Increasing participation and access through a new Foundation Degree - Southampton University's experience

Wintrup, J. and Watson, J. (2005) Increasing participation and access through a new Foundation Degree - Southampton University's experience. 29th Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, Eastbourne, UK. 20 - 23 Jun 2005. (Submitted)

Abstract

Foundation Degrees are becoming established and attracting increasing numbers of students, including many interested in specific technical and generic areas of health and social care. Professional bodies are grasping the nettle, developing guidance and recommendations cautiously supporting developments whilst seeking to ensure both workforce innovations and quality standards are embedded.
Following a rigorous audit of a two year pilot programme by the Health Care Innovation Unit at Southampton University, a new Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care has attracted active involvement across Schools, Faculties, local employers and education commissioners.
Combining the core features of a Foundation Degree with practice and academic requirements has led to an innovative programme which has succeeded in attracting a diverse and non-traditional student group. The inclusion of a dedicated self development strand has enabled the focus upon ‘learning to learn’ to be prioritised, resourced and given status. This in turn has enabled students who would not be accepted directly into an Honours degree programme to return to education, learning and integrating skills and practical experiences at the same time as improving study skills. This feature differentiates the programme from alternative precursors to Higher Education, where learning to study is a classroom based activity rather than part of an integrative, motivating experience.
Working with the School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences has ensured progression routes through to the BSC (Hons) in Occupational Therapy and five other professional programmes. This session will describe and give scope for discussion of the many challenges and opportunities presented.

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Contributors

Author: J. Watson

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