These qualifications tend to be more work-related than academic and can put you on a fast-track route within your current career, into a new career or onto a degree course. Courses at this level tend to be particularly flexible. Many do not have specific entry requirements, so, no matter what qualifications you currently have, you can find a course that will lead to a recognised UK qualification or to a university degree course.

These courses involve classroom instruction, essays, projects and practical work. Class sizes tend to be relatively small, so students benefit from personal contact with tutors. There is continuous assessment of coursework plus exams.

Foundation Degrees are offered by universities in partnership with higher education colleges.  On successful completion, foundation degree graduates can work, or may choose to progress to further professional qualifications or to an honours degree. A full-time course takes two years.