Foundation degree courses take two years full-time but many people choose to study part-time or by flexible learning, often while working.

Foundation degrees are valuable qualifications in their own right, but you can also progress to a bachelors degree through further study - usually around a year, depending on the programme. For more information, visit Foundation Degree Forward.

What are they?

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.

What form do they take?

Foundation degrees are at 'intermediate' level on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

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 on the UCAS website.

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'.

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.

Who takes them?

What subjects are available?

There are over 1700 foundation degree 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.

Where can they lead?

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

Foundation degrees
www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk