Letter: Shaky foundations (2)

I would like to add balance to reports on poor recruitment to foundation degrees by confirming a very positive start to the three degrees run by the Consortium of Arts and Design Institutions in Southern England (Cadise).

The consortium is made up of seven specialist arts, design and communication colleges. Two of the partner institutions - the Arts Institute at Bournemouth and Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication - are offering three foundation degrees that started in September.

Cadise was one of the 21 partnerships awarded prototype funding for this new qualification. The degree in professional photography launched at The Arts Institute has far exceeded its original recruitment target for full and part-time students. The programme is endorsed by the industry, including large organisations and individual photographers, and we have formed an industry liaison group.

Foundation degrees in broadcasting/digital technology and computer visualisation/animation at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication are also full.

These too are supported by a network of employers. The success of these courses is that they have found niche markets where there is a real demand for employees.

The Cadise consortium hopes that such reports do not dent an otherwise exceptional start to a new qualification that supports some of the highest levels of vocational and academic learning in the creative industries in this country.

Emma Hunt
Project director
foundation degrees
Cadise