Foundation Degrees

• What is a Foundation Degree?
• Why are Foundation Degrees important?
• The student perspective
• The employer perspective

What is a Foundation Degree?

Foundation Degrees are a new type of degree, first delivered in 2001 and the only new Higher Education qualification to be introduced in England in the last 25 years. They are developed and delivered by colleges, universities and employers and increasingly form part of provision available through LLNs such as ourselves.
Foundation degrees are employment-related Higher Education qualifications, at level 5 in the new QCA National Qualifications Framework just below Honours degree level (at level 6).

Foundation Degrees are designed by businesses

Foundation Degrees are relevant to business because they are designed and delivered in partnership with employers. Elements of the courses have been designed or suggested by people who know what they need in the workplace. That way, you know you’re employing people with skills you need to improve your business performance and profitability.

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Why are Foundation Degrees important?

Britain’s biggest economic competitors are nations with high levels of HE participation

There’s also evidence to suggest that demand for Higher Education qualifications will increase in the future as a response to the demand for higher-level skills, especially at the technical and associate professional level.

Foundation Degrees prioritise the needs of the employer

They are a great option for developing your existing workforce so that they can acquire relevant, applicable, high level skills.

Foundation Degrees are accessible

Work experience can count towards entry requirements. The institution delivering the Foundation Degree will decide if someone is eligible, and they’ll decide using a system called APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning) which uses work experience to judge ability to undertake the course.

Around half of all Foundation Degree students combine their studies with a job

More and more employers are recognising the value of Foundation Degrees as part of their programme of professional development for staff. A range of flexible learning modes means there’s no need for Foundation Degrees to disrupt business either.

The student perspective

If you’re already in work a Foundation Degree will give you the skills you need to develop, and for those choosing a full time degree, this is the perfect kick start to your career.
You’ll find more than 1,600 Foundation Degrees to choose from with a further 800 planned and each one designed with the working world in mind. Whatever you choose, you’ll be developing understanding, skill and knowledge that’s highly valued in business.

What to do next

Foundation Degrees are widening access to higher education and offering a new way to enhance individuals’ career prospects. Check out the list of current FDs we have available to see if we have something to suit your needs or contact us to find out more.

The employer perspective

Taking on a Foundation Degree graduate means choosing someone prepared for the world of work, able to apply their skills immediately in your business or organisation. For your current employees, Foundation Degrees offer relevant, valuable professional learning and development opportunities.
Employers can even help design their own Foundation Degrees, tailored to their organisation and the needs of their business and staff.

Continual Professional Development

Most Foundation Degree students are studying as part of their professional development, their learning tailored to fit in with their work and your business.

What to do next

Foundation Degrees are changing the way forward-thinking employers recruit and develop their staff, so you may be wondering what to do next! Contact us to find out more and discuss how you can play a part in devising new FDs or support your employees by offering them an opportunity to study a relevant FD.