Choosing Between the Foundation and Diploma for Information Technology (IT) Courses in Malaysia
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels planning to study a computing degree course such as Software Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology (IT) may either go for the Foundation in Information Technology (IT) or Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at a Private University. Both pathways lead to the degree with the same duration taken, which is a total of 4 years. There are some slight differences as well as similarities and we will discuss the important questions that you will want answered in making this choice.
When making your decision between these two programme pathways, you will take into account your learning style, academic and career goals, financial ability, and which university you plan on taking the course. When choosing a university, it is important for students to choose the best universities in Malaysia to study the computing course as they would have the resources and experience to equip and guide you to acquire the skills for a successful career.
Information Technology (IT) Foundation vs Diploma Programmes at Private Universities in Malaysia
What are the Computing Fields of Study?
Basically, the computing courses are divided into 3 different fields which are Software Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology (IT). Then, the specialisations such as Ai, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Fintech, IOT, Cloud Engineering, etc will be offered within these fields. We will just discuss the 3 broad computing fields so that you have an idea.
Students after Secondary School or Pre-University in Malaysia interested in computing courses would consider these 3 top computing courses – Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Technology. The pathway would be taking either the Foundation in IT or Diploma in IT. You don’t need to choose the specific field or specialisation yet. You have the time during your Foundation or Diploma studies to explore and then choose upon completion.
Students should take note that the subjects in these 3 courses would overlap and that there are some differences between these three courses.
Basically:
Philip Sim, Information Technology (IT) graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Computer Science. Computer scientists are primarily concerned with the design of algorithms, languages, hardware architecture, systems software, applications software and tools. Computer science is focused entirely on efficiently programming computers using mathematical algorithms. You should choose Computer Science if you like math, logic, or if you want to get into a specialized field in CS such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, security or graphics.
- Software Engineering. The objective of a software engineer is to understand a problem within a computer and create software that eases the problem. This could include either manipulating existing software or creating a new one from scratch. If you are interested in learning the behind-the-scenes of computer software development, and is not that good in Maths, consider a degree in software engineering. You should choose Software Engineering if you’re more interested in the hands-on approach, and if you want to learn the overall life cycle of how software is built and maintained.
- Information technology (IT). It involves the software and hardware aspects of our technological world. If the purpose is creating, exchanging, accessing, or securing digital data, then the subject is IT. An IT career involves installing, organizing and maintaining computer systems as well as designing and operating networks and databases. If you enjoy working with others and finding technological solutions to problems, consider a degree in information technology.
Education Pathway for the Information Technology (IT) Programme in Malaysia
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits including Maths may go for the Foundation in Computing or Information Technology at top private universities in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year computing degree programme. The entry requirements may vary from university to university. Some may have higher entry requirements.
With 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths, students may go for the 2-year Diploma in Information Technology, Diploma in Computer Studies or Diploma in Software Engineering and then enter into Year 2 of the computing degree.
What are the Differences between the Foundation and Diploma Programmes?
| Differences | Foundation | Diploma |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum 5 credits including Maths | Minimum 3 credits including Maths |
| Duration | 12 months | 24 to 36 months |
| PTPTN Loan | Not applicable | May apply |
| Degree Entry | Will enter into Year 1 of the related degree programme | Will enter into Year 2 of the related degree programme |
| Subjects | More general and academic based | More specific to the course and practical |
| Internships | None | 1 internship |
| Employment | May not be used to find work | Recognised for employment at entry level. Some students may not want to pursue the degree and would like a faster pathway to enter into the workforce. |
| Advantage | For students who are not sure of what to study for their degree and would like more choices and time to decide | For students who are sure of what they want to study and prefer more in-depth studies related to the course |
What will you Study in a Diploma in Information Technology (IT) Course in Malaysia
Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College
A Diploma in Information Technology (IT) course provides general knowledge and skills in IT, programming, databases, multimedia and networks. The Diploma in Information Technology equips students with a strong grounding in the basic skills as well as providing a theoretical understanding which is important for an IT graduate.
Students will be exposed to JAVA programming, VB.net, HTML, J2ME, Java Scripting as well as networking and business communication. The modules lead into all aspects of software applications; internet technology; multimedia technology; information systems; operating systems; systems methodologies; visual programming; and database management systems.
Other non-IT courses such as marketing, business communication and problem-solving, among others, are included in the course so that students are equipped with transferable skills that will enable them to work efficiently both independently and in teams.
Students will normally take about 24-25 subjects not including the MQA subjects which are Bahasa Kebangsaan, Moral, and Pengajian Malaysia. The MQA subjects are compulsory at all colleges and universities.
Which are the Best Diploma in Information Technology Courses?
Jia Chong, Diploma in IT (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University (APU)
To succeed in the competitive world of computing, students should choose the best private universities in Malaysia to study the Computer Science diploma to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Leading private universities & colleges in Malaysia offering computer science diploma programme are:
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Diploma in Information & Communications Technology
- Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with specialism in:
- Taylor’s College
- UOW Malaysia
- HELP University
- UOWM KDU Penang
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- First City University College
- UCSI University
- UCSI College
- Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
- Sunway College
- Diploma in Information Technology
Studying Foundation in Information Technology or Foundation in Computing & Technology Courses in Malaysia
Teoh, Computer Science graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Graduating with a Information Technology (IT) degree from a top private university in Malaysia allows you to choose from a wide range of careers in software development, business analysis, ITC consulting, data modelling, systems integration and network management.
Foundation in Information Technology or Foundation in Computing & Technology courses are intensive, focused one-year courses which prepare students for your computing degree studies in Malaysia and guarantee entry to the university of interest upon successful completion.
The Foundation in Information Technology or Foundation in Computing & Technology courses provide a solid foundation for students to adapt to university education more confidently, both in terms of level and style of education of the particular university.
Many top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. The Foundation in Information Technology (IT) and Foundation in Computer Studies courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities.
What will you Study in a Foundation in Information Technology (IT) or Foundation in Computer Studies Course?
Yue Sheng, Foundation in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
The Foundation in Information Technology (IT) subjects are geared more specifically to Information Technology courses unlike the external qualifications which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects.
You will get the chance to study a variety of subject areas related to computer studies in the Foundation in Information Technology (IT) or Foundation in Computing & Technology Programme. This will not only give you an idea of what subject you may like to progress on to, but also to develop the valuable learning skills necessary for pursue a degree. A Foundation Programme in Malaysia can be 2 semesters with 6 months each semester or 3 semesters with 4 months each semester.
Assessment for Foundation in Information Technology (IT) or Foundation in Computing & Technology programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.
The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.
Where to Study Foundation in Computing & Information Technology Courses in Malaysia?
To enter into the Foundation in Information Technology students after SPM would need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects with a pass in BM and Sejarah.
If you are sure that you want to study Information Technology (IT) for your degree studies then this Foundation Programme is your best choice. Top Foundation Courses leading to Information Technology degree programmes are:
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Taylor’s College
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
- UOW Malaysia
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- First City University College
- UCSI University
- UOWM KDU Penang
Diploma in Information Technology (IT) vs Foundation in Information Technology IT) in Malaysia
Patrick, son is Roshen studying Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)
A Diploma course is one level higher than a Foundation programme but one level lower than a Degree programme. A Diploma is equivalent to Year 1 of the Degree. Diploma graduates may apply for a job upon completion. For the Foundation course, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. Students should choose top private universities in Malaysia for their diploma education so that you can gain the best knowledge and skills for a successful career.
The subjects for the Diploma course is more specific to the field of interest while the Foundation programme tend to have more general subjects. Students who are sure of what they want to study may go for the Diploma course at a top university or college in Malaysia. A lot of students assume that all Diploma in Information Technology (IT) courses at the universities are the same. They are not. It is important when choosing the Diploma in IT, to look at the subjects offered.
Some Diploma in IT are more multimedia based while others focus on programming. Some universities could have a diploma with a specialism in software engineering. You have to decide which area you want to focus on in your future career before choosing the college or university, if not, you will end up with a diploma but without the necessary knowledge and skills in IT.
This is important because during interviews for IT jobs, you will be given a test to assess your knowledge in IT. If you do not pass that test, you will not move on to be interviewed. IT is not like a business course, it is technical. If you do not have the necessary knowledge and skills, you will not go far in your career.
Learn how to become a computer science or information technology (IT) professional in Malaysia by talking to knowledgeable & experienced counselors and then choosing the best private university for your degree studies. Research the education and career requirements, training and certification information and experience needed to be successful in your future career in information technology or computer science in Malaysia.
