Foundation degrees are vocational higher education courses which can be taken in England. They take two years to complete full time, or longer part time, and with some further study can be topped-up to a relevant Honours degree.

Covers work-related topics and takes two years of full-time study; can also be done part-time while working. Option to convert to a full degree with further study.

A vocational degree, which is two years full-time or three years if taken as a sandwich course. A foundation degree can lead straight on to a first degree, which could be completed in twelve months. Entry requirements are at least one A level (or equivalent) or a vocational qualification at level 3, e.g. NVQ.

a new higher education qualification that brings together experience and learning in the workplace with academic learning

a new qualification intended to link the academic education, gained from studying at a university, with the vocational needs of the employment market

a new qualification to help you develop your chosen career

a new qualification which links academic knowledge with technical and transferable skills demanded by employers

a new type of undergraduate degree

an intermediate work-related higher education qualification which takes two years full-time or three to four part-time

a vocational degree programme offered in a wide range of vocational sectors

a vocational, higher education qualification built with the help of employers, together with universities and colleges

a vocational higher education qualification, designed together with employers, to equip you with the higher level skills and knowledge that you will need in the workplace

a work-related qualification designed in consultation with employers which provides students with valuable academic knowledge combined with work-related experience

Launching foundation degrees in 2002, the government aims to provide a qualification that is developed by educational bodies led by universities but in conjunction with employers.

These are new higher education awards designed to equip individuals with the academic knowledge and skills needed by employers. They have been developed in collaboration with employers and will all involve work-based and work-related learning. Most of the courses will be offered on a part time basis so that students can 'earn and learn'. To enable this, some parts of the courses will be delivered via the web and through distance learning. For further details, contact the University's Information Centre ( info.centre@port.ac.uk).