A solution to the problem or a change that brings confusion?

Helen White , who teaches on an early childhood studies degree course at Stockport College, thinks lecturers will be more involved in the development of foundation degrees validated nationally.

She said: "It will solve a lot of problems. At the moment, we are limited in the foundation degrees we can develop because a local partner university might not have the necessary expertise to validate a course or might not want to validate it because it sees it as competing with its own programmes."

Ms White said many further education lecturers wanted more chances to improve their career prospects by helping to set up and teach on higher education courses.

But without an independent validation service, such opportunities could be closed down by universities protecting their market, she said.

Tim Poolan , a lecturer in performing arts at Newcastle College, is worried that the National Validation Council could water down the original purpose of foundation degrees and leave students confused about qualifications.

He said: "I prefer working with local partners because we are in the business of developing skills for the industries in this area.

"One of the aims of foundation degrees is that all the institutions involved should feel they are genuine partners. I don't see how an external body based in London can be much use in that respect."

With up to six institutions awarding a single NVC foundation degree, the service was also potentially confusing, he added.

"We are careful to ensure our students understand what kind of course they are doing, and where their qualifications are coming from. The NVC might confuse the picture," he said.