Extending Opportunities - Level 0 as a first step
LEAD ORGANISATION
ADDITIONAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED
PROJECT SUMMARY
The aim of this project was to provide both an entry and developmental opportunity for applicants to degree subject areas who have the capability to succeed at HE level but whose study skills and qualifications are insufficient to enable them to cope with Level 4 study immediately. Specifically, the project was established to respond to a need for a level of programme to which applicants to the university could be directed in the event of their prior qualifications being at a level below that likely to enable them to succeed at Level 4 in the area of business studies. This curriculum development formed part of a University policy to develop 'foundation' level programmes in a number of subject areas.
The initial stage of the project involved exploration of the market potential for such Level 0 provision in the University's 'catchment' areas around South Bucks and Aylesbury. A Level 0 Foundation Course in Business was then developed by the School of Business and Management within Bucks' Faculty of Enterprise & Innovation, in conjunction with Aylesbury College. The course structure has been designed to provide an effective transition from the level applicants present with to a level on which they can enter level 4 (HE) with a good expectation of success. This has meant a course structure which involves a 50% focus on skills development and 50% focus on business content.
The Level 0 provision forms the first year of what then becomes a four-year Honours degree programme. The integration of this programme into the degree programme and the resulting experience of the HE environment provided to students from the outset are of key value in enabling students to enter HE.
IMPACT
Level 0 Business Studies will provide the opportunity for students to find their feet in a Higher Education Environment and have the opportunity to explore the areas of the subject to which they feel most attracted.
The course has now been validated for delivery at Bucks New University. Although the programme was originally planned to start in 2009-10, the university took the decision to defer the start date until the 2010-11 academic year as a result of the government's reduction in the numbers of new entrants to full-time undergraduate HE courses. Dedicated marketing and promotion of the programme will take place once a start date has been scheduled.