University Centre South Devon (UCSD) have been awarded the first and only Royal Society of Biology (RSB) foundation degree accreditation for its FdSc Biosciences programme. The accreditation recognises foundation degrees that equip students with the skill sets and experience to find a career in the biosciences sector or continue their education at university.
The RSB Accreditation programme champions excellence in the biosciences, by not only recognising degree programmes that offer a high standard of teaching, curriculum provision and practical skill set development, but also those that enhance graduate employability skills. RSB Foundation Degree Accreditation recognises the excellence that exists in giving graduates the skills, knowledge and professional development experiences that enable successful progression to employment and/or further qualifications in the biosciences.
Gaining accreditation involved a rigorous process of analysis across the programme delivery. Factors taken into account included; work based learning prospects and employer links, team working opportunities, use of practical and technical skill, evidence of transferable skills and creativity and innovation. The team at UCSD have been working with the RSB over the last two years to develop the standards for the accreditation of the foundation degree. Accreditation means that students will be studying a programme that has met the standards of biology’s leading professional body.
raduates of the FdSc Biosciences programme will enjoy greater employability prospects from the excellent teaching of theory and practical skills in the biological sciences alongside the development of their wider employability skills.
A parliamentary reception celebrating the latest accreditation cohort took place with academics, industry representatives and bioscience students in attendance.
Luke Peakman higher education programme coordinator said, “We were very excited to be involved in the accreditation process for our foundation degree programme and then to be awarded accreditation status. We wanted to have the recognition for our graduates and improve their employability as well as have an opportunity to both identify what we do well and to drive forward change for how we could improve the programme.
“The process was rigorous but enjoyable and extremely rewarding for the whole programme team and the students involved. The accreditation took into account the unique aspects to our degree level bioscience teaching. We have made some changes to the programme following accreditation that will really enhance what we do to prepare our students for their continuing careers. This is a fantastic achievement for the programme team and is of immense value to the students who choose to study with us.”
For more information on FdSc Biosciences email [email protected] or call 08000 380 123
Alternatively, come along to our next Open Event on 20th June 4pm-7pm register your attendance here.
Photo – Luke Peakman programme coordinator at South Devon College receives accreditation certificate from President of Royal Society of Biology president Professor Dame Jean Thomas
