FAQs

Q1. What will the Foundation Degree in Government do for my business?

Q2. Are Foundation Degrees worth the same as normal degrees?

Q3. How much will it cost in fees and time off?

Q4. What workplace training takes place?

Q5. How long does it take to complete?

Q6. Where is the FDiG delivered?

Q7. Who can apply to do the FDiG?

Q8. What benefits will I see?

Q1. What will the Foundation Degree in Government do for my business?

The Foundation Degree in Government is shaped to meet your organisational needs meaning your staff has the right skills to cope with the changing work place. It prioritises the needs of the employer providing focused training to keep your organisation on top of its game. Your organisation will be more driven and profitable with staff that are motivated and stimulated to bring fresh ideas and approaches to existing problems.

Trained individuals also train others, helping to spread and extend the benefits across the organisation. Inspired and designed by the working world, the Foundation Degree in Government is delivered in a way that means your existing employees can study whilst working, giving you a highly educated, skilled workforce with minimum disruption. The workplace is considered to be a learning environment just as much as the lecture theatre.

The flexible delivery of the Foundation Degree in Government means that you can continue to operate while you up-skill staff with minimum disruption.

Top^

Q2. Are Foundation Degrees worth the same as normal degrees?

Foundation degrees are employment-related higher education qualifications, at level 5 in the new QCA National Qualifications Framework just below Honours degree level (at level 6). Foundation degrees are validated, quality assured and awarded by universities. They are, however, distinctive from most Honours degree qualifications in that they require the equivalent standard of academic attainment as the second year of an Honours degree but with a much higher level of workplace competence. Foundation degrees are one level below an Honours degree and will attract a minimum of 240 credits.

Foundation degrees offer progression from qualifications such as NVQs (level 3) but require a higher level of challenge and attainment.

Q3. How much of my time will be involved?

It is particularly important that employers contribute by identifying skills gaps, to ensure that the substance of the Foundation Degree in Government reflects employees' skill needs and the programme meets your objectives. Mentoring employees in the workplace (or arranging for them to have suitable mentors) does make a real difference. The only training that may be required is around good practice in mentoring staff or in assessment of work-based learning outcomes. This would be developed, in appropriate cases, to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit out of the degree provision and that the standards of achievement meet your needs.

Q4. How much will it cost in fees and time off?

The fee for the Foundation Degree in Government is 3,500 which is invoiced when the student starts.

Time off for the students is at the discretion of the employer in line with the Cabinet Office guidance. The student is required to attend two one day workshops at the beginning of the programme. These workshops are held at the National School of Government's centre in central London. Additionally students may have opportunities to attend other formal and informal events which will support their learning.

Q5. What workplace training takes place?

For the Foundation Degree in Government the workplace is considered to be a learning environment just as much as the lecture theatre. Both practical and theoretical skills, as well as key skills, must be developed within the course and it is essential that these skills are subsequently applied in the workplace.

This means that the programme is designed in such a way that the workplace becomes the context for some of the learning and assignments. The opportunities for employers to benefit from this are various, including the chance of solving business problems.

Q6. How long does it take to complete?

Full-time courses usually take two years; part-time courses take longer and conventionally take three years.

Q7. Who delivers the Foundation Degree in Government?

It is delivered and awarded by universities working in partnership with the National School of Government who are responsible for leading a management group and monitoring the programme on behalf of the employers.

Currently the Universities of Chester and Portsmouth are the providers. Students will be registered and study with one of these universities who will provide all their academic and tutorial support. Where employers want to design some modules to meet their specific requirements, they may work directly with the university provider.

Q8. Who can apply?

Foundation Degrees are for everyone with the ability and motivation to get on and succeed in their career. They are aimed at experienced staff at associate professional and technical staff which equivalent to EO/HEO grades. The Foundation Degree in Government gives these people recognition for their workplace experience and is also ideal for staff that are new or returning to work and aspiring to reach the next level. Many Foundation degree students are over 25 and have never thought of themselves as gaining a higher education qualification while they earn and learn.

Q9. What benefits will I see?

If your organisation has found it hard to fill vacancies, the Foundation Degree in Government will help you to grow your own: developing the people who already work for you. Employers that have invested in Foundation degree development for their workforce have been able to define clear productivity and efficiency gains.