Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees are two-year higher education (HE) qualifications. They offer flexible and accessible ways of studying for degree-level skills that are in demand among employers.

Foundation degrees were established 2001-02, and there are now over 100,000 students on foundation degree programmes.

Research report

We collect data on the characteristics of foundation degrees. The most recent publication provides key statistics in the following areas:

  • trends in student numbers
  • the characteristics of programmes
  • attributes of students
  • students' feedback, progression and qualification rates
  • progression to further study and employment outcomes
  • and support from employers.

Foundation Degree Forward

Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) was set up by the Government to encourage workforce development and partnerships between employers and higher education across all qualifications. As part of this remit, fdf had an important role in helping to establish the Foundation Degree with employers and the HE sector.

fdf closed on 31 July 2011, but the following resources and services set up by fdf are still available:

  • Employer Based Training Accreditation Service

    This service was set up to enhance and accredit employers' in-house training. It brought higher education opportunities to thousands of employees of companies such as Jewson and Murco.

  • Web-based information, advice and guidance

    fdf produced this resource for work-based learners and their advisers.

  • E-learning resources

    These resources were developed to support the delivery of work-based higher education in sectors such as Retail, Travel and Low Carbon Energy as well as an online programme.

  • Research, guidance and case studies about foundation degrees

    fdf commissioned major research projects that examined the experiences of employers and students who utilised Foundation degrees, produced guidance for those developing work-based HE programmes, and also produced illustrative case studies.

  • Foundation Degree Frameworks

    fdf developed dozens of Foundation Degree Frameworks with Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and sector bodies. These are available from SSC web-sites.

Page last updated 12 July 2012

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