Course provider: Universities in partnership with higher education colleges and further education colleges.
Entry qualifications: There are no set entry requirements and work experience may be more important than qualifications.
Duration: A full-time course takes two years and part time is often three to four years pro rata.
Methods of study: Distance or work-based learning.
Course content: Modules vary but core units include: child development, management, options for specific roles and career paths, theory, practice and context of working with children, ICT and work-based modules.
Funding: Students can qualify for a financial support package, which includes: fees paid or reduced, 500 annual bursary, the loan of a laptop computer and printer, payment towards registered childcare and reimbursement towards employers' supply cover costs.
Career moves: On completion, students can progress to a full honours degree with just a further 12 to 15 months' full-time study (this can also be done on a part-time basis over a longer period of time).
* For more information check out http:// develop.ucas.com which includes an explanation of what a foundation degree is and how to apply. For full details of courses select 'find a course' then 'education and training', which gives essential details for every course in the country.
* See also: www.foundationdegree.org.uk - a DfES site
www.dfes.gov.uk/studentssupport/formsandguides
www.surestart.gov.uk
