Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees (FdA, FdSc) are ...

... employment-related higher education qualifications. which have been designed with employers to meet their requirements and are:

  • offered by universities, colleges, and some further education colleges (accredited by higher education institutions).
  • in vocational subjects, such as housing, social care, computing, business, travel and tourism.
  • available on a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time foundation degrees may form part of a higher apprenticeship
  • equivalent to the second year of a degree.

Institutions set their own entry requirements but qualifications at level 3 or evidence of recent study may be required; some institutions may accept company training and/or relevant work experience. You may, with further study, be able to top up a foundation degree to a degree.

Science conversion courses are offered by some universities

They are aimed at students with arts A levels at good grades who want to study science at degree level.

Look on GOV.UK for what different qualification levels mean

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