Nursery World - Firm foundations (1)

'Foundation Degrees are new, intermediate level, vocational higher education qualifications. They integrate academic and work-based learning through close collaboration between employers and universities/colleges. 'They offer a new route into and through higher education. They can reduce the barriers to learning, offering full-time, modular, distance and e-based learning modes, or a combination of all these, across a variety of locations such as employer premises, higher and further education colleges and universities. They can also offer recognition of relevant prior learning and experience. They are distinctive because they require the active involvement of employers and employer bodies, such as the relevant Sector Skills Councils (previously National Training Organisations) and professional bodies, in their design, implementation and review.

'They offer a new route into and through higher education. They can reduce the barriers to learning, offering full-time, modular, distance and e-based learning modes, or a combination of all these, across a variety of locations such as employer premises, higher and further education colleges and universities. They can also offer recognition of relevant prior learning and experience. They are distinctive because they require the active involvement of employers and employer bodies, such as the relevant Sector Skills Councils (previously National Training Organisations) and professional bodies, in their design, implementation and review.

'Foundation Degrees are a higher education qualification in their own right, but they can also provide the basis for progression to further professional or academic qualifications at higher levels. Many businesses see the value of building Foundation Degrees into their workforce development agendas, as an additional step in an employee's career pathway.

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