Faq's
- Am I too old to study for a foundation degree?
- Are there age barriers for careers?
- Can I ask for someone to help me fill in my application?
- Can I go on to other qualifications when I finish?
- Can I study for a foundation degree on a full time basis?
- What is a lifelong learning network?
- What is a vocational learner?
- What is a higher education?
- What is a progression agreement?
- I'm an employer, what's in it for me?
- I work in further education, what's in it for me?
- I work in higher education, what is in it for me?
- Will it cost me anything for the LLLN to help me?
Am I too old to study for a foundation degree?
You are never too old to study for a foundation degree, but as foundation degrees are related to employment, you may want to consider a different course if you are not planning to work again.
The minimum age to start a foundation degree is 18, but about 75% of students are over 21 when they start studying, and many are considerably older.
Are there age barriers for careers?
Most age barriers have been removed by age discrimination legislation. To make sure you will not be too old (or too young) for what you want to do, contact the professional body for the job you want to do and check it out. Most have websites and the information is normally available there.
You may find it helpful to speak to a careers adviser. See our leaflet on ‘Careers guidance in the South West’.
Can I ask for someone to help me fill in my application?
There are various people you could ask to help you complete your application. If you have a Connexions Adviser or Careers Adviser, you could ask them. If you are already studying and want to apply for another course, your tutor may be able to help you, or can tell you who to ask in your institution. You could also ask the admissions tutor for the course you wish to study - they will know who can help in their institution.
Can I go on to other qualifications when I finish?
Yes. Students with a foundation degree can progress to other professional qualifications or to an honours degree course.
Can I study for a foundation degree on a full time basis?
Yes, about 50% of foundation degree students choose to study full time, taking usually two years to complete it.
What is a lifelong learning network?
Lifelong Learning Networks are government funded initiatives which aim to help vocational learners, of all ages, to progress into higher education.
What is a vocational learner?
Vocational learners are usually people who are studying for, or have, qualifications other than A levels, for example, BTECs or NVQs. They may be people who have no recognised qualifications, but have learned from experience in the workplace.
What is a higher education?
Higher education is the sort of education offered at universities and colleges of higher education. It usually (but not always) leads to a Foundation degree, degree or to a higher degree (such as a Master's degree). Universities today often offer short courses which might lead to a qualification, or to gaining credit, which is a way of counting your education's length and level.
What is a progression agreement?
A progression agreement is a document which specifies what a learner needs to do to be considered for a place on a particular programme. It needs at least two partners - one that provides the vocational learners and one that will provide progression to a higher levelof learning. For example, a progression agreement could be between an FE college providing a BTEC National Art & Design, and a university degree programme in Art & Design.
I'm an employer, what's in it for me?
The Lancashire LLN can work with employers to match your employees' training needs with the best that our partner colleges and universities have to offer.
If there is nothing that closely matches your requirements, we can work with you and our partners to create new programmes. We are developing arrangements to optimise movement between working and learning in addition to CPD opportunities for existing supervisors and managers.
We will help our partners to recognise the investment you have already made in work-based training and ensure that programmes you devlop with us serve to stretch and exapnd your emplosss' skills - along with your buusiness.
I work in further education, what's in it for me?
The Lancashire LLN works with further education (FE) staff to develop progression from FE to H, including supporting extra-curricular experiences where this is likely to increase the chances of learners progressing into and successfully completing programmes in higher education.
We also work with IAG (information, advice & guidance) colleagues, usually via institutions, to enhanc and extend their services. Where progression agreements are not meeting the needs of your studenta, or if there is a gap in the offer for your students, we will help our partners to develop new programmes, particularly foundation degrees and other CPD (continuing professional development) opportunities.
I work in higher education, what is in it for me?
The Lancashire LLN works with higher education staff to develop programmes to develop progression from FE to HE, including supporting extra-curricular experiences where thsi is likely to increase the chances of learners progressing into and successfully completing programmes in higher education.
When learners lack HE skills, or if there is a gap in the offer for learners, we will help our partners to develop new programmes, particularly foundation degrees and stand alone modules that will bridge the gap to assist students to achieve their HE potential.
Will it cost me anything for the LLLN to help me?
The Lancashire LLN is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). We do not charge for our services - in fact we financially support many of the initiatives we are involved with. The Lancashire LLN is funded until October 2011.