EBME Forums Forums Management Training Eastwood Park/Kingston degree

Hello

In the old days (about 1990 in my case) when you started an Open University degree you had to start with a "Foundation" course; this was an introduction to working at level one of their degree courses (especially suited to people who had not studied to this level before).

There were three levels; if you wanted a degree you had to complete six full courses only two of which could be at level one, for Honours you had to include two full courses at level three.

I went in with a HNC for which I was given a credit at level one.

Lee

Indeed; that was the case ten years earlier as well (but for me the OU was a "non-starter", unfortunately - being stuck out in the middle of nowhere - no internet et al in those days [and not much of a postal system, either]).

But ... the idea of the Foundation degree is sound enough, I would say.

But again I enquire (not for myself, but on behalf of all those "fertile young minds" who are hopefully chomping at the bit):- where are these available now?

And, once a guy is back into Learning Mode - where are the follow-on courses (modules, whatever) in order that full and meaningful qualifications may be gained?

Well that is good to know and it supports the views of all those Politicians (especially Caroline Flint) I used to listen to on the Today programme (or program for any non-English readers). They always said (completely unchallenged by the BBC presenters of course, especially James McNaughtie) that immigration is good for us; whilst at the same time our own young languish in unemployment.

Incidentally, I was taught English by an American and must thank him because I actually passed (majored in) English Language O level with a good grade. However I have never completely "gotten" over this event and have a dislike of all Americanisms that our media presenters love to ape. Except for the only word I consider that they have got correct, that is Cellphone (which describes the way they work) rather than the clumsy term of Mobile.

I did find these Geoff, but not a single foundation degree in the bunch! Searching on the site it does seem that only the popular subjects like Aerospace and generic engineering are available.

Just had a look at the private provider Geoff linked to. I couldn't see what credit you get for them. Are they NVQ2/ 3/ 4? Can you use these courses to gain credit towards a Foundation Degree? If not what's the point, cheaper to learn on-the-job?

Hi All,

Thought it would be best for you all to hear it from the horses mouth so to speak. The foundation degree currently being delivered by Avensys UK (Medical Equipment Pathway) and Eastwood park (Decontamination Pathway) via Kingston University will cease in October 2014. KU have simply decided to streamline its offerings and thus all smaller external courses ended. Unfortunate, but with all universities streamlning this was the inevitable consequence. todate we have had 150 students complete the FD programme with 48 completing their final year to gain an Hons degree in medical equipment management.

Current students will complete by October 14. The good news is that it does not end here.

A new foundation degree thats fits into the MSC framework is currently being developed by Avensys and a Midlands based University, distance learning, the course is similar in structure (but with more emphasis on maths and engineering. It will have a selection of core modules and additional units to take dependent upon your chosen speciality, we are looking at adding a variety of pathways. So as well as the original medical engineering pathway, other pathways such as Renal, Rehab will be included. the idea is to capture a number of smaller medical technology trades/groups under the one umberella.

We are working towards taking applications for the our first cohort during March and October 2014.

Avensys have also set up a new practical based training facility (5000 sq ft) for delivering 'level 3 medical equipment' accredited courses mapped to the NOS, using the Open College Network, we are also working towards these courses being accepeted onto the QCF, please watch this space. www.avensysmedical.co.uk

if you are interested in any of these programs please follow the links on our website (for level 3), or talk to me directly for the FD course on 01562 745858, I would welcome all feedback.

Thanks Rob for the update, it is comforting to know that the existing students will be able to complete their studies and also progress if they desire.

Thank you Rob and everyone else, I now have a clearer picture