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Foundation Degrees: what they are

Foundation Degrees are particular types of degrees that are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that businesses are looking for. They can offer a route into higher education for a wide range of students from many different backgrounds.

The qualification is broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree. It can lead straight to a job, or prepare you for developing your professional skills in the future.

Foundation Degrees are offered by a growing number of higher education and further education colleges. You learn in a way that suits you: through distance learning, in the workplace or online. It takes around two years to complete a Foundation Degree full time, or three to four years part time.

Foundation Degrees are at 'intermediate' level on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The framework shows how different higher education qualifications compare, in terms of the demands they place on learners.

• Qualifications explained

What you can study

There are over 1700 Foundation Degrees courses running, with a further 900 planned. These cover a wide range of subjects including veterinary nursing, e-commerce, health and social care and forensic science.

There are no set entry requirements. Check with the university or college to see if you have the necessary experience or qualifications to do a particular Foundation Degree, or search for Foundation Degree courses at the UCAS website.

• Search for a course on the UCAS website Opens new window

How you are assessed

Different Foundation Degree courses will assess you in different ways. Most courses involve a mixture of exams and coursework, plus assessment of the learning you do in the workplace. Some ask you for a written dissertation that you produce at the end of the course.

Generally, there are no grades for Foundation Degrees; in most cases you are awarded either a 'pass' or 'fail'. However, a few courses may also offer a 'distinction'.

Appeals

If you are not happy with your award, and want to appeal, you will need to follow the appeals procedure at your college or university.

Where they can lead

Foundation Degrees can often lead straight to a job, as they are designed in collaboration with businesses.

You can also use your Foundation Degree to progress to a bachelors degree with further study (this normally takes about a year).

• Bachelors degrees

How to apply and find out more

You can find out more about Foundation Degrees, including how to apply, from 'Foundation Degree Forward'.

• Foundation Degree Forward

More useful links

• Information on Foundation degrees Opens new window
• University and higher education
• See a list of higher education qualifications Opens new window