This document outlines a foundation degree program in business and education management for university administrators. The program aims to provide professional development for staff without degrees and improve skills. It is a three-year blended learning program with classes one day per week and work-based assignments. Students gain broader business knowledge and apply concepts to their roles, improving performance and confidence. The university benefits from more knowledgeable staff better able to contribute. Evaluations found high student satisfaction, progression in studies and careers, and little attrition.

1. A win-win development
opportunity for university
administrators
Professor Helen Higson, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor &
Dr Ann Hartley, Associate Director Human Resources

2. Outline of the presentation
Rationale for the initiative
Overview of the Foundation Degree in Business and Education
Management
Programme
Admissions criteria
Curriculum approach
Student profile
Evidence of effectiveness of the programme
Value of the programme
Student quotes
Manager quote
Challenges
Discussion

3. Rationale for the initiative
Business imperative to maximise people‟s contributions
Pool of very talented staff without degrees – an implicit
progression bar
Some staff with professional qualifications e.g. Accounting, and
this gave the opportunity to give them a broader qualification
In-house courses / programmes not sufficiently stretching for
some
Wanted the FD to be work-based – had to link back into
improvements/changes at Aston
Overall - improved skill set in the workforce

4. Overview of the Foundation Degree
Based on the first two years of BSc Business degree (same
modules)
Three-year programme
16 full-days a year attendance – work time
„Blended‟ learning
Partnership with local FE College
Articulation to BSc Business and Professional Studies
Fully funded places for Aston staff

5. Programme - admissions criteria
Broad
Most have little recent education
But all there is some evidence of good educational background
(in GCSE, A levels, professional qualifications)
Diagnostic tests in English and Maths (developmental)
Learning Development Centre

6. Curriculum approach
Considerable reflective practice
Heavily work-based learning
As much of the assessed work as possible is related to an
issue within the individual‟s own department.
If the topic has no immediate or obvious relevance in their
department, then practical issues for consideration are
sourced from other departments
Major project in the final year of relevance to the department
Individualised to relate to their work environment
Work-based mentors

7. Student profile
Investment in our own staff (majority)
Geographical spread (London, Bath, Bradford)
Range of roles: e.g. accounting, general admin, IT, sports
administration, executive education
Widening the intake to include those in a training role in
education and NHS

8. Evidence of effectiveness of the programme
Results
Progression
Little complete withdrawal (lots of LOA)
Numbers articulating to BSc
Study buddies
Internal review
Profiles

9. Value of the programme
Benefit to individuals
Improving skills
Understanding the wider picture
Greater confidence – feeling better able to contribute
Job satisfaction – very positive about working at Aston
Highly motivational
Promotions / progression
Benefit to the organisation
More knowledgeable staff more aware
Innovation/change through work-based projects
Economic benefit / cost effective
Loyalty and motivation
Networks and cross-institutional working
Staff better able to contribute within the department

10. Student quotes (1)
“It has given me a broader knowledge of management. Previously I
was very entrenched in my world of finance; the FD encourages
you to research different management technics and relate them to
your work environment. It has given me a new enthusiasm to learn
again. The biggest thing I have gained is self-confidence to take on
new challenges and be prepared to try something new”.

11. Student quote (2)
“Doing the foundation degree has certainly benefited both
myself, the department and importantly my team. On a personal
level it has provided me with the opportunity of learning while
continuing to work. My contribution in the department has been
more effective due to improvement in my knowledge and skills. The
programme has allowed me to appreciate the current issues in the
University and the sector as a whole, and how decisions impact
what we do. This has been an eye opener. There are so many
positives but I believe these are the key points”.
”

12. Student quotes (3)
My confidence levels have rocketed
I have found a purpose & direction in my life
I now understand and can relate to the saying „Knowledge is
Power‟
I have proven to myself that I have self-worth
I am able to think out of the box
I have formed good relationships with staff from other areas of
the University

13. Student quotes (4)
“My confidence levels are increased, and with a newfound belief in
my ability I am more inclined to make suggestions in an attempt to
positively shape the department and the University
operates. Work-based learning has to be one of the best ways in
which to study, as I can see first-hand how theory relates to my
working environment, and how it can be used to improve my
working practices”.

14. Manager quote
“ The work-based element of the programme, and the application
of her learning (not least through project and assignment work) has
given her a greater understanding of our operation, our strategy
and our challenges. This enables her to engage in a deeper and
more significant way in our discussions around client
requirements, and to provide input to our programme design and
client engagement processes. The Degree programme gave her
the headroom for her own personal development; she has grown
personally and professionally, both within and outside her role, and
we have been able to enjoy the benefits of that”.

15. Challenges
Pump priming / funding
Labour intensive
Teaching /learning delivery
Mentoring
Scheduling in the department
Links with partner college

16. Discussion points
How could/does work-based learning impact in your
organisation?
How could elements of our approach be adopted by you and
how could our approach be further developed?
How can we promote work-based learning across the HE
sector?