Part-time and professional courses
Foundation degrees
What is a Foundation degree?
Foundation degrees are work-focused higher education qualifications designed to meet employer skill shortages, improve career opportunities and increase earning potential. Employers are involved in the design and review of the content of these courses to ensure that you are provided with a broad range of professional skills and expertise.
Flexible study
One of the advantages of Foundation degrees is that they allow flexible methods of study, varying from two years full time, to three or four years part time. They allow you to earn and learn. They are sometimes delivered totally by the University and sometimes in conjunction with Higher Education Colleges and Further Education Colleges and are linked to learning in the workplace. Some of the courses may be delivered via the web and through distance learning packages.
Career development
On completion of a Foundation Degree, you could continue on to other professional qualifications or to a full honours degree with just a further 12 - 15 months full-time study or part- time over a longer period. However, the Foundation Degree is a qualification in its own right, which will enhance your skills in the workplace.
Entry Requirements
There are no nationally recognised entry requirements onto a foundation degree. It is up to the university involved in the programme to decide eligibility. The criteria for acceptance can range from:
- 'A' levels or vocational 'A' levels
- GNVQs, NVQs, Access Certificate or other level 3 qualifications
- relevant work experience
- equivalent professional qualifications
- your ability to succeed
You will need to visit the course page of the Foundation Degree that you are interested in studying to see the entry requirements.
Courses available
The University currently offers the following Foundation Degrees:
Business, Administration and Government
Creative Professional Practice
MSc Creative Professional Practice
Criminal justice studies
FdA Investigation and Evidence
Education
FdA Early Years Care And Education
Health Science