Working with employers

In 2025 University Centre South Devon was awarded Indefinite Foundation Degree Awarding Powers after an independent assessment recognised its exceptional quality of higher education and commitment to academic excellence, student success, and industry collaboration.

The University Centre is in the unique position of offering degree-level education right here in Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams, and, after a successful evaluation by the Office for Students (the regulator for higher education in England), the TEF Gold awarded provision will continue to award foundation degrees under its own branding indefinitely.

Foundation Degree Awarding Powers allow an institution to design, validate, and award its own foundation degrees (Level 5 qualifications) in the same way a university does. This means the University Centre has full control over its course content, academic quality, and qualifications, ensuring its degrees are tailored to industry needs and student success. This also includes micro-credentials, short courses and Certificates of Higher Education qualifications.

It was initially granted its own Awarding Powers in March 2019 and collaborates with reputable national awarding organisations such as the University of Plymouth.

The curriculum development and approval process involves employer consultation to align courses with workforce demands
Office for Students, 2025

University Centre South Devon is at the forefront of innovation in developing and delivering a dynamic portfolio of provision, tailored to meet regional and, in some cases, national aspirations and needs. These include collaborations with Specsavers and the Torbay and South Devon Foundation NHS Trust, amongst others.

The University Centre plays a vital role in the local economy, working closely with employers to develop career-focused degrees that meet industry demands. The report emphasised the University Centre’s strong employer partnerships and commitment to closing skills gaps in key sectors:

South Devon College ensures its higher education curriculum is integral to its mission by working in partnership with local employers and industry leaders to develop programmes that address regional skills gaps.

The curriculum development and approval process involves employer consultation to align courses with workforce demands, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed for local and national employment opportunities.
Office for Students 2025

The University Centre also fosters innovation and research collaborations, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in real-world projects:

The Student Innovation and Research Centre (SIRC) provides a hub for developing cutting-edge skills, research collaborations, and employer-led projects, helping students apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Being able to obtain university degrees within Torbay is an offering only available from the University Centre and the benefits to the local community are far-reaching – students of all ages can continue to live and work within the Bay whilst studying, meaning they don’t incur hefty accommodation fees or other additional living costs.

The Indefinite Foundation Degree Awarding Powers cement the University Centre’s ability to deliver and award its own foundation degrees indefinitely, providing local students with high-quality, employer-aligned education for years to come.