Foundation Degree in Communication at Work (Lancaster University)
Qualification Obtained
Foundation Degree in Communication at Work
UCAS Code(s):
P900
About this Course:
This degree is all about achieving potential and improving prospects using communication skills. It is recognised and valued by employers; this degree is life changing for many people. It empowers the students and in many cases has assisted in promotion within careers. Many of the existing students on the Foundation Degree at Work are mature learners with both life and work experience. The degree is directly work-related and helps students to perform better at work. The course runs over two years, January to December. The degree is validated by Lancaster University.
The modules are designed to address the problems of poor writing and speaking skills, and have an academic frame, being rooted in Linguistics and Communications. The fundamental elements in Linguistic study are based on analysis of the spoken and written word and developing awareness of language choices made according to audience and purpose. Linguistics is also an umbrella term which includes Psycholinguistics and Sociolinguistics and these areas of study are present in Year 2. Tutorials are seen as an essential part of the teaching and learning strategy and are integrated throughout the programme. In Year 1 there are regular weekly tutorials delivered within the FDC 104 Personal and Work-related Development module and each student is assigned a personal tutor. The tutorial contact is further developed in Year 2.
Assessment Methods:
The Assessments consist of essays, Individual reports, seen and unseen written assessments and examinations, presentations, short exercises involving data analysis, portfolios of work, tasks aimed at the assessment of specific skills (for example, research skills, statistical presentation skills) and research work. The assessments are spread through the year with all work finally being completed by the beginning of December.
Progression:
Most students are already in employment when they start the course, but many are seek promotion or a change in career because of the course. This particular degree is a qualification in its own right. Students can, however, progress to the final year of our BA (Hons) English: Language, Literature and Writing programme (validated by Lancaster University), or to the top up year within this particular discipline, so that students will be able to achieve a BA (Hons) English: Communication at Work.Special Features:
The Foundation Degree in Communication at Work is delivered on Wednesdays over one afternoon and evening, during the calendar year. This timetabling assists students who have limited time available; having the same day delivery for first and second years also helps with forward planning with employers. The course runs from January December each year. Although attendance is condensed into this intensive period in order to benefit both employers and employees, the course is considered 'full-time' for H.E. funding and remission purposes and carries 240 credits over the two year period.
It is aimed to offer students a range of support mechanisms to help achieve the learning outcomes for this degree. It is recognised that some students will not have a traditional academic background or that some may not have undertaken any academic study for some years and so the following are offered, to support students through their studies:
An Induction programme to the College and degree programme at the beginning of the first year.
Introductory sessions on how to use the Internet. In the College there are expanding library and other learning resources and facilities available. In addition, there are generous inter-library loan facilities and the opportunity to visit and to work in the Lancaster University library - which many students do.
Pastoral and academic tutor support. If you have problems which are not course-related, the College is able to offer you access to College counsellors and to Learning Support Services, which provide assistance and support for specific learning problems such as dyslexia.
A range of off-site events which include theatre trips and visits to relevant places of interest and social events.
Small-group teaching, which is informal, interactive and rewarding for both staff and students.
Teaching Methods:
The course is delivered in a mixture of styles including formal lectures, seminars workshops and one-to-one tutorials.
Skills Developed:
This Degree covers the skills, knowledge and concepts required for effective language use and communication in the work place. The degree is about achieving potential and improving prospects using communication skills. The Foundation Degree in Communication at Work was developed in response to a range of perceived deficiencies in communication skills in employees at work. Whilst many employees have excellent knowledge of how the business works, they are not equipped with the day-to-day written and oral skills required in many businesses today and they do not feel confident in, for example, writing documents accurately, in delivering presentations or in handling other staff and the public with confidence. This Foundation Degree was designed to address these deficiencies in general oral communication, problem-solving skills and team working. The Foundation Degree is a generic degree and this means it contains elements of various disciplines thus giving it a more vocational aspect.
How to Apply
Once you’ve decided to apply for a course, you’ll need to work out whether you satisfy our entry requirements (or will have done by the time your course starts). Providing you meet the criteria, you can then apply for your course. Full-time applications go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), although foundation degree graduates progressing to a relevant top-up programme can (subject to certain criteria) apply to the College direct.
More information about entry requirements and the application process is available within our Higher Education section
Course Occurrences:
| Course Code | Start Date | End Date | Location | Tuition Fees | Attendance Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI1HE54 | 10th Sep 2012 | 13th Jun 2014 | University Centre | £6000 | HE Full Time |
Disclaimer
Blackpool and The Fylde College makes every possible effort to ensure that the information published on this web site is accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no legal liability for errors or omissions, and reserve the right to make changes without notice. Where tuition fees are shown they are for one year only and correct only for the current academic year. Fees for subsequent years are subject to review. Some courses have additional costs such as equipment, uniforms, visits, exams, etc details of which can be obtained by contacting us on 01253 352352. Read our full disclaimer here
