjunction with employers to meet skills shortages at higher technician and associate professional levels.

Students learn in a way that suits them, either through distance learning in the workplace, online or a combination of the two. It takes around two years to complete a Foundation Degree full time or three to four years part time.

There are over 1,700 Foundation Degrees courses running, with a further 900 planned. These cover a wide range of subjects, including: veterinary nursing, e-commerce, health and social care and forensic science.

For more information on Foundation Degrees and how to apply, please visit the UCAS website.

HEFCE Report 2010
A HEFCE report published April 2010 shows that the number of foundation degree students is on track to exceed the government target of 100,000 by 2010.
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BT and Foundation Degrees
Back in 2006, BT set up a Foundation Degree for its Higher Apprentice intake. Since then, they have collaborated with higher education institutions to create a series of Foundation Degrees such as IT for business, Computer Network and Communications, and Telecoms and Management. To see a case study featuring BT's Foundation Degrees please download the document in either Word or PDF

Targets
According to Foundation Degree Forward, the popularity of Foundation Degrees continues to rise. The government set a target of 100,000 students by 2010 and the number of students studying has now risen for the eighth year in a row. Latest figures show that 87,339 are enrolled on Foundation degree courses for 2008/09, up from 71,999 in the previous academic year. Read the full article here.

Foundation Degree Forward

Foundation Degree Forward was set up by the Government to encourage workforce development and partnerships between employers and higher education across all qualifications.

The organisation provides a range of services for employers, students and information providers about existing foundation degree courses, and the procedures for developing new courses. It also works with representative bodies, such as the Sector Skills Councils, regional development agencies, and public sector organisations to ensure courses meet the requirements of business and industry. The Foundation Degree Forward website provides a wealth of information that is relevant to anyone with an interest in Foundation Degrees.

Key Statistics
In May 2008, HEFCE published a report entitled 'Key Statistics 2001-02 to 2007-08'. It describes key characteristics of Foundation Degree programmes and students. It covers the trends in student numbers, the characteristics of programmes, attributes of students, students' feedback, progression and qualification rates, progression to further study and employment outcomes, and support from employers.

Download this report in Word or PDF .

Aimhigher also play a key role in Foundation Degrees. See "Foundation Degrees in Greater Manchester" for work in this area. 

Useful Links

HEFCE
HEFCE's Foundation degree pages provide informtion for a variety of users about Foundation Degrees, how they came about and how they are related to the Employment Engagement Programme.

UCAS Foundation Degree Course Search
Useful for anyone thinking of studying for a Foundation Degree, this website provides a comprehensive list of courses available and how to appy.

Directgov
A wealth of information is provided on Directgov's website regarding Foundation degrees. Commonly asked questions are answered and there are links to available courses and how to apply.

Uni4me
Uni4me holds lots of useful information on Foundation Degrees such as what they are, who they are for and much more.

Connexions
Connexions provides a service that aims to give out information to 13-19 year olds regarding future life choices and chances.

QAA - Download a copy of the QAA report 'Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark' here, in PDF . This section of the QAA website details the benchmark of the Foundation Degree qualification and provides information on how the qualification compares to others.