Mr Blunkett's proposals do not affect Scotland

Mr Blunkett's proposals do not affect Scotland, where the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals is concerned by the prospect of confusion between foundation degrees and Scottish ordinary degrees, writes Olga Wojtas.

Foundation degrees would not have the breadth or depth of a Scottish degree, a spokesman said, and would be unlikely to lead into an honours year at a Scottish institution.

"We would certainly want to look at the detail in terms of equivalencies for entry and make sure people are not confused," he said.

Ian Johnston, principal of Glasgow Caledonian University, said: "It is a great idea to widen access to degree-level learning and in effect to raise the status of former HNDs to associate degree level."