In late March 2003, it was announced that Edexcel was in discussions with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to look at defining the relationship between the BTEC HND and Foundation Degrees as proposed in the HE white paper.  Discussions have been taking place and some progress has been made.

BTEC HNDs are in the process of being accredited on to the National Qualifications Framework through the QCA.  Once accredited, these qualifications will be available to centres as intermediate level qualifications (on the Higher Education Qualifications Framework).  These accredited qualifications will be further developed as necessary for validation as a BTEC HND / Foundation Degree.

Detailed work is underway and we anticipate that a number of key sectors will now be taken forward as pathfinder BTEC HND / Foundation Degrees.  Edexcel is currently working through the detail, focusing on:

• making any changes that are needed to reflect the design requirements of Foundation Degrees;
• looking at the best option for validating the BTEC HND / Foundation Degree;
• clarifying progression routes;
• working with DfES, QAA and HEFCE to clarify funding and quality arrangements for 2004 and beyond;
• staying at the forefront of Foundation Degree developments with the Department and Foundation Degree Forward; and
• reviewing the position of the BTEC HNC as a key qualification at Higher Education level for those already in employment.

These developments enhance the popular existing portfolio of BTEC HNCs and HNDs, covering 300 subject combinations and currently being studied by over 160,000 students registered on courses (up on the 2001 figures).  The portfolio will continue to be offered through FE and HE centres either as BTEC HNDs or BTEC HNDs validated as Foundation Degrees.  They will continue to offer students opportunities for progression into employment or higher education.

John Kerr, Edexcel’s Chief Executive, said: “Edexcel will stay at the forefront of these higher level developments and help the government to meet their strategic goals by working with the Department on the Foundation Degree Forward project.”

Edexcel’s BTEC Director, Rick Firth, confirmed: “These are exciting developments and we will continue to work with business and industry to ensure that Edexcel’s existing BTEC portfolio of qualifications remains up to date to meet their needs, as expressed in the recent Skills Progress Report, as well as those of a wide range of learners.”

Stevie Pattison-Dick
Media Affairs Manager

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