West Yorkshire - Lifelong Learning Network

A Generic Model for Foundation Degrees

Rationale

The Business Services sector group decided as part of its work plan to identify and write up the requirements of a framework for a generic model for foundation degrees in the sector. This demand led approach to provision is based on the identification of employer needs and the Regional Economic Strategy. The model draws extensively on the development of the FD frameworks to identify a generic model for the development of FDs within a sector, which will reduce costs and eliminate duplication of activity.

This model is capable of incorporating:

• The development of SSC frameworks;
• Developments within Train to Gain and Pathfinder developments;
• The priorities of the Regional Economic strategy
• Good practice from across the HE sector;
• Professional body requirements;
• Requirements for Co-funding and ‘in kind’ funding;
• Progression opportunities and the use of APEL, and accreditation of employer based training.

The basic structure of the Foundation Degree in Business was developed and this structure forms the basis for other Foundation Degrees in Retail, Logistics and Financial Services.

Each of the Foundation Degrees as the same modules at each level ie:

Level 1

• PPD 1 and 2 30 credits
• Applied Learning in the Work Place 1 and 2 30 credits
• (Subject) Knowledge 15 credits
• (Technical) Skills 15 credits
• Innovation and Creativity 15 credits
• Organisations 15 credits

Level 2

• PPD 3 and 4 30 credits
• Applied Learning in the Work Place 3 and 4 30 credits
• (Subject) Knowledge 15 credits
• (Technical) Skills 15 credits
• Innovation and Creativity 15 credits
• Leading and Managing in Organisations 15 credits

Each sector has customised the modules using SSC frameworks and subject benchmarks to produce modules such as: Retail Knowledge, Retail Skills, Logistics Knowledge, Logistics Craft Skills, Financial Services Knowledge, Financial Services Skills.

At the top level these are generic modules for each sector. However in responding to the needs of employers these can be further developed to accommodate specific skills.

FIND OUT MORE

Download the Sector Brochure