A foundation degree is a combined academic and vocational qualification in higher education in the United Kingdom, equivalent to two-thirds of an honours bachelor's degree. Foundation degrees were introduced by the Department for Education and Employment in 2000.[1][2] They are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and offered by universities, colleges with their own foundation degree awarding powers, and colleges and employers running courses validated by universities.
Foundation degrees must include a pathway for graduates to progress to an honours degree.[3] This may be via joining the final year of a standard three-year course or through a dedicated 'top-up' course. Students can also transfer to other institutions to take a top-up course or the final year of an honours course. It may also be possible for students to join the second year of an honours course in a different but related subject.[4]
- ^ "Characteristics Statement: Foundation Degree" (PDF). The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. February 2020.
- ^ Simm, David; Marvell, Alan; Winlow, Heather; Schaaf, Rebecca (2011). "Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education". Planet. 24: 2–9. doi:10.11120/plan.2011.00240002. S2CID 72517123.
- ^ "Foundation Degrees FAQ". unionlearn. Trades Union Congress. 9. Proceeding to honours degree study. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
- ^ Caroline Green (2015). "Your foundation degree... what next?". TARGETjobs. Further study options with a foundation degree.