
The Best Reasons to Study Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
- Find out why students after high school should consider Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation in Science programme
- The Foundation in Science focuses on subjects that will eventually lead students to actuarial science, engineering, psychology, quantity surveying and data analysis. It prepares students to take on any degree programme they wish to pursue after they graduate, including engineering.
- Foundation in Science Course Details, Fees & Entry Requirements at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Leading to UK top ranked Engineering, Actuarial Science, Data Science and Computing degree programmes
Heriot-Watt University enjoys an established reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation Programme uses an innovative challenge-based learning approach to provide students with an enhanced and engaging experience. In addition, the Foundation in Science is a focused programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training designed to provide you with a direct route into a professionally relevant and internationally recognised degree at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
The tailored programme of courses is a direct pathway to your choice of a range of professionally relevant degrees. The focused academic content is taught in a way that introduces you to independent learning. Your development is monitored through regular assessments and feedback.
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List of 8 Top Reasons to Study Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students in Malaysia who are interested in obtaining top ranking UK degree without having to go overseas can choose to study at one of the best Foreign university branch campuses located in Malaysia. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers the same high-quality education provided in the UK. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia students have the choice to benefit from an international experience for part of their studies, joining students in Edinburgh or Dubai for part of their degree programme.
Below are eight of the best reasons for students who have completed their SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels wanting to pursue a recognised and top Pre-University course in Malaysia:
- Number 1 – Ranked Top in the UK
- Heriot-Watt University UK, as an institution, has been one of the many bright beacons in the world of higher education. Since its humble beginnings as the world’s first Mechanics Institute in 1821, Heriot-Watt today holds high ranks across key university league tables.
- In 2022, Heriot-Watt was ranked at 270th in the World & 33rd in UK by QS World University Rankings. It is Ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide (201-250) for Engineering and Technology by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021. It is ranked 10th in UK for Mathematics (Data Science) by The Complete University Guide UK 2022. Also in the Top 10 are Marketing (5th), Civil Engineering (7th), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (7th) and Chemical Engineering (8th). Heriot-Watt is ranked Top 10 in UK for Mechanical Engineering by Guardian University Guide 2021.
- Number 2 – Cost Savings
- Students transitioning from high school to tertiary education desiring a UK top ranked undergraduate programme without having to pay a high cost may go for the Foundation programme at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
- Number 3 – Recognised & Accredited
- The curriculum that HWUM adheres to is an international syllabus, created to meet the Scottish Credits and Quality Framework (SCQF) in Levels 6 and 7. It was approved by the Academic Senate of Heriot-Watt University and fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). All the degree programmes are accredited by MQA as well.
- The Engineering degree programmes at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and MQA. The degrees are offered as 3 year BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) or 4 year MEng (Master of Engineering) qualifications. Our MEng qualification is designed to satisfy the academic requirements set by the Engineering Council UK for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
- Chartered Engineers enjoy excellent prospects, enhanced employability and high salaries. If you prefer to graduate with a BEng after 3 years of study your degree will provide partial fulfilment of the necessary academic requirements for Chartered Engineer Status.
- Furthermore, the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
- Number 4 – Go Global
I wanted my daughter to study a nursing diploma after her Pre-U. Luckily, after assessing my daughter, EduSpiral advised me to send her to Heriot-Watt as she had excellent results in her Pre-U & that engineering suited her more.
Mr. Yeo- Go Global is our inter-campus transfer programme, available only for Heriot-Watt students. Go Global enables you to carry your studies abroad if your heart so desires. Choose to study abroad for a semester, a year, or even longer. Whatever works best for you.
- At Heriot-Watt, we already have campuses in Malaysia, the UK, and Dubai. So, you can get all the benefits of studying internationally, while still attending Heriot-Watt University. You’ll be part of our global family which means it is far more seamless and less disruptive for you and your studies.
- You will still be attending Heriot-Watt University, just in a different country. We offer you end to end support, from reminding you about application dates and deadlines, to a visa checking and processing service. We look after you all the way and offer cultural awareness sessions and pre-departure briefings to ensure you know exactly what to expect.
- Unlike most study abroad and exchange options you will be part of a cohort who get to know each other before you leave your home country. And once you reach your destination, you are looked after and will attend a welcome session with the rest of the cohort. We have the same standard of teaching across our campuses and you’ll be continuing your programme so there will be no work to catch up on once you are back. We actively encourage all our students to take part in Go Global, if they can.
- Number 5 – 20% Discount Off UK Fees
- Malaysian students who transfer to the UK campus for the final part of their studies will receive a 20% bursary off the UK campus fees.
- Number 6 – An International University
- A truly international university with five global campuses, partners in 150 countries and 30,000 students studying worldwide.
- Number 7 – Same Syllabus as the UK campus
- All the course content for the Foundation and Degree programmes at the Malaysia campus mirror the syllabus at the top ranked Heriot-Watt University UK campus.
- Number 8 – Scholarships
- At Heriot-Watt we believe that a university education is an investment in your future. That is why we offer a generous package of scholarships to encourage and support well qualified, ambitious students to come and study with us. See the full list of scholarships that you may be eligible to apply for.
Course Content for the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Min En, Actuarial Science, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia programme content is taught over three semesters (each semester is 14 weeks) through lectures, seminars and group work.
You will be supported and mentored throughout your studies to ensure a smooth academic and cultural transition to higher education, and the British university style of teaching and learning.
All the subjects relate directly to the progression degrees offered with strong emphasis on English language skills appropriate to the pathway (spoken, written and academic English). You will develop an awareness of the links between the subjects and the world of work in general.
You will learn to use English effectively to perform a variety of academic tasks, such as delivering oral presentations, managing group discussions, conducting research, and writing essays. You will also be exposed to a range of study skills essential to succeed at university.
What are the Entry requirements for the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia?

Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Minimum 5 credits (C’s), in SPM or O-Levels, including Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Additional Mathematics – or equivalent global qualifications.
- IB MYP: 3 subjects with Grade 6 (English, Maths & Physics/ Chemistry) & 2 subjects with Grade 5 (Add Maths & Physics/Chemistry)
- Conditional offers will be made to students with forecast results. Advance standing may be available for those with appropriate pre-university qualifications. Final results need to be submitted before programme commencement.
Note: Progression to your chosen undergraduate programme may require pre-requisite subjects with specific grades at the SPM/O-Level/Equivalent levels in addition to your Foundation results.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, then evidence of proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5 is required.
- If you do not have IELTS 5.5, we offer a Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSEP) prior to commencing your studies.
What are the Degree Pathways after Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia?

Renee Tan, Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Foundation in Science is a focused programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training designed to provide you with a direct route into a professionally relevant and internationally recognised degree at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
The tailored programme of courses is a direct pathway to your choice of a range of professionally relevant degrees. The focused academic content is taught in a way that introduces you to independent learning. Your development is monitored through regular assessments and feedback.
On achieving the required grades to complete the programme successfully you will progress to your chosen degree, in one of these subjects, starting in September of the following year:
- Actuarial Science BSc (Hons)
- BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science
- BSc (Hons) Computing Science
- Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) / (MEng)
- Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng
- Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Psychology BSc (Hons)
- Psychology with Management BSc (Hons)
What are the Subjects for the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Essential Mathematics for Science
- Fundamentals of Physics
- Principles of Chemistry OR Object Oriented Programming OR Discovering Psychology
- Academic Skills
- Mathematics for Science
- Further Mechanics
- Chemistry in Materials OR Data Structures and Software Design OR Psychology and the Human Mind
- Foundation English
- Advanced Mathematics for Science
- Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics
- Organics and Chemical Energetics OR Web Development and Databases OR Research in Action
- Foundation English for Science and Engineering
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation Learning Experience

Chee Yuan, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Courses in HWUM’s Foundation Programme are taught through lectures, seminars and group work over three semesters, each lasting 14 weeks. All courses taught are designed to relate directly to the progression degrees offered on their choice of programme.
After successfully completing the course, students will graduate with a Scottish Certificate of Higher Education in Foundation Studies, an internationally recognised qualification awarded by Heriot-Watt University UK.
From there on, the sky’s the limit. The option to pursue an academic career in any of Heriot-Watt University’s undergraduate degree programmes locally at HWUM, in the Dubai campus, at the headquarters in Scotland, UK or even another institution of higher education – the choice is endless.
With the right mindset, academic skills and knowledge, taking the next step towards a degree would not require a leap of faith.
Flexible options

Flexible restart (for July intake students only)
Students who commence in our July intake have the flexibility to ‘restart’ their foundation studies in our September intake at no cost. This allows students, whose final year of secondary school studies have been disrupted, the confidence to start on their tertiary studies, worry free. This flexibility also allows for students to change their mind on their programme of study.
Flexible entry
We understand that due to the unfortunate disruptions, you may not immediately have your results to enter a pre-university programme. In light of these circumstances, we are pleased to inform you that we will be accepting the following entry requirements for a conditional offer letter pending your actual results*:
Your forecast results issued by your school
If forecast results are not available, as a result of the pandemic, please speak to us.
* Your actual results will need to meet our minimum entry requirements to convert your conditional offer letter to an unconditional one.
Flexible fee payment
We understand that a foundation programme can incur a large commitment from parents. In response to this, the University have created a flexible fee plan.
To give you peace of mind, we are also offering a 70% refund of tuition fees should students change their mind and decide to withdraw by 30 August 2021, and do not wish to restart their studies in September intake.
For more information see our flexible foundation programme brochure.
Fit for Future

Adapting to the current environment which prohibits large gatherings, our Fit-For-Future programme utilises our digital foundation platform.
Students are encouraged to engage in a positive transformation by focusing on developing their emotional intelligence, creativity, understanding their own personalities, their strengths and weaknesses, and developing a long-term vision and mission.
This is done by setting realistic SMART goals through engaging and interesting activities.
Using a proven emotional intelligence framework, and engaging activities focusing on expressing positive emotions such as empathy and gratitude, students are taught self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management.
Mentoring
Our academic staff are not only teaching professionals but are also key to the student support system. From day one you will be introduced to a member of the teaching team
who will be your mentor and will be able to provide general guidance and support.
University-style teaching

The Malaysia Foundation Programme uses an innovative challenge-based learning approach to provide students with an enhanced and engaging experience.
This approach ensures that our students are supported with the following ie :
- Holistic and authentic learning experience in their academic journey framed around a global narrative
- A linked learning pathway with challenges and learning activities that reflect the subject content for each week’s topic(s)
- Social learning experience using our Virtual Learning Environment which encourages learners to build their knowledge together through sharing ideas, answers and reflections
- Ease of transitioning to new study environment with the Fir-For-Future orientation programme that prepares students for success at the start of their academic journey with fun and impactful activities that help boost self-awareness and confidence, raise emotional well-being and form new friendships.
- Successful completion of the Foundation programme enables entry to the first year of your
undergraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia or the equivalent level offered in the UK and Dubai campuses.