Foundation Programme

Course Overview

MODULES YOU STUDY

The modules studied help develop your study skills, introduce you to what you can expect on your degree and also allow you to discover what you can study depending on whether you choose a degree in Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Psychology, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Animation and Visual Effects.

FLEXIBILITY OF CHOICE

Our 12-month Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students from SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels or similar qualifications with the knowledge and skills to progress into the first year of a degree of their choice.

On completion of the Foundation Programme, you will be able to make an informed decision about your interest and pursue your degree of choice.

During the Foundation Programme, you are able to choose different routes depending on your area of interest. This will allow you to progress onto a specific degree programme at APU, related to this area or other relevant areas based on your foundation experience.

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES - MORE THAN JUST A FOUNDATION

The APU Foundation Programme lays the pathway towards professional tertiary education. It is a vital transformation point for students; soft skills, general knowledge and preparatory subject fundamentals acquired at the Foundation lead to excellence in a student’s education performance, as well as career-readiness as they move on as global professionals eventually. This is achieved through 4 key areas:

• Leadership & Teamwork
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Social Skills & Responsibilities
• Practical Skills

The unique support system at APU Foundation Programme consists of helpful academic mentors who are committed in ensuring academic achievements, providing pastoral care, advising, mentoring, motivating students’ potential and performance, to ensure that they undergo a smooth transition from secondary education to tertiary learning.

Our Foundation Programme is designed to help students with SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels or similar qualifications to develop the skills and knowledge to progress into the degree of their choice.

ROUTES:

• BUSINESS, FINANCE & PSYCHOLOGY
• COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY
• ENGINEERING
• ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing your study in this programme, you will be able to:

• Enter Level 1 of degree study.
• Make an informed choice about what degree you want to study.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the concepts which underpin the study of Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Digital Marketing, Animation and Visual Effects, Media and Communications, International Studies or Psychology.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a given audience.
• Work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrate English and other study skills appropriate to undergraduate learning.
• Apply skills in numeracy, technology and communications.
• Explain the essential elements of technology.
• Use appropriate application software and the Internet.

Achievement

APU Foundation

Curriculum

COMMON MODULES SEMESTER 1 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology, Computing & Technology and Design

• English for Academic Purpose
• Communication Skills
• Personal Development & Study Methods
• Essentials of Web Applications
• Mathematics

SPECIALISED MODULES SEMESTER 2 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology

• Introduction to Business
• Fundamentals of Finance
• Global Business Trends
• Public Speaking in English

Computing & Technology

• Introduction to Business
• Introduction to Computer Architecture & Networking
• Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming
• Public Speaking in English

Architecture & Design

• Fundamentals of Drawing
• Life Drawing
• Design Studies
• Public Speaking in English
• Major Project 1

SPECIALISED MODULES SEMESTER 3 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology

• Academic Research Skills
• Economics for Business
• Perspectives in Technology / Further Mathematics**
• Co-Curricular

Choose one of the following modules:

• Principles of Accounts
• Discovering Media in the Digital Age
• Psychology & Behavioral Science

Computing & Technology

• Academic Research Skills
• Further Mathematics
• Introduction to Multimedia Applications
• Co-Curricular

Choose one of the following modules:

• Perspectives in Technology
• Discovering Media in the Digital Age
• Psychology & Behavioral Science

Architecture & Design

• Academic Research Skills
• Introduction to Digital Photography
• Major Project 2
• Co-Curricular Studies

Choose one of the following modules:

• History of Design and Media
• Introduction to Architecture and Built Environment

Further Mathematics module is Compulsory for students who choose to progress to Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies.

Entry Requirements

Malaysian Students who do not possess a Pass in English at SPM/IGCSE/UEC; will be required to sit for the APU English Placement Test, and based on the outcome of the test may be required to attend the APU Intensive English Programme (IEP) prior to commencement of the Foundation/Diploma/Certificate programme.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

International Students

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment. 

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).