Your foundation degree...what next?

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1 Your foundation degree...what next? Degrees Where to continue to study There are several options open: At your current institution - If an institution offers a foundation degree, it must also provide a suitable progression route so that the student may continue with their studies. You may wish therefore, to study for a degree at the same place at which you got your foundation degree. This is likely to be the most straightforward option and may only be dependent upon completing your foundation degree. The institution where you degree was validated - If you have studied at an institution that cannot award degrees, such as a further education college, progression to the institution where your degree is validated may be the easiest option. Before you commit to anything, you should investigate what will be different about studying at another institution and how you feel about this. A different university - Progression to a different university is another possibility. This may be more complicated as some of the onus will be on you to investigate things further and establish whether this is a realistic option. Distance learning - It may be possible to progress on to a degree through a distance learning route. Check with your preferred university to see if they offer this as an option. Alternatively, the Open University offers a range of foundation degrees which offer top up progression pathways. Overseas - Progression to a university abroad can be an option providing you undertake plenty of research. UK NARIC is the national agency responsible for providing information and advice on vocational, academic and professional skills from over 180 countries worldwide. They will be able to help with comparing your qualifications in the country in which you wish to study. UK Qualification frameworks and credit systems Credit systems are in place to provide greater flexibility and easier transfer between courses at different institutions. It means that students awarded credit by one institution may then have that credit recognised by another. Qualification credit points and systems can vary across institutions and courses, so it is important to check with each institution individually. The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) sets foundation degrees as a level 5 qualification. It can be seen in comparison to other qualifications in the below table. Qualification HE qualification level Minimum overall credits Honours degree Ordinary degree Foundation degree DipHE HND HNC Certificate of Higher Education

2 Credit guidelines for HE qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are developed by the following bodies: Southern England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SEEC) Northern Universities Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (NUCCAT) Credit and Qualifications Framework For Wales (CQFW) Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS) Scotland offers a different framework. If you are considering transferring your studies to Scotland, refer to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Progression to honours level Of the 99,000 current foundation degree students, most will progress onto further study, usually a one-year honours degree. The majority top up immediately after graduating, although a significant minority will return to top up at a later point in their career (Foundation Degrees: Key statistics to , HEFCE, 2010). There are different ways of progressing onto an honours degree: Joining at year three - Providing students meet the credit requirements, most programmes offering direct progression to honours level specify one academic year as the normal length for completion. Joining at year two - This may apply if you want to study for an honours degree which is a different subject than your foundation degree with a slightly different pathway. Joining at year one - This option is mainly where no transfer is possible because the subject is completely different, possibly due to a career change, or because of professional requirements. What are your options on graduating? If you intend to progress to an honours degree, you will need to find out where it can lead you and what your choices will be upon graduating. For help with this, you should look up the destination data for previous graduates from the course. All institutions and courses have to collect and publish such information. You may also want to refer to options with your subject for details of individual, subject-specific destinations. In practice, a large number of vacancies do not specify a required subject. Class of degree however, is often significant to employers, with some specifying an upper second, or better, as a minimum requirement for their graduate training schemes. BA and BSc degrees are normally offered with honours; ordinary and unclassified degrees are available to those who struggle to meet the requirements of honours degrees. Evidence from graduates with ordinary degrees, though, has shown that it has been a difficult entry point in the labour market and, therefore, may not offer a greater advantage over a foundation degree. A useful resource when researching progression to honours level is the annual survey of graduate destinations, What do graduates do? 2

3 Postgrad study Postgraduate study is still popular in the UK and there is a significant trend towards honours degree graduates progressing directly onto postgraduate study, although some do return to it at a later date. Highly popular and competitive courses usually require candidates who have an honours degree (this will sometimes be a necessity if the course provides professional accreditation). However some postgraduate courses are more flexible and may count relevant industrial experience as equivalent to degree-level study. Types of postgraduate courses The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) lists two levels of postgraduate qualifications: Masters (level 7) and Doctorate (level 8). There are also Postgraduate Diplomas (PgDip) and Certificates (PgCert) at level 7, which usually provide part-qualification toward the Masters level. Direct entry at Masters level is most likely where the course is closely related to the subject you have already studied and/or the field of work you are already in. A good level of achievement on your current programme is usually required, as are sound reasons for wanting to take the course. A Postgraduate Certificate for Education (PGCE) is a special form of postgraduate degree which acts as a conversion course to award students the same professional status as the undergraduate Bachelor of Education. Once completed, students are awarded Qualifying Teacher Status (QTS). The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) is the online admissions service which covers most higher education institutions and courses in England, Wales and Scotland. Doctoral degrees normally require a very high level of achievement at honours level and often a Masters and relevant industrial experience. There is a New Route PhD which has the same core elements as the traditional UK PhD but which provides an additional structured programme of advanced training in transferable skills. This is of significant use in the work place. The key questions you need to ask yourself before taking on any postgraduate study are: What is my career plan? How will postgraduate study enhance my career? What are my sources of funding? Are my reasons for study realistic and achievable? For further information on specific postgraduate courses, search courses and research. You should also consult Your Masters...what next?, Your PhD...what next? and About postgrad study. Further information footer: UKPASS Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) FindAMasters FindAProfessionalDoctorate.com 3

4 Professional courses Professional courses allow you to enter and practise a specific profession. Professional bodies usually regulate their own qualifications and entry routes and provide a list of courses that are acceptable for their varying levels of membership. If you need to have professional registration for your chosen career you should check whether your foundation degree will be accepted towards the programme requirements. Not all professional bodies require an honours degree for entry and many offer different levels and tiers of membership, based on an assessment of your academic ability, subject studied and industrial experience. For example, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) offers Associate membership for those with a foundation degree, while the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) offer Affiliate Professional membership, which progresses to Associate membership if you get an honours degree. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) can offer part exemption to exams and entry depending on experience, degree subject, awarding institution and final year of completion. If you are interested in a professional course, check whether the qualification is valued by employers if it is not taken while in relevant employment. Many professional courses have traditionally been taken by people already working in a related role and those who take the course without such experience can struggle when they compete for jobs. Explore types of jobs to research individual occupations and areas of work which includes details of training routes and professional qualifications. Flexible learning Part-time, distance and online learning Although many foundation degree graduates who progress to an honours programme will do so full time, there are alternative methods of continuing your studies and this will depend on your personal priorities, chosen career pathway and course/module availability. The part-time option may be particularly attractive to those who are also working as it allows for flexibility in the time it takes you to complete your degree. It may also be easier to persuade your employer to support such study; however it is important to check their level of support and commitment to avoid interruptions during your studies. Distance and online learning has become a growth area, with many UK universities offering students a more flexible and often cheaper means of accredited study. Perhaps the bestknown institution in this field is the Open University, which offers a wide range of courses at various levels, although many other institutions have now converted degree and postgraduate courses to these accessible formats. If this mode of study interests you or if the course you want to study is not available locally in a traditional format, check whether an open, distance or online learning alternative is available. The National Careers Service provides useful guidance on flexible learning and maintains a national database of courses at all levels in the UK, including information regarding open learning and home study course providers. It is important to reflect on your own learning style and motivation levels before embarking on flexible learning programmes. Distance learning requires commitment, discipline and good organisational and time management skills. 4

5 It is important to consider the following factors before making a decision about flexible learning: What academic and pastoral support is available? Institutions often provide extracurricular sessions but this can mean travelling to a campus to attend. Check whether these extra services are available in other flexible delivery modes. Do I have sufficient online access? Electronic resources may be important for research as well as online student discussion groups for support amongst peers. Am I motivated to set aside the time each week to work towards this? Are there opportunities for group tutorials to meet other students? Is the course/module validated by my existing HE institution? This is particularly important if you are seeking credits towards a full honours degree or professional status within your sector. Funding If you are considering further study, it is important that you establish what financial support you will get, if any, particularly with the increase in tuition fees in GOV.UK provides a range of funding information and links for all students entering higher education in England, including graduates and postgraduates. Current information about finance in Wales can be obtained from Student Finance Wales. If you are a student in Scotland, you should contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland and for Northern Ireland refer to Student Finance Northern Ireland. The following general guidance can be applied to foundation degree students seeking funding: In England, funding for Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education (BA, BSc or BEd) is available, of which annual tuition fees for full time undergraduate courses can cost up to 3,375 for 2011/12 entry and up to 9000 for 2012/13 entry. There is currently no maximum rate that universities or colleges can charge for parttime tuition; however this may change from 2012/13. Check fees with individual higher education establishments. Direct progression to an honours programme, either within the same institution or another one, may lead to the straightforward continuation of your financial arrangements, although you should not automatically assume this; always check. Funding for postgraduate courses is usually difficult and many students end up financing their own studies, often by working at the same time or through a career development loan. In England, for example, there is no cap on the fees for postgraduate courses, which vary from around 3,000 per year up to in excess of 10,000 per year. Search funding bodies and research councils to gather information on possible sources of postgraduate funding or if you are in employment, find out if seeking funding from your employer is an option. You can also try looking at individual university websites for scholarships and awards. Further details of other potential sources (e.g. education charities) are detailed in funding my further study. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides information on sources of funding for UK students who wish to study abroad. Further information footer: Postgraduate Studentships Fulbright commission Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) 5

6 Getting a job While most foundation degree graduates continue straight into further study, many combine this with paid work and a significant minority work full time. Of these, most will be continuing with an employer they had prior to commencing the degree, perhaps in a promoted role, or working with an employer they met while doing work experience. As foundation degrees are highly vocational, most graduates seek a job closely related to their subject, however with a good set of transferable skills it may be possible to find work outside the industry you have studied in. If you are considering a change from the subject studied you might want to try what jobs would suit me? Your experience It is rare for anybody to get a job on the basis of a qualification alone and experience often counts for more. Employers are increasingly seeking an array of employability skills as well as academic qualifications in their candidates. Consider the vocational aspect of your degree which can be attractive to employers, as well as any work experience that you may have. This could include paid jobs, voluntary work, internships or work shadowing. If you have significant experience in an industry, you may already be aware of progression opportunities and pathways. If not, these can be investigated through talking to your employer and relevant professional organisations. The possession of transferable skills is likely to mean that you have more options than you think, should you want to move beyond your current position. Start by listing your general skills and then use this list to investigate new possibilities. Compiling a CV is also a good way to evaluate the skills, experience and qualifications that you have. If you are a career changer, you will be focused on gaining a new set of specialist skills for your intended destination. It is likely you can use some of your previous experience and skills; think about how the general skills you developed in your previous career could be used to help towards your new direction. Your current employment status Most foundation degree students are working and may have options related to their current employment. It may be worth investigating options with your employer. Research shows that a large number of career moves are made within the same or related companies, often through promotion. Some organisations create new roles for those with initiative. The key is to plan carefully before talking to your employer; think about your contributions and achievements and what you could offer the company. On the other hand, you may want to look for a different employer. You may know the industry well or may need to research new opportunities. Sources of information include sector skills councils, your university s careers service, local and national newspapers, professional journals and bodies, and employer literature. The National Guidance Research Forum provides impartial, reliable and up to date labour market information at local and regional level, focusing on future changes in the UK labour market and skills. Informal contact with others in the industry can also be valuable in finding work elsewhere: make a list of who you know within the industry and ask them who else they know who could answer your questions. For a list of employers and job opportunities, find graduate employers. It is also a good idea to get your CV checked by your university careers service or a professional within your industry. 6

7 Where you want to work The experience of honours graduates has shown that geographical mobility can be an important factor towards success in the labour market, particularly within industries concentrated in one or two regions. If you need to stay within the same region, it is important to investigate the economic make-up of local industry and the types of opportunities available. Self employment is becoming increasingly popular with graduates and establishing your own business usually means you will be able to stay in your current location. However, it is important that you consider whether a different location would make the business more successful. If you are an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in other EU states. For countries outside the EU, different restrictions will apply and you will usually have to obtain a work permit to allow you to become employed within that country. For further information on working in EU states and other countries, see working abroad. Dealing with vacancies On the whole, it is probably not worth applying for jobs where the advertisement states that a good honours degree is required. Employers often use such requirements as a way of sifting out a large number of applicants. If employers ask for a general degree or specifically seek a graduate, it may well be worth applying, particularly if you are ready to sell the benefits of your qualification. You could also contact the employer to explain what qualifications you have and to ask whether you could be considered for the role to find out if it is worthwhile to make an application. Do not assume that vacancies are not worth considering just because they do not specify levels of qualifications; graduates often find they have to take a position that does not necessarily require a degree for entry in order to get into the industry or profession of their choice. This will also help to develop your CV and employability skills. Networking and speculative applications Although it is important to look at vacancy sources, research shows that a large amount of jobs are never advertised. Internal promotion, networking, direct and speculative approaches, and personal contacts are all alternative ways of finding or creating opportunities. You can make this work to your advantage by looking beyond advertised vacancies; if you can find companies who are expanding, they may be persuaded to create a vacancy for the right person. Seeking professional membership within your sector is an ideal way to keep abreast of labour market changes and may also aid you in making useful contacts. Research all local trade associations and organisations affiliated to your specialist field. And consider registering with professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn to gather contacts and promote yourself. 7

8 Action plan Researching options It is important that you research each option that interests you thoroughly before trying to make a decision. You should ask yourself: 1. Does it really interest me? 2. Does it meet my current priorities? (i.e. financial, personal) 3. Are there currently opportunities available? 4. Is it realistically achievable? 5. Is it right for me now? 6. Does it provide the rewards I am seeking? 7. Will it make me more employable? 8. Will I need any support? 9. Does it suit my interests, ability, skills and personality? 10. What options could it offer me in the future? 11. Do I have a back up plan? Knowing yourself and what you want Sometimes people find this the hardest part of career choice. If this is difficult for you, you might want to: discuss this with a careers adviser; use a career-planning computer program, such as what jobs would suit me? ask friends and relatives what they see you doing in the future - sometimes this can provide surprising insights into how others see you; try personality questionnaires and other self-awareness tools, e.g. Windmills and Personal SWOT Analysis - others will be available in your careers service; try one or more short-term or voluntary placements to test out your ideas. Decision-making Once you have identified options and researched them carefully, you will need to decide on a first choice or preferred course of action. A number of techniques can be used to help: Make a list of requirements and needs and sort these into categories such as essential, desirable and bonus. Options can then be compared to see how they match these criteria. List the pros and cons of each option. Gather all the detailed information on the options available and then examine each choice. Talk through the options with a supportive friend or careers professional. 8

9 What else do you need? Specific experiences or skills may be required in addition to your qualifications. You can overcome any gaps through: placement, work experience or work shadowing; voluntary work; part-time work; joining a club or society; entering relevant competitions which can develop your portfolio; a short course at a local college, or by online or distance learning; additional modules at your university or college; staff development opportunities in your workplace; volunteering for additional or different responsibilities at work. Case Study Assistant manager and student: Tom Tom is a foundation degree graduate who completed his performing arts degree in 2010 at North Hertfordshire College, validated by the University of Hertfordshire. He is now studying part time to top up his degree to a BA in Performing Arts at Middlesex University and works part time at North Hertfordshire College. I embraced student life by participating in many extra curricular activities such as being vice president of the executive committee for the students union and being an academy representative for the creative and cultural sector. My involvement helped me to develop my employability skills, gain part time employment as an admin assistant in student services and fund my second year of higher education. I work in student services in my current job as an assistant manager at North Hertfordshire College and I believe I got this job as a result of my work experience and academic skills, gained through my foundation degree. Working for student services has enabled me to gain a good working knowledge of the college and develop good public speaking and customer service skills. On a day to day basis my job involves organising and co-ordinating events for the students union, supervising student union executives and, where necessary, providing welfare support to students. The role is varied and works around curriculum, enabling me to work with a variety of students and staff across six academies. Working on various projects, such as World of Work Week, has also involved networking with various employers and organisations in the community. The job can be administrative and involves undertaking an array of tasks, including gathering statistics on student representation of the union, collecting money for charity events and processing catering orders for the student bar. Every week is different and the nature of the job requires flexibility, patience and diplomacy, particularly when dealing with customer and staff complaints; part of the job I find most challenging. My favourite part of the job is working with people and the best thing about working in this sector is being offered the chance to develop my own career path. 9

10 Completing my foundation degree and undertaking a very student centred role in student services has helped me develop good career management and communication skills. This has enhanced my interest in performing arts and reinforced my vision to teach drama and become a secondary school teacher; an interest I developed at school. My subject of study is relevant to this career pathway as it is 70% curriculum related and I intend to study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) next year. My advice to other students and graduates is do not limit yourself to what jobs are available, particularly if your first ambition is to gather the appropriate skills and finances necessary along the way. My current employment is funding my third year at university, therefore being flexible and open minded can create a useful stepping stone from which to springboard into the career of your choice. Written by Emma Bumpus, AGCAS, April 2011 Content copyright of or licensed to AGCAS ( To view the terms and conditions for the material provided in this publication, please see: 10