Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with workplace learning. They have been designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers and are available in a range of work-related subjects.
Foundation Degrees are type of degree that are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that businesses are looking for. They also offer a route into higher education. The qualification is broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree and can lead straight to a job, or prepare you for developing your professional skills in the future.
Foundation Degrees are offered by a growing number of higher education and further education colleges and you can learn in a way that suits you:
It takes around two years to complete a Foundation Degree full-time, or three to four years part-time.
Foundation Degrees are at 'intermediate' level on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The framework shows how different higher education qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.
There are over 1,700 Foundation Degrees courses running, with a further 900 planned. These cover a wide range of subjects that include veterinary nursing, e-commerce, health and social care and forensic science.
There are no set entry requirements so check with the university or college to see if you have the necessary experience, or qualifications, to do a particular Foundation Degree. Alternatively, search for Foundation Degree courses at the UCAS website, the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses.
Different Foundation Degree courses will assess you in different ways. Most courses involve a mixture of exams and coursework, plus assessment of the learning you do in the workplace. Some ask you for a written dissertation that you produce at the end of the course.
Generally, there are no grades for Foundation Degrees and in most cases you are awarded either a 'pass' or 'fail'. Some, however, may also offer a 'distinction'.
If you are not happy with your award and want to appeal, you will need to follow the appeals procedure at your college or university.
As they are designed in collaboration with businesses, Foundation Degrees can often lead straight to a job. You can also use your Foundation Degree to progress to a bachelor's degree with further study, this normally takes about a year.
You can find out more about Foundation Degrees, including how to apply, from 'Foundation Degree Forward'.
Education, learning and skills
