Foundation Degree Awarding Powers for Further Education Institutions in Wales

The following documentation is available to further education institutions in England and Wales wishing to apply for foundation degree awarding powers:

• Foundation Degree Awarding Criteria and Guidance, which is jointly issued with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; and
• A Companion Guide, which is jointly issued with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Quality Assurance Agency.

Further education institutions in Wales are now able to apply to the Privy Council for foundation degree awarding powers (FDAPs).  This provision was obtained through the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and came into force in Wales on 1st October 2010.

Institutions wishing to seek FDAPs should apply to the Privy Council.  Upon receiving an application, Privy Council will seek advice from the Secretary of State for Wales, who will seek advice from the Welsh Ministers.

The Welsh Ministers will take advice from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) as to whether the institution should be granted foundation degree awarding powers. The Welsh Ministers will consider the QAA’s advice and advise the Secretary of State for Wales, who will advise Privy Council.  Ultimately the Privy Council takes the decision whether to make the order.

In formulating its advice to Welsh Ministers on whether an institution providing higher education is competent to grant foundation degrees, the QAA has regard to criteria set by the Government.   The criteria are stringent to protect the value, quality and standing of a United Kingdom higher education qualification. 

The Criteria and Guidance have been jointly produced by the Assembly Government and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS) in England and is available to download below.  There is also an accompanying Companion Guide, detailing the process, which has also been produced by the Assembly Government, DBIS and the QAA.