What Are Foundation Degrees?

Foundation Degrees are nationally-recognised higher education qualifications that combine workplace learning and experience with academic learning.  They are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed by employers and are developed and delivered together by employers, colleges and universities.

What will I learn?

Foundation Degrees are flexible qualifications which are a mixture of academic work and work based learning.  They place an emphasis on work related learning which may be based on your own employment, work experience, live projects, work related projects or placements.

In Foundation Degree courses academic learning is strongly linked to learning through work.  This means that your learning is relevant to your own professional and employment context. You will also develop the skills needed to study successfully at degree level.

What will I gain?

A Foundation Degree enables you to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to be competitive in the workplace and to further your prospects in your chosen career.  You can extend and strengthen your capabilities in your own workplace or, if necessary, gain work experience to enable you to enter a new career.

What qualifications and experience do I need?

Although some courses ask for a level 3 qualification, entry requirements are often flexible, particularly if you have relevant work experience.   For detailed information, you should contact the institution offering the course.  You will usually be given personalised advice and often an informal interview, together with advice on how to apply.

How long will I study?

A full time Foundation Degree programme takes two years and a part time programme between three to four years to complete.  Some degrees may be available on both a full and part time basis and may be delivered in daytime, evenings or through supported distance learning. 

What can I do after I complete my Foundation Degree?

A Foundation Degree is a valuable qualification in its own right.  In addition, once you have successfully completed your Foundation Degree you will have the opportunity to carry on learning, either for other professional qualifications or by progressing to the final year of an appropriate Honours degree programme.

What will it cost?

Tuition fees payable will normally be £1225 per year for full-time self-financing learners (pro rata for part-time), but may vary in certain cases.  Full-time learners can apply for a loan for their tuition fees.  You do not need to start repayment until after you have left University and are earning £15,000 per year, with interest tied to inflation. If you are a part-time learner you may receive a contribution towards tuition fees from your employer, or in some cases you may be eligible to apply for other support.

For further general information on student finance see www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance and http://www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport