Foundation degrees are available in a wide range of subjects, and some are specifically designed for school support staff.

A foundation degree is a level 5 qualification on the higher education qualifications framework. You can learn more about qualifications levels on the TDA website.

Foundation degrees can be topped up to a full honours degree or may lead to another professional qualification. Some may provide a suitable basis for progression to the Registered Teacher Programme (RTP), which lets you complete your degree and qualify as a teacher at the same time.

Both the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and Foundation Degree Forward websites list providers and their foundation degree subjects.

TDA foundation degree framework

The TDA has produced guidance for universities and their partners on how to design and deliver foundation degrees that meet the changing needs of people who work in schools.

Download the foundation degree framework (PDF 995 KB)

During the first part of 2009 the TDA consulted with higher education institutions (HEIs), schools and local authorities on the preferred method of endorsing programmes for inclusion on the integrated qualifications framework (IQF). As a result of these consultations and the collaborative work with Foundation Degree Forward (fdf), we are launching the introductory phase of the IQF endorsement process in October 2009.