1 Higher Education in Further Education Phil Lester 26 April 06

2 Higher Education in Further Education What is HE in FE? The routes into HE Vocational Skills Types of qualifications Higher Nationals Foundation Degrees Questions

3 What is HE in FE? All courses of study above Level 3 (advanced) (post A- Levels, National Certificate, NVQ 3 etc.) Studied in local Colleges of Further Education and some 6 th Form Colleges rather than University Mostly Vocational courses Certificate Intermediate Honours Level 4Level 5 Level 6

4 Going into Higher Education (i) Academic Route (traditional)  School/College (Post Advanced Level) University Work /further study

5 University not for you?  You don’t get the grades you need  You would prefer to get a job  Worried about the cost?  Feel you will struggle to keep up  Want to stay local?  You are not ready  It’s just not for you

6 There is another way! The Vocational Route

7 Going into Higher Education (ii) Vocational Routes  Part Time - Work AMA’s: NVQ’s Professional Quals. Higher Nationals, or Foundation Degree Hons. Degree  Full Time - FE College Higher Nationals, or Foundation Degree Work Hons. Degree AND/OR

8 A few facts: 2005/6  Nationally: 379,000 started first degree programmes 294,600 started other HE programmes  Regionally: 20,000 students study HE in FEC’s in Yorks. 41 FE Colleges in Yorkshire 9 local FE Colleges/6FC’s offer HE Courses Source: HESA/AoC

9 Higher level skills gaps – South Yorkshire Where the jobs will be needed (i)  New and emerging technologies Bio-Science & technology Media/Creative and Digital industries Environmental/Green technology/science Health Care/Fitness/Medical Technology  Manufacturing sectors Advanced Engineering - Manufacturing & Metals Construction Yorkshire Forward RDS

10 Higher level skills gaps – S.Yorkshire Where the jobs will be needed (ii)  Major economic drivers Tourism and Leisure Services Catering & Hospitality Freight transport and logistics Financial services: Business and Professional Management Health Services & Social Care Voluntary/Community development Yorkshire Forward RDS

11 Government prediction: By 2020, 80% of jobs will require skills at level 4 or above and qualifications will need to be much more work-related Achieved through much more Work-Based Learning and Vocational Pathways Wanted! - Higher level skills

12 Higher Vocational Qualifications BTEC Qualifications: Higher National Certificate 2 years Part Time Usually studied on the job Stand – alone qualification Good reputation with employers Some progression to HND or Degree possible

13 Higher Vocational Qualifications BTEC Qualifications: Higher National Diploma (Int. Level 5) 2 years Full Time - (3 yrs Part Time) Equivalent to 1 st 2 years of a degree Stand–Alone Prepares you for work Many include work experience modules Many Universities offer “Top Up” courses to degree Large Subject Range Find out more at: 34,500 students currently studying Higher Nationals

14 Foundation Degrees (Int. Level 5)  The new style Vocational Degree  University Validated  Foundation degrees integrate academic and work-based learning  Employers must have a say in their design, so they equip learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their employment.  Improve employment prospects  Success will guarantee progression to Hons. Degree  Mostly run in FE Colleges.

15 Foundation Degrees Offer wide access Degree From School/College A Levels, BTEC Nationals/Certificates NVQ 3,4,5 Advanced Apprenticeship Access to HE From Work Appropriate experience (APEL) Professional qualifications Community Foundation Degree or Career

16 Foundation Degrees  Duration: Usually 2 Years Full time: 3 years Part – time  Cost: Many FE Colleges only charge the standard HE Fee, rather than the University “Top Up” fees. Some colleges will charge the full university fee, but bursaries and grants may be available Other Financial arrangements same for all HE Courses – Check with your guidance tutor (Check with your chosen college)  Application: (full time) Via UCAS (Part time) apply to the college direct

17 Foundation Degrees Nationally 1774 Fd Courses Running – wide subject range 850 more planned for 06/07 47,000 students (source: fdf April 06) Large Employers now using Fd as key work based training for their staff: eg; Tesco BMW British Gas Young’s Foods NHS The Armed Forces

18 Foundation Degrees  For lots more info on courses:  