Foundation Degree Forward (fdf)
The Higher Education Academy is hosting publications produced by Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) in order that they remain available to the higher education community. fdf closed in July 2011 after eight years at the heart of employer engagement in higher education
fdf publications that may be helpful to you
- The findings of research projects undertaken by, or commissioned by, fdf
- Guides to good practice in the development and delivery of work-based higher education
- Guides for students considering takign a foundation degree
- Guides for employers concerning the nature and benefits of work-based higher education
- Case studies examining: innovative programme design; employer engagement; accreditation of work-based higher education; and student stories
- fdf journal (three issues per year)
History of fdf
fdf was established in 2003 by the (then) Department for Education and Skills. Funding was provided by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). fdf was initially tasked with developing innovative approaches to the creation of Foundation degrees, with a very clear focus on establishing employer engagement in Foundation degree development. fdf also worked extensively with colleges on enhancing their Foundation degrees provision.
In 2006 HEFCE broadened the fdf remit beyond the Foundation degree qualification to embrace an emphasis upon establishing and sustaining employer demand for appropriate higher education provision in general.
Publications about fdf.What did fdf do?
- fdf worked with employers and higher education providers to develop hundreds of Foundation degree programmes. These included innovative national Foundation degrees for the retail, ICT and travel industries (in partnership with companies such Tesco, BT and TUI) and programmes that helped to transform the NHS and social care workforces
- Developed the Employer Based Training Accreditation (EBTA) Service that enhanced and accredited employers’ in house training. This service brought higher education opportunities to thousands of employees of companies such as Jewson and Murco
- Developed dozens of Foundation Degree Frameworks with Sector Skills Councils and sector bodies
- Developed web-based information, advice and guidance for work-based learners and their advisorsCommissioned major research projects that examined the experiences of employers and students who utilised Foundation degrees
