About Foundation Degrees
The Course
Foundation Degrees were introduced in 2001. They are designed in partnership with employers as an equivalent qualification to the first 2 years of a full Honours Degree, but with a strong vocational content. Gaining a Foundation Degree allows the student to demonstrate their theory and knowledge in the context of work and employability. The work placement element develops students who are not only academically and theoretically qualified, but also have practical experience and ability.
The Qualification
Students can join a Foundation Degree straight after a school or college course or as a mature student, with the correct entry requirements. They rank on a level with the first 2 years of an Honours Degree and there are opportunities to progress to a third year and qualify with a full Honours Degree, and to further professional qualifications.
Awarding The Degree
We work in partnership with Bournemouth University in offering these courses. They act as the awarding body for the Foundation Degree qualification and offer many progression opportunities. Students studying with us automatically enrol as a BU student, with all the access to resources, support and activities as a resident BU student.
The benefits of a Foundation Degree?
- The College has been able to open the door to a greater number of potential learners: those with children, already in work and those who cannot travel far to attend classes.
- Foundation Degrees accept a flexible application criteria for students wishing to enrol. This gives mature students with more work experience than academic achievement on their CV an equal chance of being accepted on a course.
- Allowing colleges to deliver Degree level courses has increased the number of subjects we can offer and provides us with the opportunity to promote our own specialisms. The College is well known for its courses in Tourism and Catering, both of which are important industries in Bournemouth.
- Students have the option to limit their time of study to 2 years and still return to the workforce with a highly valuable qualification and relevant skills.
- The vocational nature of the course allows industry to advise us on what we should be teaching the student, continually updating and enriching course content. In return the student has the opportunity to sample a short term placement in a relevant workplace, putting into practise what they have learnt.
