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As we all know, university degrees cover a range of different levels and subjects. This means that the average student is faced with an endless choice when it comes to making their decision and many youngsters may feel daunted by the task.
Foundation degrees are an introductory qualification that helps students adjust to university life and prepare for an undergraduate degree, but what exactly do they entail and are they beneficial?
Foundation degrees are vocational qualifications which are designed to make the transfer from further education (A Levels etc.) to higher education (Undergraduate degree etc). Foundation degrees will combine academic study with work-based learning and their successful completion will typically lead to enrolment on an undergraduate course at the same institution.
Who can apply for foundation degrees?
Any pupil or student can apply for a foundation degree and these are available in hundreds of topics or courses. Foundation degrees are considered as a university level qualification in their own right, but are lower in status to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. A number of students, therefore, use them as a way to attain their undergraduate degree through progression.
What are the entry requirements of foundation degrees?
The entry requirements for this qualification will depend on the course and the establishment it is being offered at. However, a number of foundation degree programmes will have lower entry requirements than undergraduate degrees and will also take experience and other skills into consideration during the application process. This means that these degrees are often available to a wider range of applicants and can, therefore, be hugely beneficial.
How long do foundation degrees last?
Foundation degrees will typically have a shorter timescale than undergraduate degree, taking just one or two years to complete in the vast majority of cases. After the successful completion of a foundation degree, applicants will usually be able to progress onto a full honours degree through an additional year or two of study.
Foundation degrees are a great option for individuals who are unsure about their chosen degree or who lack the sufficient entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. They can subsequently attain the same qualifications over a similar time period, whilst gaining practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge.
How are foundation degrees assessed?
As with all degrees or qualifications, foundation degrees will be assessed differently depending on the course and the institution that is offering it. Typically, assessments will be made for both the practical experience and the theoretical knowledge. Project or group work, personal essays and assignments/exams are all likely to be involved in the assessment process. These will be used to determine the result that is attained when the course eventually comes to a conclusion.
Foundation degrees can, therefore, be extremely beneficial to students, offering those with more practical skills the chance to supplement them with an educational qualification which could prove valuable. This can help to boost their career prospects and can also help to hone their pre-existing skills in their chosen field.
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