Foundation Degrees and Foundation Year 0

Transcription

1 TITLE Future Pathways Conference March 2014 Foundation Degrees and Foundation Year 0 Southampton Solent University

2 Presentation Objectives To provide an overview of Foundation Degrees and Foundation Year 0 courses to include: Rationale Types Length Entry Level Progression Costs Examples

3 Foundation Degrees Beginnings and Context Announced in 2000 and introduced very quickly in 2001 by, then Secretary of State for Education and Employment, David Blunkett The aim - to meet intermediate technical skills shortages in national and regional economies To widen participation in higher education and contribute to the lifelong learning agenda An innovative qualification to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) was established to support the development of Foundation degrees to have a strong focus on employer engagement

4 What are Foundation Degrees? Stand alone degree in its own right equivalent to first 2 years of an Honours degree Graduates acquire letters after their name such as FdEng, FdSc or FdA Full award has value of 240 CAT points equivalent to HND HNDs and Fds offer option to progress on to a top up course Located at level 5 of the Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Not always set entry requirements. Appropriate commercial and industrial experience can be as relevant The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

5 Source : Foundation Degree Forward

6 Work based learning Should include work based learning and real work environments Designed in partnership with employers to: meet needs of local, regional or national employment market to equip people with the relevant skills and knowledge to achieve academic results improve performance and productivity in the workplace Academic knowledge and understanding is integrated with the development of vocational skills and competencies Learning in one environment is applied to the other The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

7 Some companies involved in Foundation Degrees KLM Network Rail McDonalds Norwich Union BMW Rolls Royce Metropolitan Police Specsavers Tesco National Health Service BT

8 Flexibility Often aimed at people already in the workplace Flexible and accessible way of studying to degree level, i.e. often available part-time, online, via blended learning and distance learning Could take 3-5 years to study on a part-time basis Part-time students employers play important role in promoting Foundation Degrees 4/2/2014

9 Foundation Degrees There are over 3,000 programmes (2803 via UCAS) from construction to engineering, from healthcare to retail, from sport to business There are now over 100,000 students on Foundation Degrees Offered by FE colleges and universities and often in partnership

10 2011/12 Source: HECSU

11 The picture so far Number of students taking Foundation degrees has risen 4,000 in 2001/02 49,000 in 2005/06 71,915 in 2007/08 100,000+ in 2012/13 Demand was growing at faster rate than availability in 2004/05. Enrolments on HND s declined at the same time The growth rate slowed / levelled off from 2004 to 2010 One third of Foundation Programmes in had been converted from HND or HNC Data source: Foundation Degree Forward: Review of research literature focused on Foundation degrees

12 Delivery Locations Many Foundation Degrees offered by FE Colleges and validated by a partner university. In 2007/08: 91% of post 1992 universities delivered Foundation Degrees 58% of pre-1992 universities 72% of FE Colleges* FE Colleges have strong links to local communities and employers Government strategy - stronger role for FE Colleges in delivery of higher education Core and Margin system 20,000 places (non AAB) allocated to FE Colleges and universities charging average fees of 7,500 p.a or less A few colleges have been granted powers by the QAA to validate / award Foundation Degrees, i.e. Newcastle College, New College Durham and Grimsby Institute *Source: Foundation Degree Forward Review of research literature focused on Foundation Degrees

13 Foundation Degrees - Costs Average tuition fee 2014/15 = 8847 (OFFA) Foundation Degree fees start at around 3500 at some HEIs / FECs with some charging full 9000 p.a. Students entitled to same financial support as all other higher education students. Means tested and will vary for full-time and part-time courses Employers can cover costs in part or full

14 Routes to Level 3 vocational qualifications Apprenticeship A-levels Access to HE Professional qualifications Work Foundation degree Routes from Honours degree Higher level NVQs (e.g. level 5) Higher voc. Quals (e.g. CPD) Work Professional qualifications Non-vocational HE Voluntary activity Voluntary/community activity The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

15 Progression The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

16 What makes a Foundation Degree work well? Clear rationale, target audience, expertise at HEI / FEC Employers involved in design / link to National Occupational Standards Don t rely on named staff remaining in post Fit with business and strategic plans Are employers informed about Foundation Degrees? Formal agreements access to facilities, communication with partners etc. Location, timing, part-time, full-time etc. Entry routes Student support mechanisms Onward progression New industry developments and curriculum changes The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

17 FdSc Health and Social Care Southampton Solent University Partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Trust wanted flexible learning at and through work, some formal delivery at Trust by university staff Development of new Assistant / Associate Practitioner roles Links to SSU strategic aim inclusive and flexible forms of HE that meet market needs Darzi Review (2008) High Quality Care increase quality and personalisation and more power to clinicians and patients The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

18 FdSc Health and Social Care Southampton Solent University Flexibility to respond to a range of specialisms should they arise from other employers sustainability Linked to Long Term Conditions, but scope for Learning Disability work and Radiography Some learners will complete some stand alone units and not full FdSc 100 Credits specifically work based Units include: Social and psychological impacts on health and social care Cardiac physiology Multi-agency practice and discharge Teaching at SSU for 1 day per week Work place mentor & Practice Assessment Panels The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

19 Foundation Degrees Retail FdA Designed with a number of national retailers including Tesco Modules include: The retail environment Retail operations In-store customer marketing Retail law Manage retail customer service Blended learning

20 Foundation Degrees

21 Foundation Degrees the Benefits Flexible and often an option close to home and the continuation of paid employment Includes work based learning Costs often less than full Honours degree or employer contributes / covers costs Guaranteed route to a Full Honours Degree Smaller Classes APL Counts and formal qualifications not always necessary Foundation Degrees should meet current employment needs, so should be attractive to employers Considerable workplace improvements and reduced turnover of employees Effective, full-functioning partnerships between the employers and education providers usually lead to successful foundation degrees

22 Learning UCAS Important dates Summer Term & Hols Research choices and start to plan your Personal Statement September to January - Fill out and submit application Main deadline - 15 January 90% of Foundation Students felt they had a positive experience at university or college (2009 Futuretrack study - FDF) QAA Review 2010: October to March December to March February to July April/May July / August Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary courses & Oxbridge Deadline -15 October Art and Design 15 of January or 24 March (up to university) Foundation Degrees are generally well designed and fit for purpose 50 cases of good practice in employer engagement and work based learning Clearing All applications made after 30 June Strengthened links between FECs and University partners Areas for improvement: Universities are making decisions - Applicant Open Days UCAS Extra Validity and reliability of assessment in the workplace needs to be assured Decide on firm & insurance choice Students need equality of access to work placements Clearing, Adjustment and Confirmation

23 What is the Foundation Year or Level 0? Foundation course (also known as a first year of an Extended Degree) Often the 1st year of a 4 year programme Ideal for students who don t have the academic qualifications, subjects & experience for entry onto the degree Often an option for international students whose first language is not English

24 The Foundation Year Completion of the appropriate Foundation Level enables progression to the first year of a chosen degree course Sometimes January course starts available! Available at FE colleges and universities The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

25 The Foundation Year The foundation year teaches a number of study and research skills to enhance understanding of higher education, ranging from IT training to referencing skills The courses promote employability and workbased learning skills by embedding them into the units

26 How to apply? UCAS application is often the route to apply Search UCAS by subject area and the word Foundation Separate section for Foundation Degrees within course search Some course starts will be via application direct to the college / university (e.g. January start date) Will often require some UCAS points, depending on experience The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

27 Foundation Years available at Southampton Solent in: Business Sport & Tourism Law Technology Marine Engineering and Operations International The Foundation Year is popular for Art subjects The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

28 Progression Route Examples - Solent Foundation UCAS Course Title Business Accountancy and Finance (Business Foundation Year) Business Accountancy and Finance (Placement - Business Foundation Year) Business Business Economics (Business Foundation Year) Business Business Management (Business Foundation Year) Business Business Management (Placement - Business Foundation Year) Business Digital Marketing (Business Foundation Year) Business Human Resource Management (Business Foundation Year) Business International Business Management (Business Foundation) Business Marketing (Business Foundation Year) Business Marketing with Advertising Management (Business Foundation Year) Law LLB (Law Foundation) Sport & Tourism Adventure and Extreme Sports Management (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Cruise Industry Management (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Events Management (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Fitness Management and Personal Training (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Football Studies (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Football Studies and Business (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism International Tourism Management (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Sport Coaching and Development (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Sports Studies (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Sports Studies and Business (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Tourism Managment (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) Sport & Tourism Young People and Physical Activity (Sport & Tourism Foundation Year) The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

29 Entry Check with the universities At Southampton Solent applicants should usually have completed two years of A Level, BTEC or similar qualifications 80 UCAS points for January start at Solent Mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A Level or equivalent, but who have relevant workplace or voluntary experience, will be considered Overseas students should have been taught in English or have an IELTS of 5.5 or equivalent The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

30 Jessica Jessica, originally from Cheshire, started a sport and tourism management degree course, having just completed her foundation year "Doing the foundation year gave me a better understanding of the course and the university. I gained a lot of confidence in the academic work and a clearer understanding of how the university expects you to work. The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

31 Funding the Foundation Year Tuition Fee Loan to cover the cost of the Foundation Year Foundation Year Tuition Fee Waiver often available Students enrolling on Foundation Year courses can apply for a scholarship that would waive their entire fee for that year at many institutions Eligibility will be determined chiefly by household income and postcode but other criteria apply Check university websites for information on bursaries etc. The Strategic Planning Process April 2008

32 Thank you The Strategic Planning Process April 2008