Foundation Degrees

Foundation Degrees are vocationally focused higher education programmes. They are awarded by Universities but are usually delivered by Further Education Colleges. The length of time taken to complete a Foundation Degree varies, however, on average full-time courses take two years to complete and part-time between three and four years. The offer differs greatly from institution to institution, however on completion, graduates should have the option to transfer into the second or third year of an Honours Degree programme. Foundation degrees are funded in England and Northern Ireland only. 

Improve have worked with Employers, Colleges and Universities to produce a Framework for the development of Foundation Degrees. The Framework aims to:

• Ensure that Foundation Degrees are developed in line with employers’ needs
• Encourage employer engagement with educational institutions offering Foundation Degrees
• Raise the profile of Foundation Degrees with both employers and employees

The Framework was launched at a high profile event at Magna Science Adventure Park, Rotherham on Friday 15th July 2005.

Further information on Foundation Degrees may be found by visiting www.fdf.ac.uk or www.ucas.com.

For more information contact geraldine.craven@improveltd.co.uk.