Alan,
Foundation degrees are vocational degrees specific to a particular subject if you have a look on the 'foundation degree forward' website it will give the background and the reason. If you currently have a HNC/HND then something called accreditation to prior learning would be used to allow you to bypass certain subjects that have allready been covered. If you have an HNC/HND and wish to jump directly onto an hons program then I suggest you discuss this direclty with a university, I am sure there are a number of degree courses which would take into account your current qualifications?
Foundation degrees are completely different in their structure and are specific to the students work role, they are however at the same level 4/5. I liken this course to open university in the workplace with a lot more emphasis on practical work and reflection.
