Foundation Degrees
What the Government has to say
On 22 January 2003 the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, announced the publication of the White Paper 'The Future of Higher Education', which sets out the Government's plans for radical reform and investment in universities and HE colleges. The paper includes proposals for changes in the student finance system, and plans for making higher education more accessible to more young people.
Foundation degrees feature strongly in the document. Here is what the Government had to say on foundation degrees:
'We will drive forward foundation degrees, making them the main work-focused higher education qualification.'
'One of their key features is that employers play a role in designing courses, so both they and the students can be certain that they will be gaining the skills that are really needed in work.'
'Recently, the Department of Health announced that any health service employee with 5 years service will be entitled to training and development leading to an appropriate foundation degree. For teachers, new foundation degrees are being developed as routes into some BEd courses, and dedicated foundation degrees will be part of the new standards and qualifications framework proposed for higher level teaching assistants.* (please see footnote at bottom of this page).By providing an important route to further career development, foundation degrees have a key role to play in the modernising both private and public sector workforces.'
The full text of the White Paper 'The Future of Higher Education' can be viewed by clicking on to the link below. www.dcsf.gov.uk/highereducation/hestrategy
What is a Foundation Degree?
The foundation degree is a vocationally focused higher education qualification. The aim is to increase the number of people qualified at higher technician level and associate professional level for example Teaching Assistants. It is located at intermediate level in the Framework for Higher Education qualifications (FHEQ). Other qualifications at the same intermediate level include NVQ Level 4 and the HND. The next level up is 'honours' level, which covers degrees with titles such as Bachelor of Arts (Hons) or Bachelor of Science (BSc(Hons)).
Foundation degrees equips students with a combination of technical skills, academic knowledge and transferable skills for the job market. Developed in consultation with leading employers national training organisations and professional bodies, foundation degrees are here to train the professionals of tomorrow. Course content and qualifications are monitored, assessed and awarded through UK universities.
Flexibility
Different foundation degrees have different student audiences. FD programme should reflect students' needs and programme aims. Part-time study is available for those in employment. Distance learning and learning at a university or college in ways that work best. Credit can be given for relevant experience and prior learning, with individual learning programmes building on the student's existing skills and knowledge rather than repeating them.
Length
Studying for a foundation degree currently takes the equivalent of two academic years full-time study, but the actual duration depends on mode of study and course design. Students may credit their FD award towards honours degree studies at a later stage if they wish. Where appropriate they may also progress towards professional qualifications and licences to practice.
Who is it for?
Foundation degrees are for anyone wanting to study for a higher education intermediate level vocational qualification. Students may be employees who want to progress in their careers, or people wanting to return to work after a career break. They may be, 'A' Level students who want a work-related qualification, Advanced Modern Apprenticeships, people who have GNVQs or NVQ Level 3 qualifications and are seeking the next level up — indeed, anyone who wants to improve their skills, understanding and knowledge in line with employers' needs.
Students need to demonstrate that they have the potential to complete their studies. Individual foundation degrees may ask for previous work experience, specific work competencies, or qualifications at level 3.
Foundation degrees are a qualification in their own right just like other higher education degrees.
Funding
Although significant funds have been devoted, through LEAs for the recruitment for extra teaching assistants and to improve opportunities for training and career development, potential applicants will still need to contact the college or university to find out how courses are funded given that there are regional variations on support packages that are available.
Tuition fees are set by the institution offering the course. Currently for a full-time degree course fees are just over £1000, and pro rata for part-time. Some institutions breakdown the costs by module. Students may be eligible for reduced rates and some part time students on a low income may find they can have their tuition fees paid. Click on www.dcsf.gov.uk/studentsupport for more information.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements. The university or college offering the course will decide if you are eligible. Applicants will need to check with the institution as some courses have specific requirements.
Progression routes
We expect that those Teaching Assistants with foundation degrees will be able to pursue Qualified Teacher Status to teach in primary schools, should they wish, after a achieving a full honours degree. This could be achieved through a college-based Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course, or one of the employment-based routes like the Graduate or Registered Teacher Programmes.
On completion of a Foundation Degree, there is also the opportunity to progress to a full honours degree with just a further 12-15 months full-time study, (this can also be done on a part-time basis over a longer period of time). Foundation degree graduates can also progress on to further professional qualifications.
How to apply for courses
It is a good idea to contact the university or college you are thinking of studying and asking for further information about the course and university/college to make sure it is the right place for you, especially as foundation degrees may differ between different organisations. To find out about colleges and/or universities offering foundation degrees for teaching assistants please click on the following link.www.ucas.com/ucc/index.html
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*Following on from the publication of the White Paper 'The Future of Higher Education' the Government has made the decision that all potential candidatess for 'HLTA status' will need to undertake formal training and assessment against the HLTA standards through a Teacher Training Agency (TTA) approved training provider. However, we also know that some candidates will want to complete a relevant Foundation Degree (or a relevant degree qualification) alongside attaining 'HLTA status'. For these candidates there is little value in separating the achievement of the Standards from the degree programme. Moreover, the TTA recognises that many higher education institutions (HEIs) will want to offer a combined approach to school support staff undertaking a relevant degree programme and they are currently exploring ways of recognising such programmes for assessment against the HLTA Standards. Further information on this will be available shortly.
