Key Difference – Foundation Degree vs Degree
A degree is a higher educational qualification awarded by universities or colleges. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are the most common types of degrees awarded by these institutes, bachelor’s degree being the most common first degree. However, universities in some countries also offer lower academic qualifications, titling them as degrees. A foundation degree is such as degree which is considered to equivalent to a two-third of an honour’s bachelor’s degree. The key difference between foundation degree and degree is that most degrees typically focus on academic and research aspects of a discipline whereas foundation degrees focus on a specific profession.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Degree
3. What is a Foundation Degree
4. Side by Side Comparison – Foundation Degree vs Degree
5. Summary
What is a Degree?
A degree is an academic qualification awarded on the successful completion of a course of study in higher education. Institutes of higher education such as universities or colleges offer degrees at various levels. These degrees typically include bachelor’s, master’s and doctorates. Bachelor’s degree is generally the most common undergraduate degree or first degree. However, lower qualifications are also granted as degrees in some countries. Associate degrees and foundation degrees are examples of this type of degrees.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree or baccalaureate is an undergraduate degree (first degree) offered by most universities and colleges. This degree awarded upon the successful completion of a course of study lasting from three to seven years. The number of years may depend on the discipline and the institution.
Master’s Degree
Master’s degree is a certification awarded upon the completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery of a specific area of study or an area of professional practice. A master’s degree typically requires bachelor’s degree in a related field, either as a separate degree or as an integrated course.
Doctorate
Doctorate, commonly known as PhD, is a degree earned by passing a doctoral thesis. There are various doctoral degrees, awarded in different disciplines.
What is a Foundation Degree?
Foundation degrees are a special type of degree found only in the education system of the United Kingdom. This is an academic and vocational qualification in higher education, which combines academic, professional and technical skills. These degrees also focus on a particular profession. Foundation degrees are not bachelor’s degrees or general degrees. They are considered to be equivalent to a two-third of an honour’s bachelor’s degree.
A full-time foundation degree will take only two years to complete although a part-time course may take longer. The students also have the option to top up to a bachelor’s degree with another year of study of top-up degree course.
Foundation degrees also do not have any entry requirements, unlike in bachelor’s or higher degree. Industrial or commercial experience is more relevant to obtain a foundation degree. Foundation courses are generally offered by universities or further education colleges. Since foundation degrees are directly related to work, some employers also offer financial support for employees who are studying them. Baxter and Platts, BMW group, Specsavers, Tesco, BASF and United Utilities are some companies that are involved in providing foundation degrees.
What is the difference between Foundation Degree and Degree?
Foundation Degree vs Degree |
|
| A foundation degree is a combination of academic and vocational qualification in higher education available in the United Kingdom. | A degree is an academic qualification awarded on the successful completion of a course of study in higher education. |
| Focus | |
| Foundation degrees always focus on a specific profession. | Most degrees don’t focus a specific profession. |
| Technical and Professional Experience | |
| Foundation degrees provide technical and professional experience. | Most degrees provide academic knowledge, not technical or professional experience. |
| Entry Requirement | |
| There is no set entry requirement. | Some academic and formal qualifications are required to enter a degree level course. |
| Number of Years | |
| A full-time foundation degree can be completed in 2 years. | A bachelor’s degree takes at least 3 years to complete. |
Summary – Foundation Degree vs Degree
Higher educational institutes such as colleges and universities offer a variety of degrees, both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees among them. Although bachelor’s degree was traditionally considered to be a first degree which should be obtained before any postgraduate qualifications, foundation degree is a special type of higher educational qualification, which is lower than a bachelor’s degree. This can be completed in two years. A student can obtain a bachelor’s level qualification after following a top up degree after completing the foundation degree. This is the difference between foundation degree and degree.