FdA Government (e-learning)
About the Foundation degree in Government
Professional development designed for Government needs
In December 2006, the National School of Government (NSG) invited the University of Portsmouth to deliver a degree in government, aimed at improving the skills of public administrators working in the Civil Service. The degree was to be a direct response to the Government's Reform Agenda including the Professional Skills for Government (PSG) initiative. You can read more about PSG for staff below grade 7 by downloading the summary document.
The University worked in partnership with the NSG to ensure that the degree would enable it to develop closer working relationships with government as an employer, developing PSG into something that would make a significant contribution to the Reform Agenda and set new standards for learning and development in the public sector. The degree was successfully launched in February 2008, and was shortly followed by a sister Foundation degree in Local Government.
About Foundation degrees
Foundation degrees are prestigious, highly portable qualifications; they are recognised and valued across the public, private and charitable sectors. For students they are the way to get ahead and translate years of experience into a qualification. For employers they are the way to greater productivity and stronger organisational performance and are named in the Leitch Report as one of the ways forward in higher education.
About online learning at Portsmouth
This new course will challenge and stimulate students by using innovative learning methods and resources. The course is delivered through Victory, the University of Portsmouth's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - where online learning is closely supported by a dedicated team of experienced staff.
Students and staff meet face to face on two occasions. At the start of the degree, the two day induction event ensures that a strong learning community is established. Half way through the degree students return to the University for a further one and a half days where the focus is on planning for their work-based projects.
Preview of course materials
A free CD is available that contains course materials and shows the online learning environment from fdgov@port.ac.uk. This CD can also be viewed online.
Fees
The fees are normally paid by your employer, but it is possible to self-fund and to pay in instalments.
For details of next year's tuition fees please visit www.port.ac.uk/tuitionfees or contact fdgov@port.ac.uk for further details.
Further sources of FdA Government information
- The programme's electronic prospectus entry;
- The course fact sheet, detailing the aims and learning outcomes, course structure and unit content;
- The course brochure.
If you have any questions about the course please contact course co-ordinators david.carpenter@port.ac.uk or nancy.north@port.ac.uk.