Our regular readers will know that here at the IOE we welcome any initiatives to improve training and education for the benefit of future generations – and we are at the forefront of an ongoing drive to encourage school leavers and employees to seek out alternative careers and boost their chances of employment.

The IOE’s two-year Foundation Degree in Professional Practice of International Trade  provides a vocational approach to all aspects of international trading. Here are ten things you might not have known about the degree:

1. Foundation Degrees are well established academic qualifications, developed with employers in order to provide university level skills that are relevant to real life workplaces.
2. Studying through distance learning means that you will be able to organise your studies around your work and life – whilst still interacting online, via webinars and conference calls with tutors and fellow students.
3. The Foundation Degree is a recognised university qualification: once you successfully complete the course, you will be able to attend your graduation ceremony and put the letters “FdA” after your name in recognition of your achievement.
4. When you enrol on the Foundation Degree you will become a Student Member of the Institute of Export and International Trade, gaining access to a range of benefits to support your knowledge and development, including trade publications, events and seminars and best practice shared with leading professionals.
5. The course attracts people from a range of roles, from senior management to those just starting their careers in international trade – as well as students considering their future.
6. Our partner Anglia Ruskin University works with household names such as Barclays Bank, Specsavers, Harrods and the NHS, delivering bespoke degree level training to employees, developing skills and enhancing their contribution to the business – a real win-win!
7. You can easily fit studying into your spare time; on average students need to commit to one or two evenings per week and half a day each weekend.
8. You can study for the Foundation Degree from anywhere in the world – all you need is a PC, a reliable internet connection and basic skills in common programmes and applications.
9. There are three start dates in each year: January, May and September, giving much greater flexibility than other degrees.
10. If you are resident in the EU you may even be able to apply for a student loan to cover the costs of the degree. You can find more information about student loans on the Student Finance England website