Foundation degrees: the tripartite relationship between higher education, further education and employers

This paper considers the objectives of the Foundation Degree and assesses the success in achieving these objectives. We first debate the explicit and implicit objectives, and the literature suggests that the three objectives are: to increase employability; to widen participation; to reduce cost. In the main, a tripartite relationship between higher and further education and an employer is demanded. It is tricky to manage such an operation effectively, and this paper explores the relationships involved in developing and running foundation degrees. We analyse the Quality Assurance Agency reviews and other research findings on Foundation Degrees in order to gauge the success of such partnerships.