College of the Sea

The Foundation Degree is a vocational qualification introduced by the government in 2001. It sits between the Higher National Diploma & Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts level of education.

Foundation degrees are intended to give a foundation in a subject, hence the name, that enables the holder to go on to employment in that field. They have been designed in partnership with employers and the education sector.

One of a number of important differences between the Foundation Degree and the Higher National Diploma (HND) is that it stands as a degree, and as such has a common value of 240 Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points in the UK higher education system. By contrast, the HND could be recognised for entry to a degree course at as little as no credits, and as much as 240 credits, depending on the receiving institution.

A further important difference is that Foundation Degrees give students with industry experience the opportunity to frame what they know against appropriate academic perspectives, and so they are accessible by students 'in work'.

Foundation Degrees have been 'locally grown' by education/industry partnerships following guidelines laid down by Foundation Degree Forward. The partnerships have been able to offer a range of formats, including full-time, part-time, distance learning etc. One of the conditions attached to the recognition/validation of a Foundation Degree is that it must lead, in turn to a full Degree Award, sometimes called a 'Top Up degree'.

In partnership with Middlesex University, The Marine Society is offering a unique route for seafarers to top up their HND or Foundation Degree into a full honours degree by means of a programme that is entirely distance taught.

Marine Society/Middlesex University top up degree

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets is offering in partnership with the OU the opportunity for adult volunteers to enrol on a Foundation Degree in Working with Young People.

OU Foundation Degree for the SCC

The Merchant Navy foundation degree framework has been developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and is the standard entry route to a career with the British Merchant Navy.