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Critical reflections on the development of a foundation degree

2004; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 9; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/13596740400200183

1747-5112

Arthur E. Morgan, Norah Jones, Karen Fitzgibbon,

Innovative Education and Learning Practices

Abstract Work undertaken on the development of Foundation degrees at the University of Glamorgan directly addressed employer and higher education concerns that the new award should aim to build on, and not reinvent, the HNC/HND awards it sought to replace. One of the key factors in this was to reconsider the role and purpose of ‘work experience’. Within this, the forms and type of involvement that employers might adopt in creating an experience of work that aims to develop characteristics of employability or job readiness in graduates were reviewed. In particular, and consistent with other parts of the United Kingdom, a regional perspective was adopted. This approach aimed to be reflective of the devolved nature of economic policy, and the location and market for business and economic activity. The particular desire to pursue an employability agenda linked to its unique role within the economy of the region, through the involvement of its network of further education (FE) partner colleges, has characterised the commitment of this University to the development of a set of ideals associated with Foundation degrees. This article critically discusses the development of the Foundation degree award and reflects on the opportunities that such a scheme offers for part-time students in particular and for the institution, for example, in utilizing technology to support workplace delivery.