Foundation degree ‘relevant to students and employers’

One of the first of the new foundation degrees to be introduced by a British university - the Foundation Degree in Chemical Technology at the University of Teesside - has just received a glowing report from higher education quality watchdogs for its relevance to both students’ employment and to employers.

Foundation degrees are a new type of university award, developed directly with employers and offering a practical approach to leaning.

The University of Teesside launched its Chemical Technology Foundation Degree (FD) in 2001 as part of a consortium that includes eight chemical industries and Middlesbrough College.

The report by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education commended the new qualification. In particular the report praised the use of case studies which were relevant to the students employment and designed and delivered as a partnership with the chemical industry. The reviewers also welcomed the development of progression routes; firstly, on to the FD from a Modern Apprenticeship and/or City & Guilds Process Plant operation level 3; and, secondly, from the FD to a relevant honours degree.

Professor Graham Henderson, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “I’m very pleased that the review described our foundation degree in Chemical Technology as ‘an excellent example of widening participation’.”

Dr Dave Pritchard, Principal Lecturer in Chemical Engineering in the University’s School of Science & Technology, said: “We are delighted that the interaction between industry and academics has produced such a relevant qualification. We couldn’t have done it without the important contribution from the industry.”

Huntsman, BASF, Vopak, Dow Haltermann and Teesside Training Enterprise were among the companies providing case studies for the students, who were all studying part-time on the first cohort..

Other foundation degrees offered by the University of Teesside covers areas such as Art, Design & Music, Business, Management & Human Resources, Engineering, Health & Social Care and Education.

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