Foundation degrees: foundation for what? Skills needs, lifelong learning and widening participation?

O'Doherty, EN

Abstract

Foundation degrees were established as a policy solution to the intermediate skill needs of the economy and as a means to effect social justice. This paper examines the outcomes of this policy using an analysis of student enrolment data from 2004-05 and extends the published evidence of the dominance of the public sector in the development of Foundation Degrees. An analysis of both the national profile and sub-regional entry qualifications in two case studies indicate the use of a variety of qualifications including APEL. This provides some evidence of new learners using the work-based learning route but there remain problems with the data. The evidence indicates that Foundation Degrees in the public sector are providing a vehicle for workforce development and widening participation. However, even in such cases, there remains the inherent tension between skill gaps and lifelong learning.

Citation

O'Doherty, E. (2006, January). Foundation degrees: foundation for what? Skills needs, lifelong learning and widening participation?. Presented at Education in a Changing Environment, University of Salford, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: Education in a Changing Environment
• Conference Location: University of Salford, UK
• Start Date: Jan 12, 2006
• End Date: Jan 13, 2006
• Publication Date: Jan 12, 2006
• Deposit Date: Jan 15, 2009
• Publisher URL: http://www.ece.salford.ac.uk/proceedings/papers/eo_06.rtf
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ISBN: 9781905732074; Event Type : Conference