Do you want a higher education (HE) qualification that involves a high proportion of work-based learning? Are you keen to get skills that suit the needs of business and employers in your chosen area of work?  If the answer is yes, a foundation degree may be perfect for you. UCMK offers a range of foundation degrees as part of its HE offer, some of which are based in the city's brand new University Centre in Silbury Boulevard.

What is a Foundation Degree?

The foundation degree is a higher education qualification that concentrates on developing your employability skills. You increase your subject knowledge and many people comment on the personal development benefits as well. As well as specific skills related to your area of specialism you will also learn many other vital skills needed for employability. You can also use your foundation degree as a stepping stone to further degree study.

*NEW FOR 2010*

FdA in Sustainable Communities.This exciting new degree is an innovative programme that aims to develop skills and knowledge in all aspects of Sustainable Communities ranging from design, planning and housing right through to issues associated with governance, sustainability and regeneration.

 FdA in Photography. Aspiring David Baileys and Diane Arbus' apply early to discover life through the lens.Please call 01908 637277 if you are interested in this new programme.

The Foundation Degree in Learning and Teaching is a new course starting in Sept 2010 offered in partnership between UCMK and the University of Northampton. It is an essential qualification for teaching assistants and is designed to fit around their work commitments. It also offers a direct progression route to the BA (Hons) in Learning and Teaching via a third year of study. 

• FdA Media (Digital Imaging & Design for Media)
• FdA in Graphic Design
• FdA in Interior Design
• FdA in Journalism
• FdA Business Studies
• FdA Retail Management
• FdSc Computer Networking & Systems Engineering
• FdSc Commercial Digital Technology
• FdA in Sports Therapy
• FdA in Sport, Fitness and Health
• FdA in Early Years Care
• FdA Psychology & Criminal Behaviour
• FdA in Accountancy (embedded ACCA)

We also offer Leadership & Management Level 4

.

We offer a range of other HE courses If you can't see the course you're looking for.

Why Bother?

People with foundation degrees have the potential to make an immediate contribution in the workplace, which can make them more attractive to employers. Foundation degrees also have clear progression routes into the final year of many honours degrees.

Foundation degrees develop:

• work-specific skills that are relevant to a particular sector of industry
• key-skills like communication and problem solving
• more general skills such as work-process management and professionalism

Who are Foundation Degrees for?

Students may be:

• Employees wanting to progress their careers
• A Level students who want a different route to an honours degree (a change to stay local and save some money maybe)
• Advanced Apprentices
• Students with GNVQs or NVQ level 3 who are seeking to progress to the next level up

How long is a Foundation Degree?

• Two years with full-time study 
• You can study part-time over a longer period allowing you to study while at work

What Qualification will you get?

Foundation degrees are qualifications in their own right. After graduating you can use the letters FdA or FdSc after your name.