Foundation Degrees are for anyone wanting to study for a higher education vocational qualification. You could be an employee who wants to progress in your career, or you may want to return to work after a career break; anyone who wants to improve their skills, understanding, and knowledge in line with employers' needs.

On completion of a Foundation Degree, there is also the opportunity to progress to a full honours degree with just a further 12-15 months full-time study (this can also be done on a part-time basis over a longer period of time).

• Foundation Degrees integrate academic and work-based learning

• They are a qualification in their own right just like other higher education degrees.

• They are designed in partnership with employers

• They equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their employment

• They are usually delivered by colleges and universities (and sometimes by other training providers)

• A full-time course will usually take one-two years to complete, part-time courses will take longer

• Many students study whilst they are employed in order to improve their skills and job prospects

• There are no set entry requirements. The university or college offering the course will decide if students are eligible.

• Many courses have flexible teaching arrangements involving part-time or evening attendance at college, distance learning or learning via the internet

To find out about colleges and/or universities offering Foundation Degrees you should check course availability on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com/ucc/index.html

Courses that specifically recognise AAT-qualified students include:

Kaplan Open Learning (through University of Essex)

Foundation Degree in Business and Management

Holders of NVQ/SVQ Level 4 or AAT Level 4 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (QCF) will be eligible to apply for direct entry to the online Foundation Degrees in Business and Management, validated by the University of Essex. Students will further receive accreditation of prior learning for five modules at Foundation Degree Level 1 woorth 75 credits. The above Foundation Degrees enjoy dual awards from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and offer a progression to a BA (Hons) in Business and Management, also delivered online and validated by the University of Essex.

Contact: admissions@kaplanopenlearning.org.uk or telephone 08000 527 526

w:kaplanopenlearning.org.uk

Farnborough College (through University of Surrey)
Foundation Degree in Accounting
Contact: l.seabrook@farn-ct.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1252 407153
www.farn-ct.ac.uk

University of Northampton
Foundation Degree in Accounting
Contact: john.gannon@northampton.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1604 735500
www.northampton.ac.uk

North West Kent College (through the University of Greenwich)
Foundation Degree in Accounting & Finance
Contact: juliehodgskin@nwkcollege.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1322 629415
www.nwkcollege.ac.uk

Doncaster Business School
Foundation Degree in Accounting & Management
Contact: andrea.shepherd@don.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1302 553678
www.don.ac.uk

Croydon College (through the University of Greenwich)
Foundation Degree in Accounting & Business.
Contact: Rachel Towner +44 (0)20 8760 5949
www.croydon.ac.uk