What is a Foundation Degree?

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:

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