What are Foundation degrees?

• Foundation degrees were launched in 2001, the first higher education qualification in 25 years. It's a work based degree equivalent to two years of an honours degree
• Named in the Leitch report as one of the ways forward in higher education
• Foundation degrees are flexible. They are designed and delivered in a range of ways to suit the needs of employers and minimise disruption
• Foundation degrees are designed with employers and combine academic study with workplace learning to equip people with relevant knowledge and skills to improve performance and productivity
• Employees do not necessarily need formal qualifications to apply for a Foundation degree as previous relevant work experience will be taken into account
• It may be possible to accredit existing company training programmes and this can be investigated on an individual company basis
• Foundation degrees are awarded by universities and require equivalent standards of academic attainment as the second year of an honours degree