What is the Difference Between Foundation & Diploma for Information Technology (IT) Courses in Malaysia and which are the Best Universities?

Diploma in IT at Multimedia University (MMU)

How to Choose Between the Foundation and Diploma for Information Technology (IT) Courses in Malaysia

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One of the first decisions to make when you want to study Information Technology (IT) at a Private University in Malaysia after SPM or O-Levels is to choose between a Foundation or Diploma course. Both pathways lead to the degree with the same duration taken, which is a total of 4 years. There are some slight differences and we will discuss the important questions that you will want answered in making this choice.

When choosing a university, it is important for students to choose the best universities in Malaysia to study the information technology course as they would have the resources and experience to equip and guide you to acquire the skills for a successful career.

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Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

Information Technology (IT) Foundation vs Diploma Programmes at Private Universities in Malaysia

What is Information Technology (IT)

I contacted EduSpiral for advise on my son's future career. He looked at his results and then met us & provided excellent insight for my son to make a good decision. Patrick, son is Roshen studying Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)
I contacted EduSpiral for advise on my son’s future career. He looked at his results and then met us & provided excellent insight for my son to make a good decision.
Patrick, son is Roshen studying Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Information technology (IT) is the application of computers to store, study, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data, or information, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.

IT includes several layers of physical equipment (hardware), virtualization and management or automation tools, operating systems and applications (software) used to perform essential functions. User devices, peripherals and software, such as laptops, smartphones or even recording equipment, can be included in the IT domain. IT can also refer to the architectures, methodologies and regulations governing the use and storage of data

Information Technology (IT) involves many things. Take, for instance, an IT department in a company in Malaysia where there are many people with many jobs and a variety of responsibilities. These responsibilities range from keeping systems and data secure to keeping networks up and running. There are people who input data, people who manage databases and people who do programming.

Information Technology (IT) also includes the management of data, whether it is in the form of text, voice, image, audio or some other form. It can also involve things related to the Internet. This gives IT a whole new meaning, since the Internet is its own realm. Information Technology (IT) involves the transfer of data, so it makes sense that the Internet would be a part of IT. IT has become a part of our everyday lives and continues to proliferate into new realms.

Typically, Information Technology (IT) is used in the context of enterprise operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies. The commercial use of IT covers both computer technology and telephony.

There are many types of IT courses that you can choose or specialise in. You must take the time to talk to the right people so that you understand which one fits you. Students should also choose the best university for computing or IT to study at so that you can gain the necessary knowledge and skills. According to Pikom, there are many jobs out there for IT graduates and there are also many jobless IT graduates. The reason for this is that there is a mismatch of the courses with the skill needed. In addition, the training that the students received was not up to the standard needed in the industry.

To succeed in your career in Information Communication Technology (ICT), in Malaysia, it is important to gather the right information, talk to knowledgeable & experienced counselors and then to choose the right course and university.

Education Pathway for the Information Technology (IT) Programme in Malaysia

Studying Information Technology (IT) was my dream but my results didn’t achieve the requirements. But EduSpiral gave me in-depth advise & helped me to choose the right course that suited me.
Harold, Diploma in Business IT at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Students after SPM or O-Levels 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 Information Technology (IT) degree.

With 3 credits in SPM or 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 Information Technology (IT) degree. Pre-University students with the relevant results in STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. can enter directly into Year 1 of the Information Technology (IT) degree at the best university in Malaysia.

Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services is a top recruitment agent for top private universities in Malaysia and private colleges in Singapore providing information and counselling on courses and helping students to choose the right university. EduSpiral Consultant Services sets ourselves apart from other agents by providing counseling based on facts and evidence so that our students are able to make the right choices. We research on articles and information to help them make the right choices about choosing their career and course in Information Technology (IT).

What will you Study in a Diploma in Information Technology (IT) Course in Malaysia

Diploma in IT at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral helped me to find an affordable and yet world top ranked computer science university.
Vickey, Diploma in IT at Multimedia University (MMU)

A Diploma in Information Technology (IT), Diploma in Computer Science or Diploma in Software Engineering 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?

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:

  1. Diploma in Information & Communications Technology at Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  2. Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with specialism in Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  3. Diploma in Business with Information Technology at Asia Pacific University (APU)
  4. Diploma in Information Technology at Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya
  5. Diploma in Information Technology at Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka
  6. Diploma in Information Technology at Taylor’s University
  7. Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at HELP University
  8. Diploma in Computer Studies  at KDU Penang University College
  9. Diploma in Computer Studies at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  10. Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College
  11. Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at UCSI University

Studying Foundation in Information Technology or Foundation in Computing & Technology Courses in Malaysia

EduSpiral provided me with up-to-date information on Asia Pacific University & helped me to apply for the MARA Loan for my studies to achieve my dreams. Mohd Muaz Anuar graduated with Information Technology (IT) from Asia Pacific University (APU)
EduSpiral provided me with up-to-date information on Asia Pacific University & helped me to apply for the MARA Loan for my studies to achieve my dreams.
Mohd Muaz Anuar graduated with Information Technology (IT) 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?

EduSpiral provided me with up-to-date information on Asia Pacific University & helped me to apply for the MARA Loan for my studies to achieve my dreams. Mohd Muaz Anuar graduated with Information Technology (IT) from Asia Pacific University (APU)
EduSpiral provided me with up-to-date information on Asia Pacific University & helped me to apply for the MARA Loan for my studies to achieve my dreams.
Mohd Muaz Anuar graduated with Information Technology (IT) from Asia Pacific University (APU)

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?

I found EduSpiral online and he met me and my Dad at the university to counsel us & take us around for a tour. As I didn't come from a rich family, EduSpiral helped me to find a university that's affordable and good. Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College
I found EduSpiral online and he met me and my Dad at the university to counsel us & take us around for a tour. As I didn’t come from a rich family, EduSpiral helped me to find a university that’s affordable and good.
Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College

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:

  1. Asia Pacific University (APU)
  2. Multimedia University (MMU
  3. Taylor’s University
  4. University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
  5. KDU University College
  6. First City University College
  7. UCSI University
  8. HELP University
  9. KDU College
  10. KDU Penang University College

Diploma in Information Technology (IT) vs Foundation in Information Technology IT) in Malaysia

I didn't come from a rich family. My mother was recommended to EduSpiral who advised us to go for First City University College's affordable diploma and yet high quality.
I didn’t come from a rich family. My mother was recommended to EduSpiral who advised us to go for First City University College’s affordable diploma and yet high quality.
Hou Tung, Diploma in IT at First City University College

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.

What you will Study in an Information Technology (IT) Degree and which is the Best University?

EduSpiral took me & my friends to tour a few universities to help us make the right choice. He then met me & my father for further counseling & to assist in registering. Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)
EduSpiral took me & my friends to tour a few universities to help us make the right choice. He then met me & my father for further counseling & to assist in registering.
Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)

A Bachelor of Information Technology is an undergraduate academic degree that generally requires three years of study. While the degree has a major focus on computers and technology, it differs from a Computer Science degree in that students are also expected to study management and information science, and there are reduced requirements for mathematics.

A degree in computer science can be expected to concentrate on the scientific aspects of computing, while a degree in information technology can be expected to concentrate on the business and communication applications of computing.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (IT) from a top university in Malaysia you are qualified to design and create new software and also to modify, and test existing software for computerized applications in a broad range of business and industry. You may also be required to devise new and more efficient algorithms and techniques.

  1. Asia Pacific University (APU)
  2. Multimedia University (MMU)
  3. University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
  4. Taylor’s University
  5. KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  6. Taylor’s University
  7. UCSI University
  8. KDU Penang University College
  9. First City University College
  10. HELP University

 

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