Did you know?
We work with a range of employers including BMW, the NHS and Cotswold Wildlife Park.
QUALIFICATIONS
With so many qualifications in the marketplace, the different routes into higher education after school and college can be confusing. See below for a simple diagram of qualification levels(PDF).
Employers guide to Higher Education
For a simple and easy to use guide on higher education for employers please see the Develop your Workforce booklet designed by Progress South Central Lifelong Learning Network.
Foundation degrees - a brilliant way to up-skill your workforce
Foundation degrees were introduced in 2001 and have been developed to meet skills gaps and combine work based learning with academic study.
Foundation degrees are designed in partnership with employers, to equip learners with the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to achieve academic results as well as improve their technical and practical work-based skills.
Many staff working for employers, such as BMW, the Blue Cross, Cotswold Wildlife Park, McLaren, the Ministry of Defence, the National Health Service and Oxfordshire County Council, are studying on one of the university's Foundation degrees. These organizations value Foundation degrees as they provide their staff with the skills they require, both practical and academic, for the future success of their business.
Students who successfully complete their Foundation degree can, if they wish, progress to the final year of a related Honours degree.
Many of Oxford Brookes' Foundation degrees are delivered at our partner further education colleges and accredited by Oxford Brookes.
Foundation degrees are:
- equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelors degree;
- studied either full time (two years) or part-time (three years or more);
- delivered by colleges and universities;
- a qualification validated and awarded by universities;
- a course which offers a blend of academic and work-based learning
What do Foundation degrees offer Employers?
- valuable professional learning and development opportunities;
- a workforce qualified with specialist skills and knowledge relevant to business needs which will improve performance and productivity;
- minimal disruption to the business operation by having employees study a work-based course - and they can still earn while they learn;
- an opportunity to employ a graduate prepared for the world of work and able to apply the right skills immediately
Who can study a Foundation degree?
- School or college leavers who have completed Level 3 qualifications;
- People in employment wishing to upgrade their skills;
- Those wishing to embark upon a career change
Traditional academic qualifications are not necessarily required to gain entry to a Foundation degree course. Existing experience and achievements may be taken into account.
There are over 2500 Foundation degree courses available nationally. At Oxford Brookes Foundation degree courses cover a wide range of subjects, from Classroom Support to Animal Management.
For more information on Foundation degrees please refer to the following websites: