Trimmed down to size

The powers-that-be at Nottingham Trent University have devised a clear indication of their regard for the status of foundation degrees. Those graduating with the qualification in summer 2003 will wear the same black gown and blue-green hood with coloured trim as those with full degrees - but with a half-inch trim rather than the full inch. Other institutions are considering whether to have a new gown made for foundation graduates or whether to use an existing higher national diploma gown.