SFE Assessing Eligibility Guidance 2013/14 - Practitioners - Student ...

2013/14 HE Student Finance
Assessing Eligibility Guidance
compressed degree courses are considered to be in attendance
whilst undertaking the distance learning.
A number of compressed degree courses were introduced from
2006 through a pilot scheme supported by HEFCE as Flexible
Learning Pathfinders. These are specifically designated for the
purpose of student support and an up to date list of compressed
degree courses supported by the pilot can be found on the specific
designation website at:
http://practitioners.studentfinanceengland.co.uk/portal/page_pagei
d=133,4210374&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Regulation 2(2) defines a “compressed degree course” as a course
meeting certain specific criteria that has been determined to be a
compressed degree course by the Secretary of State.
Regulation 2(1) defines a “compressed degree student”. SFE will
wish to note the criteria that a student must satisfy in order to be
treated as a compressed degree student for the purposes of the
Regulations. In particular, SFE should note that, unless he is a
disabled student who cannot attend the course for a reason
connected to his disability, a student can only be treated as a
compressed degree student for the 2013/14 academic year if he is
required to be in attendance on the course for part of that year.
Other compressed degree courses which are not part of the
HEFCE pilot may be specifically designated for support by the
Secretary of State provided they meet the criteria set out in
regulation 2(2). These courses will be listed on the SFE specific
designation website.
Foundation years as part of an extended course
200. Some courses are extended beyond their normal length to include a
foundation year designed to prepare for study in their chosen subject
those entrants whose qualifications or experience, while acceptable
for entry to higher education, are not entirely appropriate for normal
entry to their particular course. The whole of this type of extended
course is designated for support provided that:
the foundation year is an integral part of the course and
that the course as a whole is designated by or under the
Regulations; and
students enrol at the outset for the full duration of the
extended course.
Foundation years are not the same as foundation degrees and the
two should not be confused (see paragraph 186 for guidance on
foundation degrees).
Free standing foundation and conversion courses
201. Free-standing foundation or conversion courses are not normally
designated in their own right if they are not an integral part of a
designated course. The following additional tests may help SFE to
determine whether or not a foundation year is an integral part of a
designated course. In the Department's view, it may be regarded as
such a part, provided that:
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