News
Government framework acclaims successful Foundation degrees
Released: 4th November 2009
Higher Ambitions: The future of universities in a knowledge economy has been published, setting out the Government’s plans for higher education.
The framework focuses on the future development of HE and highlights the Government’s priorities to continue widening access, sustain and improve standards and meet the economy’s needs for high level skills.
A central element of the Government’s proposals is expanding the provision of flexible, work-based and part-time qualifications, such as Foundation degrees.
The Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) will also be asked to devise new funding incentives to develop HE programmes that deliver the higher level skills needed.
“The framework gives priority to growing a diverse range of models of higher education most attractive to non-traditional students through part-time and work-based provision aimed at mature students,” explains Professor Derek Longhurst, fdf’s Chief Executive. “In particular, it encourages the further expansion of the successful Foundation degree.
“The report asks HEFCE to devise new funding incentives to develop higher education programmes that deliver the higher level skills needed for economic recovery and future growth. It reiterates the need for universities to rise to the challenge of opening up new revenue streams through working more closely with business and industry.
“It also calls for universities to respond to the needs of students and employers by making provision available throughout the year and for the distinction between part-time and full-time study to become increasingly irrelevant.”
A further significant proposal is to allow funding to be diverted towards those courses that meet strategic skills needs, such as those Foundation degrees being developed for the energy and low carbon industries, and away from institutions delivering courses that fail to meet high standards of quality or outcome.
Higher Ambitions: The future of universities in a knowledge economy can be downloaded from the BIS website at http://www.bis.gov.uk/mandelson-outlines-future-of-higher-education
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