Foundation Degree Symposium 2008

This event took place on the 18th April at Sussex Downs College, Lewes.  Use the links on the left to see the photographs

Programme and background information provided for the day

Download the programme  for the day.

Foundation degrees are described as follows:

• integrating work and learning
• designed in partnership with employers
• they equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their employment
• they are usually delivered by colleges and universities (and sometimes by other training providers)
• a full-time course will usually take two years to complete, a part-time course may take longer
• many students study whilst they are employed in order to improve their skills and job prospects
• you don’t necessarily need traditional academic qualifications to gain entry to a course
• many courses have flexible teaching arrangements involving part-time or evening attendance at college, distance learning or learning via the internet.

(Source:  Foundation Degree Forward website)

In this years symposium over 24 presenters from across Sussex looked at how they have tackled some of these issues in developing the Foundation degree curriculum across the full range of subjects.

The day provided an excellent opportunity for those planning the curriculum, teaching or advising students to find out what goes on in building a higher education qualification that is designed to make an impact on those in and entering the workforce. 

Keynote presentations

• Researching Foundation Degrees
  Yvonne Hillier, Professor of Education, University of Brighton
•  Apprenticeship progression to HE
  David Hemsworth, University Vocational Awards Council.