
All You Need to Know About the Foundation in Arts Programme
The Foundation in Arts is ideal for students to pursue a Business, Humanities, Education, Computing, Arts or Social Science Degree. Furthermore, the Foundation in Arts is more affordable than the External Pre-University Programmes and less rigourous. It would be easier to score high grades in order to obtain scholarships for the degree studies. Top Private Universities in Malaysia offer the 1-year Foundation in Arts course with about 15 subjects. Not all private universities are good in the Foundation in Arts course, therefore, students need to choose the best private university in Malaysia that provides a high standard of education.
If you don’t plan to go overseas immediately after your Pre-University Programme, then you should go for the Foundation programme in Malaysia.
Choosing the right career after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels can be challenging Many students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels are left with the difficult task of making that choice without being sufficiently equipped with the necessary details to make an informed choice. Students should ask a counselor who is knowledgeable and experienced to provide the right information to help them make the right choice.
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Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering the Best MQA Accredited Foundation in Arts Programme

Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
Students need to choose a university that provides good quality Pre-University education that prepares the them to meet the demands of undergraduate study. The Pre-University Programme should have a certain degree of flexibility where students can make their choice of selecting a discipline at a later stage rather than at the beginning of the course. Students who plan to pursue a degree course in the Arts Stream can go for the popular Foundation in Arts Programme at Top Private Universities in Malaysia.
Top ranked private universities in Malaysia offering the best Foundation in Arts programme are:
- Taylor’s University
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
- HELP University
- UOWM KDU Penang
Who Should Study the Foundation in Arts?

The Foundation in Arts programme is ideal for:
- Arts stream students from secondary school
- Students who are sure that they want to pursue a non-Science degree programme
- Students who want take various arts-related subjects in order to explore the different pathways and choose the right degree course
- Students who want to save money and time instead of going for the external Pre-University Programmes like A-Levels or AUSMAT
- Students who want an affordable Pre-University Programme and easier access to scholarships.
- Students who are sure that they do not want to study overseas after the Pre-U.
HOW LONG IS THE DURATION FOR THE Foundation in Arts PROGRAMME?
3 semesters (1 year of full-time study). Some universities offer a 2-semester Foundation which is still 1 year in duration.
IS THE Foundation in Arts PROGRAMME RECOGNISED?
Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by MQA, it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.
HOW MANY SUBJECTS ARE THERE IN A Foundation in Arts PROGRAMME?
The number of subjects vary from 8 to 12 subjects depending on which university.
HOW MUCH DOES A Foundation in Arts PROGRAMME COST?
The cost will vary from university to university. It will range from RM8,000 to RM30,000. Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels.
What Degree Programmes does the Foundation in Arts lead to?
When students complete the Foundation in Arts, they can enter into non-science degree programmes like Psychology, Law, Business, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Architecture, Quantity Survey, Communication, Design, Early Childhood Education, TESL, Education, Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism. Students who have at least a credit in Maths and where the Foundation in Arts also contain a subject in Maths can choose Computing degree programmes.
Can I transfer to Another Private University?
Yes, you can transfer to another private university on a case-to-case basis. Students may transfer to another private university upon completion of the Foundation in Arts programme by providing the university of interest your high school certificate, transcripts, course outline & syllabus and Foundation certificate in order for them to evaluate for entry into their degree programme.
What will you Study in a Foundation in Arts Programme in Malaysia

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
A Foundation in Arts course in Malaysia focuses on arts-related topics by concentrating on specific subjects related to arts. There will be core subjects like Mathematics, English and Computing. You will then have options to choose electives that would be related to your degree programme of interest such as business, accounting, marketing, communications, etc.
A Foundation Programme is a pre-university programme, which means that you take this course right after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in order to gain entry into a Degree programme at university. The duration of a Foundation in Arts is usually about 12 months.
One of the advantages of a Foundation in Arts programme is that it prepares you for a smooth transition into the arts-related degree at the same private university.
A Foundation in Arts is administered by the university itself, unlike other pre-university courses that are administered by a central body (e.g. A-Level is administered by Cambridge, AUSMAT is administered by the Western Australian education board).
Therefore, the syllabus and subjects for the Foundation in Arts will vary from university to university. On the other hand, the external Pre-University Programmes’ subjects, evaluation and assessment methods are standardised throughout Malaysia and globally. In addition, the private university has the ability to design the programme specifically catered towards Malaysian students.
Usually, you will be required to take certain compulsory core arts subjects, and then take further subjects that are related to your intended degree.
MPU SUBJECTS / GENERAL STUDIES (COMPULSORY UNITS)
- Through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Ministry of Education (MOE), Higher Education Sector has imposed the following requirements on programmes offered by all private tertiary education providers:
- MPU (i.e. General Studies) will replace MPW from September 2013 onwards (Ministry of Education directive of 18th June 2013).
- The Ministry of Education requires that all NEW Degree (International and Malaysian) students enrolled in September 2013 and onwards must take the MPU units as a prerequisite for the award of their degree.
- Malaysian Degree students must take the units and pass them as a prerequisite for the award of the degree.
- Students are required to take other MPU units which will be rolled out during the course of their study.
Assessment for the Foundation in Arts Programme at Private Universities in Malaysia
Assessment for Foundation 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.
What are the Entry Requirements for the Foundation in Arts Programme
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
- Pass with min. 5 credits including a pass in English, Bahasa Melayu and History
O-Levels
- Pass with min. 5 credits including a pass in English
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
- Pass with min. 3Bs including a pass in English
Other Qualifications
- Students with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis
NOTE:
Students who wish to pursue the following bachelor programmes are required to meet the pre-requisite below with a pass in Bahasa Melayu and History in SPM:
- Architecture
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including English and Mathematics with a pass in an interview and Aptitude Assessment (AA)
- Quantity Surveying
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including English and Mathematics with a pass in Aptitude Assessment (AA)
- Accounting & Finance
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including Mathematics with a pass in English
- Design
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including English and Mathematics with a pass in Arts or Visual Aptitude Test (VAT)
- Education (Primary Education)
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including Mathematics, English or Science which includes an interview
- Psychology
- SPM / O Level: Pass with min. 5 credits including English, Mathematics and Science
The Best Foundation in Arts Programme at Taylor’s University in Malaysia

The 1-year Top Rated Foundation in Arts programme at Taylor’s University offers one of the widest ranges of educational pathways, providing students early exposure to diverse elective subjects ranging from mass communication, business, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, architecture, quantity surveying, design and education. Students after SPM or O-Levels with at least 5 credits including the relevant subjects may enter Taylor’s University Foundation in Arts for 1 year before continuing on to the degree programmes.
Unlike other foundation programmes in Malaysia, Taylor’s Foundation in Arts offer amazing tools of blended learning: Taylor’s Integrated Moodle E-Learning System (TIMES), X-Space Collaborative Classroom, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), ReWIND Lecture Capture, Interactive Boards. These are just some of the reasons that Taylor’s University is one of the best universities in Malaysia for you to study the Foundation in Arts programme.
The 1-year Foundation in Arts programme at Taylor’s University offers one of the widest ranges of educational pathways, providing students early exposure to diverse elective subjects ranging from mass communication, business, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, architecture, quantity surveying, design and education.
Intakes for the Foundation in Arts programme at Taylor’s University are in January, March and July of each year.
Education Pathway for the Foundation in Arts at Taylor’s University

Students who are not sure of which arts related degree to study should go for the Foundation in Arts programme at Taylor’s University. Upon completion of the top rated foundation programme in Malaysia, students can choose from the following degree programmes at Taylor’s University below:
Taylor’s Business School
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) International Business
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) International Business & Marketing
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Marketing
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Accounting & Finance
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Banking & Finance
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Finance & Economics
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) Actuarial Studies
School of Communication at Taylor’s University

- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Advertising)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Broadcasting)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Public Relations)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Public Relations & Event Management)
- Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Public Relations & Marketing)
School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
School of Architecture, Building & Design
School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts at Taylor’s University
- Dual Degree awarded by Taylor’s University and Université de Toulouse-Le Mirail (UoT), France
- Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Hons)
- Bachelor of Culinary Arts & Foodservice Management (Hons)
- Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons) (Events Management)
- Bachelor of International Tourism Management (Hons) (Travel & Recreation Management)
Awarded by Académie de Toulouse, France
The Design School at Taylor’s University
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Interior Architecture
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interactive Multimedia Design
School of Education at Taylor’s University
- Bachelor of Education (Hons) (Primary Education)
Outstanding Foundation in Arts & Technology Programme in Malaysia at UOWM KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie

The Foundation Studies (Art and Technology) at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie is a one-year multidisciplinary foundation programme aimed at preparing students for further study in the fields of
- Game development
- Business
- Communication
- Computing
- Hospitality
This flexible programme ensures students are grounded with a strong grasp of core subjects according to their choice of programmes at degree level, as well as a variety of other subjects to give them a broad-based education platform. It also helps them to explore new methods and ideas, as well as skills and concepts, to encourage independent and critical thinking.
Upon completion, students will be able to articulate seamlessly into various degree programmes, offered at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie.
Business Degree Programmes at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
- Bachelor of Accounting (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business with Law (Hons)
- BA (Hons) Banking & Finance
Computing & IT Degree Programmes at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons)
- Bachelor of Game Development (Hons)
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons)
Communication Degree Programmes at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
- Bachelor of Communication (Hons) majoring in 2 (Corporate Communication, Advertising Media Management, Journalism, Media Marketing or Visual Communication
Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts Degree Programmes at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
- Bachelor of Hospitality Managment (Hons)
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Professional Chef Training
- Bachelor in Culinary Management (Hons) (Major in Italian Culinary)
Total of 17 modules for Foundation in Arts & Technology Programme at UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
CORE (6 compulsory modules)
- Creative Studies
- Critical Writing and Referencing
- Design Studies
- Introduction to Business
- Introduction to Creative Concepts
- Introduction to Communication
(8 modules according to stream)
GAME ART | GAME DESIGN / COMMUNICATION | GAME TECHNOLOGY / COMPUTING | BUSINESS / HOSPITALITY |
---|---|---|---|
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|
|
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The Foundation program in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan equips students with the necessary fundamental knowledge to pursue their university studies. This flexible program ensures students are grounded with a strong grasp of core subjects, as well as a variety of other subjects to give them a broad-based educational platform. It also helps them to explore new methods and ideas, as well as skills and concepts, to encourage independent and critical thinking.
The Foundation in Arts is a one-year program that provides with 2 elective areas:
- Law / Humanities
- IT / Computer Science
The Foundation in Arts program at UOWM KDU Penang is a 1-year recognised Pre-University programme. It is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Upon completion of the Foundation in Arts at UOWM KDU Penang, students may continue on to the degree programmes in Law (LLB), Business, Accounting, Mass Communication, Computing or Information Technology (IT).
Foundation in Arts at HELP University that’s Recognised for Entry into Universities Overseas

Choosing the right career at a tender age of 16 or 17 can be a daunting task. Many students after SPM are left with the difficult task of making that choice without being sufficiently equipped with the necessary details to make an informed choice.
Bearing that in mind, the Foundation in Arts Program at HELP University is designed to cater for the needs of the students taking into account the following considerations:
- To provide good quality Pre-University education that prepares the students to meet the demands of undergraduate study
- To incorporate a certain degree of flexibility where students can make their choice of selecting a discipline at a later stage rather than at the beginning of the course
- Subjects such as Study Skills and Critical Thinking Skills are added to give the students an edge over others
- Extracurricular activities as well as good pastoral care are emphasized to ensure that students obtain a holistic education
- To provide a conducive environment for study as well as to equip them with excellent facilities
HELP University is one of the best university’s in Malaysia offering the Foundation in Arts programme that are recognised for entry into top universities in Malaysia and worldwide such as Australia, UK and New Zealand.
Why Study the HELP Foundation in Arts Programme?

Soon Hong, Marketing at HELP University
- A Foundation programme that is fully accredited by MQA
- A flexible programme which offers a broad-based education providing exposure to a variety of disciplines, thus allowing students to make an informed choice when deciding on a future career
- Small class size for effective learning
- Experienced and committed teaching faculty with proven track records
- Recognition by universities in Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States of America and other countries
- Cultural exchange and networking opportunities from a healthy mix of international and local students
- Value added subjects such as Critical Thinking Skills, Study Skills, Personal Development & Leadership and Culture, Arts and Politics to inculcate broader appeal and thinking
- Leadership training specially designed by experienced psychologists and trained facilitators highlighting the following areas:
- self-confidence and self-esteem
- dealing with fear
- dealing with change
- team work
- cultivating the right values in order to be an ethical employee
- Community service emphasising the importance of being kind and empathetic towards others who are less fortunate
- Small classes conducive for learning
- Financial assistance available
Intakes: January, March/April, May, September
Subjects for the Foundation in Arts Programme at HELP University Subang 2 and HELP University Damansara Heights
There are 13 subjects (9 core + 4 elective) in the Foundation Programme at HELP University. The course has 3

semesters completed in a year. One semester is 14 weeks.
Semester 1 (5 Core = 18 credit hours)
- Intermediate English (4 credit hours)
- Finite Mathematics (4 credit hours)
- Computing Principles (4 credit hours)
- Study Skills (3 credit hours)
- Personal Development and Leadership (3 credit hours)
Semester 2 (2 Core + 2 Electives = 16 credit hours)
- Advanced English (Pre-requisite: Intermediate English) (4 credit hours)
- Critical Thinking Skills (4 credit hours)
- 2 Electives
Semester 3 (2 Core + 2 Electives = 16 credit hours)
- Culture, Arts and Politics (4 credit hours)
- Statistics (4 credit hours)
- 2 Electives
Electives (each Elective subject – 4 credit hours)
- C Programming
- Calculus
- Economic Principles (May not enrol for Microeconomics & Macroeconomics)
- Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education
- Internet Principles
- Introduction to Business Principles
- Introduction to Finance (Pre-requisite: Principles of Accounting)
- Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality
- Introduction to Human Communication
- Introduction to Legal Studies
- Introduction to Marketing Principles
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Macroeconomics (Pre-requisite: Microeconomics)
- Microeconomics
- Principles of Accounting
- Psychology for Personal Development
- Visual Basic Programming
Foundation in Arts Graduates Can Enter into Degree Programmes Offered at HELP University

Psychology Degree Courses Offered at HELP University Subang 2 Campus
- Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business Psychology (Hons)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Flinders-HELP Joint Degree)
Business Degree Courses Offered at HELP University Subang 2 Campus
- Diploma in Business
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
- Bachelor of Business (Finance) (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business (International Business)(Hons)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing)(Hons)
Mass Communication Degree Courses Offered at HELP University Damansara Heights
Campus
- Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Communication (Marketing Communication) (Honours)
Education Degree Courses Offered at HELP University Damansara Heights Campus
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons)
Law Degree Courses Offered at HELP University
- UK Degree Transfer Program
- Bachelor of Law (LLB) Damansara Heights Campus
Event/Hospitality/Travel/Tourism/Leisure and Recreational Management Degree Courses
Offered at HELP University Damansara Heights Campus
- Bachelor of Business (Hospitality Management) (Hons) HELP University
- Bachelor of Tourism Management (Hons) HELP University
Information Technology Degree Courses Offered at HELP University Damansara Heights
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons), HELP University
- BSc (Hons) Electronic Games & Interactive Media, HELP University
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons)
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Mobile Computing
- Business Information Management, HELP University
- Bachelor of Information Technology (2 + 1 Credit Transfer Programme)
- Bachelor of Information Technology Honours (2 + 2 Credit Transfer Programme)
- Bachelor of Engineering (2 + 2 Credit Transfer Programme)
- Credit Transfer to the University of Queensland
- Transfer to Other Universities
3+0 UK Business Degree Programmes Offered at HELP Academy

- 3+0 BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance in Malaysia awarded by University of Derby, UK
- 3+0 Marketing Degree in Malaysia awarded by University of Derby at HELP University
- 3+0 Business Management Degree awarded by University of Derby, UK
- Bachelor of Science (Accounting & Finance) University of London International Programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Economics and Management) University of London International Programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Economics) University of London International Programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Business) University of London International Programmes
- Bachelor of Science (Banking and Finance) University of London International Programmes
Partner Universities recognising HELP University’s Foundation in Arts for direct entry into Year 1 programmes
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Business Programmes
(Accounting, Banking, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Management)
3+0
2+1
1 1/2 + 1 1/2
1+2
|
Direct Entry *
|
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Psychology Programmes
3+0
2+1
1 1/2 + 2
1 1/2 + 1
1+2
|
Direct Entry
|
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Communication Programmes
(Accounting, Banking, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Management)
3+0
11/2 + 11/2
1 + 2
2+1
2+Summer Semester*
|
Direct Entry*
|
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Information Technology Programmes
(Business Information Management, Electronic Games & Interactive Media, Mobile Computing, Software Engineering)
3+0
1 + 2
2+1
|
Direct Entry
|
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Law Programmes
3+0
2 + 1 (UK Law Transfer Programme##)
|
Direct Entry*##
## Not eligible to pursue the Certificate in Legal Practice. Can apply for the UK Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) *Direct entry subject to meeting universities’ requirements |
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Early Childhood Education Programmes
3+0
|
Direct Entry*
*Direct entry subject to meeting universities’ requirements |
HELP University’s Foundation in Arts direct entry into Year 1 Hospitality & Tourism Programmes
3+0
1 1/2 + 1 1/2
2 + 1
|
Direct Entry*
*Direct entry subject to meeting universities’ requirements |