Foundation Degrees

About Foundation Degrees

Foundation degrees are an important pathway into higher education for people in a variety of situations; those who cannot commit financially to three-years of study at a university; those whose situation requires them to study locally; or those who wish to study by tutor-supported distance learning. 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 and the Open University validate 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 pre-designated university.

 

Foundation Degrees available at Strode College

Entry year	Subject	Status
2008	Managing in the Public Sector Services FdSc	Approved
	History, Heritage & Archaeology FdA	Approved
2009	E-Business Technologies FdA	Approved

 

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.
• Access to all services and facilities at the Open University.

 

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 or longer;
• 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.

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 or the Open University.

Mature students over 21 may apply without any previous academic qualifications.

 

How to Apply

You should apply through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) online*. If you are at school or college your teacher be able to help you with this. You will need to have a reference from your tutor.

You should quote the reference number P60 and select the Strode College campus, and course codes from the relevant web page. UCAS applications open on 1 September of the year before entry and close on 15 January (i.e. for 2011 entry applications will open on 1 September 2010 and close on 15 January 2011).

If you decide to apply after 15 January, you should apply to UCAS as above. Once clearing (after 15 August in each year) is opened you should apply direct to the College, via the website or make direct contact.

If you have been away from education, your local Connexions careers office may be able to help you.

There is a small charge of £5 - 15 depending on how many universities you apply to.