Written question asked by Lord Willis of Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Wilcox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 July 2010.

Higher Education: Foundation Degrees

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the average cost allowed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England for a two-year foundation degree in (a) further education colleges, (b) universities, and (c) higher education institutions.

Answer: Foundation degrees (FD) are treated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for funding purposes in the same way as any other undergraduate degree. The level of teaching grant awarded depends upon the subject being taught. Subjects are placed in four price groups to reflect the costs of teaching. The level of grant awarded does not take account of the type of institution. In 2010-11 the annual level of teaching grant allocated to each price group is: D—£3,951; C—£5,136; B—£6,717; and A—£15,804. Given the subject area of most FD courses they will mainly fall into price groups C and D. In addition to reflect the additional costs of establishing FDs a premium has been awarded to institutions. This will be withdrawn from 2011-12. In 2010-11 it stands at £178 per full-time equivalent FD student.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1694; 720 c375-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Finance Further education Higher education Universities Foundation degrees
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk