Foundation Degrees (FDA/FDSc)

Get practical skills with an employment-focussed Foundation Degree.

Foundation Degrees are a combination of studying at college and workplace learning. Created through close collaboration between employers and educational institutions, they are designed to meet the needs of industry and focus on a particular job or profession.

A Foundation Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a university course. They are ideal if you are unsure about committing to a full degree course, or if you want the flexibility to study while you work. A Foundation Degree will provide you with a strong platform to go straight into employment or for entry to a full undergraduate degree.

Foundation Degrees are studied over two years and you can then enrol on an Honours Top-up for a year. Completing this ‘2+1’ pathway will take your education up to a Level 6, which is exactly the same as a traditional degree.

Our business, furniture, sports, and education programmes are awarded by Oxford Brookes University.

Our animal management programmes are awarded by Kingston University.

Our counselling programmes are awarded by University of Greenwich.

Our programmes in children's development and learning are awarded by Reading University. 

Key programme features

  • The programme leaves time for part-time work and independent study
  • Teaches real-world skills for the workplace
  • Flexibility to gain a full degree or enter employment upon graduation
  • Assessed on a practical basis, so no final exams!
  • They may work out cheaper than a traditional degree
Search our Foundation Degree programmes

Awarding body partners