This month will see a couple of firsts for Oxford Brookes, writes the university's UK and International Partnership Development Manager David Hodges.

The UK’s first social enterprise foundation degree will be taught at Ruskin College in partnership with the university. This collaboration also marks the first Brookes validated course at the independent college, based in Old Headington.

There has been a large amount of discussion around social enterprises in recent years, although confusion remains for some as to what they actually do.

If you have ever bought a copy of the Big Issue, eaten a bar of Divine Chocolate or picked up your groceries at the Co-op, then you have already supported such an initiative.

A social enterprise is a business that operates with social or environmental benefits. They can range from large international companies to small, community-based enterprises.

The foundation degree in business and social enterprise is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and practical understanding of the sector, as well as focus on key business skills such as leadership, management and strategy.

This unique qualification will cater for what is a rapidly growing sector and it is hoped it will inspire even more people to make a difference.

Ruskin’s ethos is to change the lives of those who need a second chance in education and want to put something back into society. It therefore feels like a natural fit for the course to be taught at Ruskin College.

Oxford Brookes hopes to be able to provide further courses with Ruskin in the future and this innovative new course will be of great benefit to both students and the wider community.

Those who complete the foundation degree at Ruskin College will have the opportunity to continue their education with Brookes via a degree in business and management.

Oxford Brookes is already heavily involved in social enterprises and in July this was recognised with a national award.

The university received an outstanding higher education institution supporting social entrepreneurship award from UnLtd – the leading foundation for social entrepreneurs.

This recognised the university’s social entrepreneur awards programme, which has encouraged staff and students to engage with communities and bring a positive social benefit.

Projects which were chosen to receive funding as part of the programme have been innovative and varied. A scheme called The Broken Spoke is seeking to address social inequality, create a healthier environment and strengthen the culture of cycling in Oxfordshire.

Another project entitled ZumbaBump involves a dance-based exercise class tailored for pregnant women, followed by Bump Club, where women discuss lifestyle, pregnancy and childbirth topics, and support each other with input from experienced midwives.

This programme is being further developed for 2013-14 to encourage a new cohort of budding social entrepreneurs and to forge stronger links with social enterprise in and around Oxford and the region.

While the initiative has been about enabling projects through funding opportunities, the supporting role of developing individuals is equally vital.

The social benefits of social enterprises can be great. We hope that the new foundation degree being taught by Ruskin College will encourage and support greater numbers of individuals to make a real difference to society locally and more widely.