South Devon College wins right to award degrees indefinitely

South Devon College's University Centre South Devon has gone to the top of the class.

The higher education arm of the college has been 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 across 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.  

The University Centre was praised in the report for its academic standards. ‘South Devon College has demonstrated a firm guardianship of academic standards, a systematic approach to the assurance of the quality of higher education, and the capacity to contribute to the continued good standing of higher education in England.’

Matt Harbour, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO at the college, said: “This is a very proud milestone for University Centre South Devon and the wider Southwest. Being awarded Indefinite Foundation Degree Awarding Powers recognises the outstanding quality of our higher education - and unlocks new, exciting ways to study locally. 

“It means our University Centre has full control over its course content, academic quality, and qualifications, ensuring our degrees are tailored to industry needs and student success.  This also includes micro-credentials, short courses and Certificates of Higher Education qualifications.  

“We’re proud to welcome all applicants - those who’ve always aspired to study at this level, and especially those who may not have considered higher education before.”

Olly Conway, 22 and from Paignton, is one of those centre students. He has achieved a degree-level education without following the GCSE, A level pathway, instead managing his education progression from a Level 2 up to a Level 6. Olly has always had an interest in sports and enrolled on the Level 2 Sports Coaching when he was 16.

Above: Olly Conway who achieved a degree without following the GCSE, A level pathway

He says: “I decided to join the Level 2 course as I enjoyed fitness, and I could also play football for the then Pro Direct Football Academy. 

“I then moved onto the Level 3 Sports Coaching, completed that successfully and enrolled on the Foundation Degree Sports Coaching and Fitness at the University Centre South Devon. I would recommend the University Centre as it's great being local. Despite it being a full-time course, you are given plenty of time to study and complete academic work outside of university hours.”

Olly enjoyed his time in education at the University Centre so much and could see the effect his further education would have on his future career, that he then enrolled onto the BSc Sports Coaching and Performance degree, which he is now completing.  

The report highlighted the University Centre’s commitment to student success, praising its teaching excellence and personalised support systems: 

The college was awarded TEF Gold in 2023, confirming the outstanding quality of teaching, assessment, and feedback, and corroborating that threshold academic standards are set and maintained. 

Matt Harbour said: 'Every South Devon College higher education student is enabled to monitor their progress and further their academic development through personalised support, expert guidance, and a strong tutorial system.’

“Widening participation and opening new opportunities is at the core of our mission. Whether you're from Torbay, across the region, or beyond, we're offering the chance to gain a university-level qualification in one of the most inspiring parts of the country.”

The report also emphasised the University Centre’s strong employer partnerships and commitment to closing skills gaps in key sectors.

It said: "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 involve employer consultation to align courses with workforce demands, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed for local and national employment opportunities." 

Katherine Jones, Dean of Higher Education at University Centre South Devon, said: “Our expanding offer of higher apprenticeships, alongside Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), ensures students can gain valuable, future-ready skills while working and earning. These flexible, career-focused routes unlock life-changing opportunities and provide a vital pipeline of talent for regional and national industries. 

“This is higher education that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives forward the economic growth of South Devon and beyond.”