Foundation Degree top-up

nickyhutch

Hello :j

I'm new to the student boards, and am no longer a student, but have a question.

I finished a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care almost 2 years ago, which was funded by my employee (NHS) and which I did whilst in full time employment. A colleague mentioned today that she had heard that the Foundation Degree can only be "topped-up" to a full degree within 5 years of its completion. Is this the case?

I can't afford to leave work to top up my degree, so what would be the best way? Although I've done my FdA, I'm really quite dim when it comes to how the qualification routes work, so would appreciate some inout from you experts. I think I need another 120 points to get a full degree - what would I need to do to get this?

Many thanks in advance.

Fire_Fox

One year full-time study as long as you want a similar degree title, or two or three years part-time.

Are you still working in the NHS? You should speak to the Trust's Training and Development team if so. When was the last time you had a formal appraisal? This should discuss your career aspirations. The NHS supposedly allows you to undertake any training which fits it with that, even if it doesn't benefit your current role.

Also don't think you can't afford to do another year of study full-time. You might be entitled to a full maintenance grant (£2800 a year), or bursary from the NHS, a student loan at 1.5%, overdraft at 0% plus you don't have to pay council tax.

nickyhutch

Thanks for replying Fire Fox. I knew it wouldn't be simple! I really need to have a chat with my old uni Practice Trainer and our Lifelong Learning Dept, don't I? I'm an Assistant Practitioner in School Health at the moment, and would ideally like to do nurse training, but simply cannot afford to not be working at the moment.

My next appraisal is due imminently, so I'll bring it up.

Thanks again, and I'd be interested to hear from anyone else in a similar position. Again, I'm a bit dim about FE!

Oldernotwiser

The obvious place to look for part time study to top up your foundation degree would be the Open University. It would normally take 2 years of part time study, whilst working full time, to achieve 120 credits. If your household income is low you may not have to pay fees for this.