* 40 prototype foundation degrees launched this academic year

* 21 consortia of colleges and employers each with a university

* Other groups working on their own new proposals, to start later this year

* All foundation degrees supported by Higher Education Funding Council for England

* HEFCE figures show 1,500 students enrolled

* Quality Assurance Association inspections begin next year. Association of Colleges monitoring degrees meanwhile

* Total development costs are pound;5.2 million

* AOC has set targets to ensure FE colleges play full part in the design and development and disseminate best practice

* Core features - a foundation degree must:

* involve employers

* develop skills and knowledge

* show workplace application of skills

* incorporate a credit accumulation and transfer system

* enable progression to an honours degree

* The AOC identified three areas where foundation degrees have potential:

* New economy. Example: Foundation degree in new media. City College Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

* Teaching. Example: Foundation degree for teaching assistants. Blackburn College, Blackpool and Fylde College with University of Lancaster

* Areas of skills shortage. Example: Foundation degree in aircraft engineering. City of Bristol College and KLM with Kingston University