More Degrees than a Thermometer

Posted by: Graeme Hall Nov 18, 02:37 pm Comment on this articlePermlink

I was fascinated to read the response from the Conservative Shadow Higher Education Minister, Rob Wilson, to the Association of Colleges (AoC) paper proposing a new degree: “Bachelor of Vocational Studies”. He thought the proposal “interesting” – was that faint praise or genuine interest?

The LLNs were created to increase the number of vocational learners entering, and benefiting from, Higher Education – so we are bound to consider such a proposal seriously.

But how should we view yet another degree which by its very title continues the division between academic and vocational programmes?

The AoC proposal suggests two years study at Level three, equivalent to A Levels, followed by two years in Higher Education with quality overseen by a new National Skills University.

A key advantage is claimed to be that more degrees would be available locally and that there would be less need for students of any age to incur the additional accommodation expenses caused by living away from home.

At present learners with suitable Level three qualifications can enter a two year Foundation Degree, delivered by local universities and colleges, employer supported, very work related and containing clear progression routes into full Honours Degree programmes – it is hard to see the difference between what the AoC is proposing and what is currently offered, especially when Further Education Colleges are considering validating their own Foundation Degrees.

The progression route into Higher Education is difficult enough for students, parents and teachers to understand without adding further complexity.

The only possible justification for creating new products is if what exists does not fit the bill – I am not aware that the plans to expand participation at Foundation Degree level are so fundamentally flawed that this new route is required.

The reasons for chosing the title “Vocational Degree” when we have been working so hard to create programmes of learning which are fit for purpose, inclusive and open to learners from all backgrounds is more than simply “interesting”!

Resources

David Collins’ discussion paper.

Rob Wilson’s response.

Your Comments

  1. Would it have any currency in the employment sector given the current plethora of qualification?

    Posted by: Verna Lyus · Kensington and Chelsea College Nov 20, 10:21 am

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