Building a solid foundation at UTAR

by StudyMalaysia.com on May 18, 2023 | Top Stories

Building a solid foundation at UTAR - StudyMalaysia.com

Upon completing SPM or O-levels, high school graduates who have decided to further their studies are left to choose between STPM, A-levels, Matriculation or equivalent foundation programmes. Choices are certainly abundant but the one question remains, which will be the most suitable selection for them?

A not-for-profit private university, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) provides high school graduates with a quality yet affordable education through its one-year Foundation programme, which is structured to prepare them to progress to their degree programme of choice. The Foundation programmes are offered by the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) at both Kampar and Sungai Long Campuses.

Students have the option to pursue either the Foundation in Arts or the Foundation in Science programmes. The Foundation in Arts programme offers students the choice to focus on either the Arts and Social Science stream or the Management and Accountancy stream. On the other hand, students who opt for the Foundation in Science programme will be assigned to either the Physical Science stream or the Biological Science stream. In today's ever-evolving technological landscape, it has become increasingly crucial to introduce new elective subjects that cater to the latest advancements. In line with this, technological science courses such as "Introduction to Data Analytics" have been recently added to the curriculum.

“The Foundation programmes are comprehensive and provide strong fundamentals in the arts, business or science fields. Due to its emphasis on the relevant fields of different disciplines, students are equipped with the background knowledge that is vital in pursuing a wide range of undergraduate degree programmes,” said CFS Director of Sungai Long Campus, Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto.

“The comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum also stresses on 21st-century competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. The flexibility in the programme structure enables students to achieve academic excellence and develop their full potential upon completion of the programme,” added CFS Director of Kampar Campus, Ts Tan Lee Siew.

The well-established programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary fundamental knowledge and essential skills, as well as sharpen their presentation skills and English language proficiency, ensuring a smooth transition to over 130 undergraduate programmes and postgraduate programmes at UTAR.

UTAR offers scholarships and loans to students who achieve academically. Students who attain 5A’s or above in their SPM actual results will be automatically offered the UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers, which covers tuition fees up to 100% for the foundation programme. UTAR has also offered a study grant worth RM1,000 for students who have siblings who are currently pursuing or have completed their studies at UTAR, or parents who have completed their education at UTAR.

UTAR prioritises the well-being of its students, offering counselling services through the Department of Student Affairs (DSA). Qualified counsellors are available on campus to offer academic, career and personal advice to help students transition to university life. Recently, the DSA's Counselling and Guidance Unit has been transformed into the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing (CHMW), providing a holistic approach to promote staff and student well-being. CHMW uses positive psychology and mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety, promote kindness and compassion, and enhance physical, mental and emotional health.

UTAR has been reputed as one of the country’s fastest growing private higher education institutions since its inception in 2002. The university now has about 21,000 students with campuses in Kampar, Perak, and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor.

UTAR offers over 130 programmes from Foundation Studies to Bachelor, Master’s and PhD degrees in Accounting, Business, Finance and Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Process Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Chinese Studies, Creative Industries, Digital Animation, Multimedia and Design, Engineering and Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, and Medicine and Health Sciences.