News - Large Increase in Applications to Foundation Degrees
Cornwall College press release
Cornwall College Newquay has received a dramatic increase in applications onto its foundation degrees with the overall figure up by 33% compared to the same time last year.
"This rise in UCAS applications is fantastic news for us and is the highest we have ever achieved," says Dr Andrew Smart, Head of Cornwall College Newquay. "In fact this year Newquay can boast the top three highest application numbers for full-time foundation degrees, throughout the Cornwall College Corporation.
"The Zoological Conservation foundation degree (FdSc) is currently Cornwall College's most popular foundation degree and applications have risen consistently over the past four years. The Wildlife Education and Media FdSc has more than doubled its applications on last year and the Marine Conservation FdSc has increased its applications by ten times last year's figure!"
Cornwall College Newquay's courses are animal or marine based and have all been developed in partnership with industry experts. Throughout each course students spend time in industry as part of their work experience module, to ensure that on completion they have the relevant skills and knowledge to gain a job in their chosen industry.
Dr Smart continues: "Due to the current economic climate I suspect that some applicants have opted to gain a qualification rather than go straight into employment, in order to become more competitive when applying for jobs in the future. A foundation degree is the perfect stepping stone to gaining employment because of its work experience element. I suspect that some students choose foundation degrees rather than BSCs because of the industry link and the potential for employment after two years of study."
Alexia Hollinshead studied the Wildlife Education and Media Foundation Degree and is now Information Officer at the RSPB nature reserve in Dorset.
"This job is perfect for me as I am now putting into practice the skills I learnt on my foundation degree and I love it," enthuses Alexia. "As Information Officer I am responsible for writing articles for local papers, organising events, producing posters and fliers and increasing membership recruitment, amongst many other things. The role is very varied and it's exactly the type of job I was hoping for, after finishing my studies."
"As well as studying the Wildlife Education and Media Foundation Degree, I have also done plenty of volunteering and work experience. I have worked at BBC Wildlife magazine, New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park, the RSPCA, as well as going to South Africa with a field guide training academy. The best advice I can give anyone wanting to work in the environmental world, is to get experience, it's invaluable and employers are always looking for more than a degree."
Mike Trubridge, is Senior Warden at the RSPB Arne Reserve, "The combination of Alexia's degree and work experience means she was the perfect candidate for the job. We were impressed with her enthusiasm for conservation and she is now a very valued member of the team."
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College said: "Applications across the corporation are up by 22% on last year. As our smallest campus site, Newquay can be very proud of their application figures and it's only March, so there is a long way to go until September when these students are due to start studying and the future looks very promising."