Study at the Best Universities for Foundation in Design in Malaysia
The Foundation in Design is a programme of self-discovery through enjoyable, broad-based, exploratory diagnostic study. It serves as a platform for students to prepare themselves for the demands and challenges of degree level programmes.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who are sure of choosing design for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Design at a top private university in Malaysia. Upon completion of the 1-year Foundation in Design, students will continue on to any of the 3-year design degree programmes. Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as A-Levels, UEC, STPM, SAM, CPU, MUFY or AUSMAT may enter directly into the Design Degree programme with relevant results.
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Best Universities in Malaysia for Foundation in Design Leading to Top Design Degree Programmes
Zhi Yih & Chin Xien, Foundation in Design at First City University College
It is important to choose the best university in Malaysia for your design studies. Choose the design school based on the reputation & ranking of the university, accreditation of its courses, the suitability of the course against your academic results and career goals, tuition fees, quality of lecturers, facilities, friends & family, and more. 5 of Malaysia’s top private universities for design that offer the Foundation in Design programme are Taylor’s University, Multimedia University (MMU), First City University College, Saito University College and Asia Pacific University (APU).
What are the Entry Requirements for Foundation in Design?
Entry requirements will vary from university to university so you should check to see if your results qualify. Below are the general requirements for most universities.
- Pass SPM / IGCSE/ O-level or its equivalent with minimum of grade C in at least five (5) subjects, inclusive of English; OR
- Pass UEC with minimum of grade B in at least four (4) subjects inclusive of Mathematics and English; OR
- Other equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government.
What are the Subjects that I will study in a Foundation in Design Course at a Private University?
Eric Lau, Graduated from Graphic Design at First City University College
The subjects will vary from university to university. Below are a sample of some of the subjects that you will take in a Foundation in Design course at a private university in Malaysia.
- Visual Research and Communication
- Life Drawing
- Basic Photography
- Computer Graphics
- Figure Drawing
- Creative Photography
- Imaging/Production Skills for Design
- Academic Research Skills
- History of Design and Media
- Design Theory and Practice
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Social Psychology
- Fundamentals of Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Study Skills
- English
- Art History
- Introduction to Photography & Video Production
- Introduction to Marketing
- Contemporary Business
- Co-Curriculum
- Drawing Techniques
- Design Principles
The Best Foundation in Design at First City University College
First City University College is acknowledged to be one of the best colleges for design in Malaysia having been the first to offer the degree in Graphic Design and Furniture & Product Design.
First City University College students have won many awards as a testament of their strength in design.
Students after SPM who are interested in design courses should take note that some universities do not take in students with A-Levels, STPM or Pre-University programs that do not contain any design subjects. Therefore, if you have taken the STPM or A-Levels without any design subjects, you won’t be able to enter into the degree in design.
The one-year Foundation in Design programme at First City University College provides a general art & design education to enable students to gain experience in practical studio work, 2D and 3D designs, research and writing. It develops student’s skills on visual analysis, fundamental drawing, colour studies, research and critical writing skills.
The Foundation programme also equips students with creative, intellectual and critical skills before progressing to the
degree programmes as it provides personal diagnostic appraisal which will aid students in a specific design discipline in the degree programmes.
- Duration: 3 semesters at First City University College
- Intake: January, April and July
- Entry Requirements: 5 relevant credits in SPM, GCE ‘O’ Level or equivalent qualifications
Students will enter into the Foundation in Design after your SPM or O-Levels with 5 credits. After the Foundation, you can choose from the following degree programmes:
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
- BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design
- BA (Hons) Furniture & Product Design
Excellent Tertiary Education in Malaysia at First City University College
Students at First City University College will, therefore, receive a holistic education.
Jun Hao at his graduation showcase, Interior Design at First City University College
The main objective of First City UC is to provide higher education opportunities to young Malaysians and foreign nationals in a wide range of academic and professional fields such as Engineering, Computing/ICT/Software Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism, Business and Art & Design. Quality education is the hallmark of First City UC with the intended outcome of producing highly employable graduates in a knowledge-based economy.
In line with First City University College’s mission of providing Quality Education and achieving a high level of employability of its graduates, the University College collaborates with established universities in the United Kingdom to offer 3+0 degree programmes, as well as professional bodies and established examination bodies.
Quality education at First City University College is further underpinned by the university college’s compliance with the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the constant monitoring carried out by the College’s very own Quality Assurance Department and FCUC’s foreign university partners.
From EduSpiral’s experience, FCUC offers very affordable certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes that are supported by excellent facilities. Their fees are inexpensive compared even to some shoplot colleges! Students are definitely getting more than their worth at First City UC.
First City University College provides a safe off-campus accommodation which is just across the road. Deserving students can apply for the scholarships as well.
The Best Foundation in Design Programme at Malaysia’s Top 3 Design School Taylor’s University in Malaysia
The 1-year Top Rated Foundation in Design programme at Taylor’s University provides students a solid education in design fundamentals. The Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University emphasises learning by doing, learning takes place beyond the classroom via design trips, industry interaction and site visits, competitions, and other activities.
Taylor’s University is ranked Top 3 in Malaysia according to QS World University Ranking for Art & Design. Taylor’s University is one of the best universities in Malaysia for you to study the Foundation in Design programme.
Students with 3 credits may go for the Diploma courses while students after SPM or O-Levels with at least 5 credits including the relevant subjects may enter Taylor’s University Foundation in Design for 1 year before continuing on to the degree programmes:
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Interior Architecture
- Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media (Graphic Design)
- Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media (Animation & Visual Effects)
- Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media (Entertainment Design)
- Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media (New Media)
- Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology (Hons)
Jia Jin, Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University Foundation in Design programme is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a future in various specialisations of art and design such as interior design, graphic design, multimedia design and even interior architecture. Emphasising learning by doing, learning takes place beyond the classroom via design trips, industry interaction and site visits, competitions, and other activities.
The 1-year Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University has intakes in January, March and July of each year.
Industry Exposure for Design Students at Taylor’s University
Outstanding Foundation in Creative Multimedia at Top Ranked Multimedia University (MMU) in Malaysia
Students after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia wanting to study at a top ranked university locally and globally for Multimedia Design, Animation, Visual Effects and Interface Design can enter the MQA Accredited Foundation in Creative Multimedia course at affordable Multimedia University (MMU) in Cyberjaya. Upon completion of the recognised Foundation in Creative Multimedia, students will continue on to the best design programmes in Malaysia at Multimedia University (MMU).
- Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons.) (Animation and Visual Effects)
- Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons.) (Advertising Design)
- Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons.) (Media Arts)
- Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons.) (Virtual Reality)
- Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons.) (Interface Design)
The role of this one-year Foundation in Creative Multimedia Programme
at Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya is to provide suitable ground and basic skills in analogue (sketching, drawing, painting) and digital, basic computer graphics application and media production technique.
Design Theories and application of Critical Thinking methods occur throughout the three trimesters in all of the subjects, including Design, Drawing, Photography, Computer Graphics, Humanities and English. Elements and Principles of Design are emphasised in the 2D, 3D and 4D design projects.
Multimedia University (MMU) is ranked 179th in Asia according to
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University rankings for 2018. Having won hundreds of awards, Multimedia University (MMU) offers the best courses in Multimedia, Animation, Visual Effects & Interface Design in Malaysia.
Therefore, it is undeniably the best university in Malaysia for students to study the Foundation in Creative Multimedia that’s also affordable. Students may apply for PTPN Loan for the Foundation in Creative Multimedia as well as the degree programmes. Furthermore, 97% of Multimedia University (MMU) students are employed within six months of graduation.
Foundation in Design Course Information at Award-Winning Saito University College
Kin Fen, Design student at Saito University College
With more than 20 years of experience, Saito University College is one of the best colleges for design in Malaysia with many award-winning students, highly experienced & qualified lecturers and having produced thousands of graduates highly in demand by the industry. Not only Saito University College is a top college in design in Malaysia, their fees are also affordable therefore making it accessible to students to achieve their dreams.
Saito College achieved a 6 Star rating in the 2013 Malaysia Quality Evaluation System (MyQuest) which is the highest for colleges in Malaysia.
Qualified students with an interest in design can pursue the Foundation in Design at Saito University College. Upon completion of the Foundation in Design, you can continue on to either the Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) (Honours) or Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) (Honours).
The Foundation in Design is a programme of self-discovery through enjoyable, broad-based,
exploratory diagnostic study. It serves as a platform for students to prepare themselves for the demands and challenges of degree level programmes.
Saito University College believes in developing students holistically. The Foundation year equips them with strong fundamentals in study and communication skills as well as confident design expression by facilitating critical and creative thinking.
Award-winning Design College in Malaysia
Saito students participate actively in national and international level competitions. The students have won hundreds of awards over the years.
What you will Study in the Foundation in Design at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)
Flexibility of Choice
Asia Pacific University (APU) 12-month Foundation Programme is designed to prepare those with SPM, ‘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.
- Foundation in Business & Finance
- Foundation in Computing & Technology
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Design
Pathway after Foundation in Design into Design, Advertising & Animation Degree Programmes
- BA (Hons) in Industrial Design
- BA (Hons) in Visual Effects
- BA (Hons) in Animation
- BA (Hons) in Digital Advertising
Note: Portfolio Required
Enriching Experiences – more than just a Foundation
Liew, Digital Marketing, Asia Pacific University (APU)
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 consist 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.