New Foundation Degree DVD launched

A new DVD has been launched by the University's Division for Lifelong Learning to explain the benefits of a Foundation Degree.

It was produced following the University of Bath’s Open Day last June when it became apparent that many students and parents were unfamiliar with what a Foundation Degree is.

Suzanne Maxwell, Deputy Director of the Division, said "It became obvious that we needed to provide more information about these degrees and their benefits. In the first instance, we set up some ’Introduction to Foundation Degree’ talks for the September Open Day.

Ultimately we knew we had to reach a much wider audience in a timely and cost effective manner. Our DVD provides the perfect solution.

Whilst there are other DVDs which focus on specific courses, our DVD is distinctly different in that it gets across some general key messages about Foundation Degrees in a fun and engaging way. Initial feedback to date has been very positive."

She added: "University places will be at a premium next September. Therefore, it is important for potential students to be informed about all the opportunities available to them."

A Foundation Degree is equivalent to Higher National Diplomas, a Diploma of Higher Education or the first two years of a full-time Honours Degree; students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for their future employment as Foundation Degrees integrate both academic and work-based learning.

One former Foundation Degree graduate from the University of Bath is Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams MBE.

She said: "I did a Foundation Degree at Bath and found it immensely useful. The flexibility of it allowed me to continue with my sport whilst studying."

On successful completion student are given the option of completing a one-year (full-time) or 18 month/two-year (part–time) top-up programme leading to a full Honours Degree.

Foundation degrees are run in conjunction with local colleges in:

Addictions Counselling – Action for Addiction
Applied Computing – City of Bath College, Weston College and Wiltshire College
Digital Media Arts – Wiltshire College
Early Childhood Studies – Wiltshire College
Engineering Systems – Swindon College
Funeral Services – University of Bath
Motorsport Engineering – Wiltshire College
Sport (Sports Coaching) City of Bath College, Weston College
Sport (Sports Health and Fitness) – City of Bath College, Weymouth College
Sport (Sports Performance) - University of Bath

To watch the new DVD and for further information our Foundation Degree programmes please go to http://go.bath.ac.uk/foundation-degrees .

If you have any questions please contact the Learning Partnership Office, Division for Lifelong Learning on 01225 386513 or email us on learningpartnerships@bath.ac.uk .