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Foundation degrees

Foundation degrees are employment-related higher education qualifications that are:

• designed in partnership with employers
• sit one level below an honours degree.

They combine work-based learning with academic study and are normally delivered by colleges and universities. Flexible teaching arrangements are often available, meaning that combining employment and study is an option for many students.

For further information, visit the Foundation Degree Forward [External website].

The Foundation Degree in Government

The Cabinet Office designed this foundation degree with the support of the National School of Government and input from a number of government departments. It offers the degree in partnership with the University of Chester and the University of Portsmouth.

The Foundation Degree in Government is aimed primarily at associate professional or technical staff at grades equivalent to executive officer through to senior executive officer. The degree is divided into four key areas which cover the following topics.

• Induction – introduction to work-based learning, understanding government, and customers and stakeholders
• Underpinning skills – delivering results, organisational change, resource management, and managing and leading people
• Core skills – personal and professional development in the Civil Service, leading people through change, public finance and an elective
• Professional skills – work-based modules

Further information is available on the National School for Government website. Visit Foundation Degree in Government [External website].