Foundation Degrees

About Foundation Degrees

Foundation degrees are an important pathway into higher education for those who cannot commit financially to three-years of study at a university or whose situation requires them to study locally. Importantly, Foundation degrees are developed in conjunction with local employers who are keenly interested in helping with the work experience elements of the course and who may employ graduates too!

Foundation degrees are validated by a university (the University of Plymouth validates those offered by Strode College) and are a recognised qualification with letters after your name (FdA for arts-based subjects, FdSc for science-based subjects, BdEng for engineering-based subject). Additionally, a foundation degree can usually give automatic progression onto an Honours degree at a designated university.

Foundation Degrees available at Strode College

Benefits of a Foundation Degree

Many school leavers are cautious about applying to university because of the fear of getting into debt or just don't feel ready to leave home and study far away from friends and family.  The Foundation degree is designed for people like you.  The benefits are:

• Lower tuition fees than an Honours degree but equivalent academic standards;
• Specific employer involvement, work experience and development of employability skills in your studies;
• Smaller class sizes and more personal attention at your local college
• Local courses mean you can stay at home and save, perhaps, around £6,000 per year in expenses;
• You can earn while your learn as your course will only be 1 to 2 days per week in college;
• Equivalent access to student loans and LEA grants as Honours degree students;
• Guaranteed progression to an Honours degree upon successful completion;
• Access to all services and facilities at the University of Plymouth including the students union, library, choir, orchestra and societies.

Strode College is the best local choice for a Foundation Degree

At Strode College, we believe that we offer a unique learning experience designed to help you make a smooth transition from school to university level learning.  The elements of this unique experience are:

• Smaller community atmosphere;
• No large lecture halls;
• Excellent staff: student ratio;
• Regular personal tutorial;
• Accessible, supportive and knowledgeable teaching team;
• Courses designed with local employment in mind;
• Flexible study during the daytime;
• Planned progression to the next qualification.

In addition, we offer:

• High quality teaching which is highly rated by regular external inspections;
• Committed staff who make learning enjoyable and rewarding and who undertake regular professional development;
• A modular course structure which allows flexibility to study over two or three years;
• An ethos which is committed to meeting the academic hopes and expectations of students;
• Individual attention and support;
• A fully accessible campus.

Entry requirements

Every application is considered individually. Minimum entry requirements are normally evidence of study at Level 3 including 1 A Level (grade C) or a National Diploma or Certificate with a pass grade, and GCSE English & Maths grade C.

For some Foundation degrees there may also be specific selection criteria.

Those with life experience may also apply and have this considered for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) services offered by the University of Plymouth.