Foundation degrees:the way forward for ICT in HE – a call for debate on the design, implementation and delivery of ICT Foundation Degrees

Abstract

This paper is written to promote debate between those UK consortia who are delivering Foundation Degree programmes in Information and Communication Technologies. It takes as a reference point the Foundation Degree (final draft) benchmark statement issued by the Qualifications Assurance Agency and poses questions about various aspects of this qualification which the author believes will be problematic. It discusses work based learning from both the institutional and practitioner’s viewpoint, the idea of flexible modes of delivery which fit in with the widening participation agenda, ways of making the qualification attractive to employers and potential students, and finally, progression to higher qualifications. It does not offer solutions to any of the problems: but signposts research being undertaken by the author in conjunction with the Higher Education Academy.