Collaboration in Foundation Degree provision: a case study in Kent

Abstract

Health and Social Care Foundation Degree (FD HSC) development commenced at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in 2005: the university already had a variety of validated programmes of this design, thus this new provision was able to draw on expertise of proven worth in the local economy. Over the past two years this programme has expanded from the initial collaboration with a Kent employer in the private (charity) sector to include provision in twelve distinct health and social care (HSC) employment areas. This article, using a case‐study approach, aims to share experiences of collaborative working with employers and further education (FE) providers in designing and delivering Foundation Degrees (FD) in Kent. Given the nature of FDs in meeting the needs of employers, although they all share the philosophy of focus to the workplace, these workplaces will always be unique.

Keywords:

• Foundation Degree
• collaboration
• employers