Foundation Programme

(R3/0011/3/0089)(11/29)(A10955)

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MODULES YOU STUDY

The modules studied help develop your study skills, introduce you to what you can expect on your degree and also allow you to discover what you can study depending on whether you choose a degree in Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Psychology, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Animation and Visual Effects.

FLEXIBILITY OF CHOICE

Our 12-month Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students from SPM, IGCSE, 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.

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES - MORE THAN JUST A FOUNDATION

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 consists 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.

Our Foundation Programme is designed to help students with SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels or similar qualifications to develop the skills and knowledge to progress into the degree of their choice.

ROUTES:

BUSINESS, FINANCE & PSYCHOLOGY
COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing your study in this programme, you will be able to:

Enter Level 1 of degree study.
Make an informed choice about what degree you want to study.
Demonstrate an awareness of the concepts which underpin the study of Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Digital Marketing, Animation and Visual Effects, Media and Communications, International Studies or Psychology.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a given audience.
Work effectively in a team.
Demonstrate English and other study skills appropriate to undergraduate learning.
Apply skills in numeracy, technology and communications.
Explain the essential elements of technology.
Use appropriate application software and the Internet.

Duration

1 year (3 Semesters)

Course Fees

Malaysian Fees:

RM 26, 300.00

International Fees:
RM 27, 200.00

Total: Malaysian - RM 26,300 | International - RM 27,200

Intake

• 12 Aug 2024
• 19 Sep 2024
• 19 Nov 2024

Award

APU Foundation

Entry Requirements

Areas of Study	Requirements
Business, Management, Marketing, Digital Marketing & Tourism Media and International Relations Industrial Design, Animation & Visual Effects	• 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History); • 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels; • 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC; • A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Psychology	• 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including Mathematics and Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology and a pass in English with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History); • 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects including Mathematics, Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology and a pass in English at IGCSE/O-Levels; • 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics, Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology; • A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Computing, Technology & Games Development Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial	• 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including Mathematics with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History); • 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels including Mathematics; • 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics; • A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

Malaysian Students who do not possess a Pass in English at SPM/IGCSE/UEC; will be required to sit for the APU English Placement Test, and based on the outcome of the test may be required to attend the APU Intensive English Programme (IEP) prior to commencement of the Foundation/Diploma/Certificate programme.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

International Students

Programmes	General Requirements
Foundation Programme	• IELTS : 4.0 • TOEFL IBT : 30-31 • Pearson (PTE) : 36 • MUET : Band 3

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Programme Outline

COMMON MODULES SEMESTER 1 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology, Computing & Technology and Design

English for Academic Purpose
Communication Skills
Personal Development & Study Methods

Essentials of Web Applications
Mathematics

SPECIALISED MODULES SEMESTER 2 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology

Introduction to Business
Fundamental of Finance

Global Business Trends
Public Speaking in English

Computing & Technology

Introduction to Business
Introduction to Computer Architecture & Networking

Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming
Public Speaking in English

Architecture & Design

Fundamentals of Drawing
Life Drawing
Design Studies

Public Speaking in English
Major Project 1

SPECIALISED MODULES SEMESTER 3 (12 weeks)

Business, Finance & Psychology

Academic Research Skills
Economics for Business

Perspectives in Technology / Further Mathematics**
Co-Curricular

Choose one of the following modules:

Principles of Accounts
Discovering Media in the Digital Age

Psychology & Behavioral Science

Computing & Technology

Academic Research Skills
Further Mathematics
Introduction to Multimedia Applications

Co-Curricular

Choose one of the following modules:

Perspectives in Technology
Discovering Media in the Digital Age

Psychology & Behavioral Science

Architecture & Design

Academic Research Skills
Introduction to Digital Photography
Major Project 2
Co-Curricular Studies

Choose one of the following modules:

History of Design and Media
Introduction to Architecture and Built Environment

** Further Mathematics module is Compulsory for students who choose to progress to Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies.

Foundation Programme Study Pathway

Upon completion of your Foundation, you may then proceed to Level 1 of a Degree of your choice in the following pathways

BUSINESS, FINANCE & PSYCHOLOGY PATHWAY
	PRIMARY PATHWAYS		- Business & Management - Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies - Media, Communications & Psychology
	ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS Students may alternatively choose the following:		- Computing & Technology - Multimedia & Games Development - Industrial Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Digital Advertising - International Relations - Architecture

SPECIALISED MODULES FOR BUSINESS, FINANCE & PSYCHOLOGY ROUTE

Fundamentals of Finance

Fundamentals of Finance introduces the fundamentals of banking and finance. The module covers the structure of the financial system, functions of banks, financial products, and services, as well as concepts of financial technology. At the same time, students are also exposed to financial statement analysis.

Introduction to Business

This course provides students with an insight as to how a business is managed. This course will give students the basics for understanding how different departments work independently, yet are reliant on each other for a company to prosper. The course is divided into several major themes such as organization and how should a company be legally organized, ethics & social responsibility, marketing, accounting, operations, finances,management & leadership and negotiating. In this course, students will develop their conceptual and practical knowledge of managing a small business, and the resources needed to sustain and grow that business.

Global Business Trends

This module exposes students to gain a broader understanding of global patterns and trends in identifying business opportunities. Students will be able to understand how changes in society, demography, technology and other global trends impact the business sector.

Principles of Accounts

Principles of Account is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting. Students will be able to explain the functions of financial accounting; describe the regulatory framework governing financial accounting and the principles of double entry bookkeeping, prepare basic financial statements of sole traders and illustrate accounting adjustments.

Economics for Business

This module provides the basis for a broad understanding of economics and to gain information about the changing economic activities and policies at the national and international levels. Students will learn how to use evidence in making rational arguments in economic context.

Further Mathematics

This module covers Matrices, Polynomials, Arithmetic and Geometric Progression, Trigonometry, and basic calculus. The acquired mathematical skills are essential for relevant undergraduate study.

Discovering Media in the Digital Age

This module outlines communication methods, technologies, trends and approaches in the digital age. It includes the basic understanding of the various types and roles of traditional and new media industries. It will also cover the related institutions of journalism, advertising and public relations and their respective structure, support and influence in the digital media.

Psychology & Behavioral Science

This module provides an understanding of the principles of behavioral sciences and how they apply to psychology. It will explore how environmental factors and individual experiences affect and shape human behaviors.

COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY PATHWAY
	PRIMARY PATHWAYS		- Computing & Technology - Multimedia & Games Development
	ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS Students may also choose the following:		- Business & Management - Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies - Industrial Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Digital Advertising - International Relations - Media, Communications & Psychology - Architecture

SPECIALISED MODULES FOR COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY ROUTE

Introduction to Computer Architecture and Networking

In this module, students will be introduced to computer components and the architecture, together with fundamental concepts of networking. At the later part of this module, students will also explore various wired and wireless networking technologies and their examples of usage. Students will learn how to design and manage their own home networks, with some security measures and best practices within the implementation.

Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming

Computational thinking is a skill to solve a problem logically by applying visual and interactive programming elements, including decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm. Students will learn the essential skills required in designing and implementing software solutions regardless of platform, language, or application domain.

Introduction to Multimedia Applications

This module provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to create and document an interactive multimedia application. Students will develop skills and knowledge to design, develop and implement a viable multimedia solution based on the requirements set by the target audience.

Perspectives in Technology

The module introduces the basic concepts of technology and its implications to human and environment. It focuses on ethical issues that enables the learners to make a wise choice about integration of technology. Numerous current issues and trends are incorporated in this module which will enable the learners to explore new perspectives of technology.

Further Mathematics

This module covers Matrices, Polynomials, Arithmetic and Geometric Progression, Trigonometry, and basic calculus. The acquired mathematical skills are essential for relevant undergraduate study.

Discovering Media in the Digital Age

This module outlines communication methods, technologies, trends and approaches in the digital age. It includes the basic understanding of the various types and roles of traditional and new media industries. It will also cover the related institutions of journalism, advertising and public relations and their respective structure, support and influence in the digital media.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN PATHWAY
	PRIMARY PATHWAYS		- Industrial Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Digital Advertising - Architecture
	ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS Students may also choose the following:		- Computing & Technology - Multimedia & Games Development - Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies - Business & Management - International Relations - Media, Communications & Psychology

SPECIALISED MODULES FOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN ROUTE

Fundamentals of Drawing

This module contains a variety of practical exercises made to help understand the thought processes involved in learning how to draw. It provides opportunities to practice the traditional approaches to pencil and paper drawing. It also introduces the foundational principles of drawing that are key for any designers.

Life Drawing

You will be introduced to life drawing or figurative drawing involves drawing the human form in any of its various shapes and postures using a variety of media. The module will cover a series of techniques that will provide more confidence in drawing in various to future skill settings such as character designs for animation, concept art and/or games.

History of Design and Media

The module traces a chronology of major historical developments in visual communications, focusing on movements and trends in design and media representation, both functional and aesthetic. Students will explore ways of understanding and articulating influences, trends and fashions in the work of designers and producers of visual media.

Design Studies

Design studies address the different ways in which design has been characterized and practiced. It also covers the contexts and systems on how designs operate and the responsibilities that come with the power of designing. Students will learn the elements and principles of design that can be applied across the art and design spectrum.

Introduction to Digital Photography

This module will introduce the world of photography through the history and the technological shift from analogue to digital cameras. It will cover practical hands-on sessions and requirements to follow a set of instructions to produce own images. Students will also explore famous photographers and their works.

Introduction to Architecture and Built Environment Module

The module will introduce you to the architecture field, covering topics such as philosophy and history of architecture, the elements and principles of architectural design, works by master architects, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (A.I) in architecture, Malaysian architectural landscape, and the path to becoming an architect. Through lectures, quizzes, tutorials, and case study,

you will gain insights into the intricate relationship between architecture and society, and how evolving technology like BIM and AI impacts the potential future directions of the field.interpretation of outdoor photography and studio photography.

Major Projects

This Final Project module comes in two parts across two semesters. Major Project 1 predominantly covers on research and preproduction/ preparatory work. Major Project 2 requires further research and experimentation as independent work and negotiation with assigned supervisors. A consolidated application of knowledge and skills gained from other modules and experiences is required in producing a significant body of work that translates into the Final Project.

Business, Management, Marketing & Tourism and Media, International Relations & Psychology Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in E-Business
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Digital Leadership
BA (Hons) Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism Management
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism Management with a specialism in Hospitality

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics and Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology and a Pass in English at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programme:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology

Computing, Technology & Games Development Programmes

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programmes:

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Information System Security
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Cloud Engineering
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Internet of Things (IoT)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Digital Transformation
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Financial Technology (FinTech)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Business Information Systems
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Sustainable Computing
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science*
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science with a specialism in Data Analytics*
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science with a specialism in Digital Forensics*
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security)*
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering*
Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence)*
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Multimedia Technology**
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Multimedia Technology with a specialism in VR/AR**
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development**

* Students who choose to progress to Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligent Systems programmes will be required to undertake Foundation Pathways from the Computing & Technology route or Engineering route if the student does not have a credit in Additional Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE or equivalent.

* Students who have completed Foundation from other routes apart from the above are required to do a Pre-Requisite module in Further Mathematics or equivalent in the first semester of the Degree Programme, provided they also still have Credit in Maths and Science or ICT subject at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or equivalent.

** A Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for these programmes. (Strong Mathematics would be an added advantage).

Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial Programmes

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programmes:

Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours)
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Forensic Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Forex and Investments
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Accounting Technology
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons)
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Investment Analytics
Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Financial Technology
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Data Analytics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Financial Technology