Description A foundation degree is often taken as a second major for people who are interested in going for further studies after secondary education. It covers many academic areas such as history and early childhood development, environment and sustainability, geography, humanities and liberal arts, science, engineering and mathematics. A student pursuing a foundation degree will usually have already completed one year of college, but may take longer if they have completed other programmes first. This degree offers more career opportunities than a Bachelor’s degree does aat level 2.
Requirements Usually, the first year of study for a foundation degree is dedicated to courses in languages, philosophy and history. After this, you can choose to continue with further studies including courses in mathematics, history, earth science and psychology. Foundation degree holders are usually considered part-time students, since they will need to find a part-time job or work in order to earn money for their education. Some programs offer financial aid for underprivileged students. If a student has not finished college, he or she may still be able to pursue a foundation degree.
Leadership, teaching and research positions are often open to foundation degree holders aat level 3. They may also open up other career opportunities such as teacher education and learning management systems. However, these positions are very competitive since most teachers are expected to have already graduated from high school. Other educational institutions may hire foundation degree candidates once they have completed the usual requirements.
Choosing a Program In order to start a foundation degree, prospective students must carefully consider what courses they will want to complete. There are several schools that offer foundation degrees including the University of London, Queen Mary, University of California, Berkeley, University of Illinois, Chicago, Loyola University and several others. Most students prefer to choose a program that allows them to complete as many courses as possible since they will be required to take additional courses towards their Bachelor’s degree as well.
The types of classes that are offered depend on the type of foundation degree that is earned. For example, those who earn an interdisciplinary foundation degree may choose to enroll in courses focusing on a specific area of study. For example, there are education specialists, government relations specialists, international relations specialists, and political science scholars. Some of these courses may be offered part-time, while others may require full-time attendance. Those who decide to participate in internships may also benefit from the experience of local professors and other students, who are usually eager to share their experiences and obtain tips for future employment.
Completing The Application For foundation degree seekers, particularly those who have not yet earned their bachelor’s degree or who are not currently enrolled in an accredited university, must submit the application for enrollment. This includes a letter of intent that briefly outlines why the individual wants to pursue a foundation degree and another that expresses the anticipated major or area of study once it has been completed. Additional information such as admissions and transcript requirements must be submitted along with the application. Some schools may require potential students to submit letters of recommendation or a curriculum vitae as well. It is best for foundation degree candidates to consult with an academic advisor as well as to gather all pertinent information before submitting their application.