Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Foundation Degree?
Foundation degrees were launched in 2001 to equip learners with a combination of technical skills, academic knowledge and general skills needed for employment. They are designed to encourage people who may not have considered studying for a higher level qualification to enter higher education. Foundation degrees differ from conventional degrees in four main ways:
- Two year rather than three year courses
- Degree content is developed in close consultation with employers so that it is up to date, directly relevant to the work place and emphasises practical skills.
- Usually taught in Colleges like Abingdon and Witney College but validated by a partner University which oversees the quality of teaching and learning. The partner University awards the final degree and ensures that successful graduates can go on, if they wish, to study for a full honours degree at the University. Most of the degrees at this college are validated by Oxford Brookes University.
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It is possible, and in some cases essential, to combine your study with a full or part time job.
How much will it cost?
The fee level on most of the degrees at Abingdon and Witney College are currently less than half what you would pay if you attended a university as a full time student. This is to make the courses as accessible as possible and means you can save a great deal. However most of our foundation degrees are classified as full time higher education courses. This means that you are also eligible to apply for Student Support which may result in you being awarded a non-repayable grant. In any case, you will be able to take out a student loan and spread the cost of gaining a degree by repaying your loan when you are earning over £15,000 per year. Many of our current students receive financial support from their employer and so if you are applying for a course related to your current job, it is worth asking your employer if they will contribute to your fees.
Will I need any qualifications?
Entry requirements vary from course to course so please see course details for further information. For a few of our courses, the only requirement is that you are in suitable employment and have the support of your employer. For most courses, if you are under 21, you will need at least one appropriate A level, NVQs or a national diploma or certificate. For students over 21 without these qualifications, we interview you to assess your suitability.
Do I need to be in a job which relates to my foundation Degree?
For some of our degrees this is an entrance requirement and most assessment will involve you applying what you learn in your place of work. For this reason you will need the support of your employer. However for other degrees, while it would be a great help, we will provide you with work in the College facilities, such as the complimentary health salons or the Animal Unit to gain the essential technical skills you need. In addition, most students who are not in relevant employment are expected to undertake a substantial work placement. It is your responsibility to find the placement but the college has many contacts with employers which will help you find a suitable placement. Please check course details for further information.
How much time will I need for studying?
Unlike a conventional degree courses, teaching on all our Foundation degrees is planned so that you attend college once or twice a week. The number of hours in college varies from 6 hours per week to 12 hours per week for around 30 weeks per year but the course information will tell you about attendance requirements.
However, as this is a Higher Education programme you will need to put aside a considerable amount of extra time in the week for private study and work-based learning – probably an additional 10 to 15 hours per week in term time.
What about assessment?
Each degree has a range of different types of assessment and in most cases the assessment is mainly by assignments set throughout the year rather than by formal exam. Again, please check course information. One requirement common to all foundation degrees is that you produce a project in year two which is based on a real work environment and is designed to benefit an employer. The exact nature of this project varies from course to course but enables you to apply your knowledge for the benefit of an organisation and could be a way of repaying your employer if they have helped fund your study. Alternatively, it will be an excellent addition to your CV.
What support will I get for my learning?
Whether you have just left school or college or have been in work for many years, enrolling on a degree level course can be daunting as you will need to learn how to study at a high level. All foundation degrees contain one module which is designed to give guidance on study skills as well as helping you analyse your professional skills. In addition, some individual learning support may be arranged if the going gets tough.
Am I student of the partner University as well?
Although the programmes are taught at the College, you will also be fully enrolled members of the partner University. You will be able to access libraries and other facilities, including sports facilities. All students are taken to the University during the first few weeks of their course to meet the University staff and to be shown around the facilities. You will also be invited to graduate at the university and wear your cap and gown!
What will a foundation degree mean for my future prospects?
You should be able to progress to the final year a full honours degree at the partner University. Alternatively, you may decide to either enter or continue in employment where your degree will be recognised by employers. Many of our graduates do progress to honours degrees and others have been promoted at work.
How can I apply?
Full time applicants for foundation degrees need to apply through UCAS. This can be done by logging on to www.ucas.com/students/apply. While this web-based application system has excellent ‘Help’ functions, it may appear a little daunting to anyone who is not applying from sixth form/college. If you need help, please contact Russell Paul on 01235 216227. You will need the UCAS codes given in the entry for each foundation degree in order to complete the application.
Students applying for part time routes apply to College directly and will be sent application forms.
How can I found more?
Brief information about each of our foundation degrees can be found in the HE prospectus but please log on to the College website
www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk for more detailed information. Additional information about each of the degrees can also be obtained from our partner Universities so please log on to www.brookes.ac.uk for Oxford Brookes university or www.tvu.ac.uk for Thames Valley University.
