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U-Start Programme

U-Start Programme is a special credit-transfer programme between Asia Pacific University (APU) and Dongseo University (DSU) which allows the students of DSU to study their 1st year in APU through credit-transfer courses in APU Foundation Programme in Malaysia before going to Korea to complete the rest of 3 years at DSU. Students need to be registered at DSU. All fees are payable to DSU in Korea for Year 1.

 
Year 1 in Malaysia
3 Years in Korea
Credit-transfer courses in APU Foundation Programme
DSU Bachelor’s Degree Programmes
  • Business
  • Computer Science, Game Development
  • Digital Design, Animation, Film & Visual Effects
  • Global Business Administration
  • Korean Language and Business*
  • Game Development
  • Computer Science
  • Film and Visual Effects
  • Animation
  • Digital Design



* TOPIK 3 Required
 
Intakes:
March / September
 
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
  • 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.
 
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
MALAYSIAN & INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Min. IELTS 5.5.
* Credit in Mathematics is required for Computing & Technology route
 

 

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE U-START PROGRAMME
Global Learning &
Cultural Adaptability		 Immerse yourself in multicultural experiences at APU during your Foundation programme, fostering a global perspective and cultural adaptability for a connected world.
 
Seamless Credit Transfer
to DSU		 Experience a hassle-free transition from APU to DSU through the U-Start Programme. Your APU credits seamlessly transfer to DSU, ensuring a smooth academic progression to Year 2 of Bachelors Degree in DSU Korea.
 
Preparation for Korea The U-Start Programme serves as a strategic preparation for your transition to DSU in Korea. Your initial year at APU prepares you academically, exposes you to diverse student dynamics, and instills confidence in navigating an international educational environment, ensuring a smoother integration into DSU.
 
 
CREDIT-TRANSFER COURSES IN APU FOUNDATION PROGRAMME


A Pathway to DSU Year 2 in Korea


Duration: 1 Years (3 Semesters) 
BUSINESS
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
SEMESTER 3
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Communication Skills
  • Personal Development & Study Methods
  • Essentials of Web Applications
  • Mathematics
  • Introduction to Business
  • Fundamentals of Finance
  • Global Business Trends
  • Public Speaking in English
  • 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
COMPUTER SCIENCE & GAME DEVELOPMENT
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
SEMESTER 3
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Communication Skills
  • Personal Development & Study Methods
  • Essentials of Web Applications
  • Mathematics
  • Introduction to Business
  • Introduction to Computer Architecture & Networking
  • Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming
  • Public Speaking in English
  • 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
DIGITAL DESIGN, ANIMATION, FILM AND VISUAL EFFECTS
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
SEMESTER 3
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Communication Skills
  • Personal Development & Study Methods
  • Essentials of Web Applications
  • Mathematics
  • Fundamentals of Drawing
  • Life Drawing
  • Design Studies
  • Public Speaking in English
  • Major Project 1
  • Academic Research Skills
  • History of Design and Media
  • Introduction to Digital Photography
  • Major Project 2
  • Co-Curricular Studies

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES - MORE THAN JUST A FOUNDATION

The credit-transfer courses in 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 credit-transfer courses in 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.

ABOUT DSU


DSU is one of the leading universities in Busan, South Korea. The Dongseo Educational Foundation has given rise to three different institutions of higher education: Kyungnam College of Information and Technology (1965), Dongseo University (1992), and Busan Digital University (2002). Together these three institutions – KIT, DSU and BDU– educate around 20,000 students annually and employ over 1,000 professors.

DSU AT A GLANCE
 
 
CURRICULUM

GLOBAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

In our Global Business Administration Department, we are committed to molding the leaders of tomorrow, equipped with the skills to navigate global complexities. Our students embark on a journey to master diverse management expertise, vital for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Human Resources Management
  • Financial Management
  • Management Information System
  • Operation and Production Management
  • Organizational Behavior
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Marketing Communication
  • New Product Development
  • Database System
  • Investment Analysis
  • International Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Management Strategy
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Information Visualization for Business
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Marketing Research
  • Venture Business
  • New Technology and Business
  • Brand Marketing
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Digital Operation Management and ERP

KOREAN LANGUAGE AND BUSINESS*

We’re all about creative learning that combines these dynamic fields. Gain fluency in Korean and skills for global business. We offer engaging programmes to help you achieve this.

1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Business Korean 2
  • Introduction to Economics
  • Reading Korean Culture
  • Korean Idiomatic Expression
  • Business Administration
  • Business Presentation
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Accounting Principles
  • Global Business
  • Korean Society through Media
  • Korean History and Cultural Heritage
  • Marketing
  • Appreciation of Representative Korean Literature
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Service Marketing
  • Analysis of Business Cases
 
* TOPIK 3 Required

GAME DEVELOPMENT

Gaming today goes beyond just entertainment-it’s about merging with diverse industries, developing smart software, and harnessing the power of networks and XR core tech. Leading this transformation is DSU’s Game Development Major. Join us to become a trailblazer in the smart era, shaping the future. 
1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Game Algorithm
  • Game Design
  • Linear Algebra
  • Database System
  • Computer Architecture
  • Game Tool Programming
  • 2D Game Programming
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Computer Network
  • Artificial Intelligence Programming
  • Computer Graphics Programming
  • Programming Method
  • Operating System
  • 3D Game Programming
  • Game Server Programming
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Bachelor Thesis 1
  • Research Methods
  • Using Engine Game
  • Game Project
  • Bachelor Thesis 2
  • Portfolio
  • Sound Workshop

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer science is a cornerstone of progress across industries in the fastpaced digital era. Our mission is to nurture the trailblazers of tomorrow’s technology landscape. With a fusion of imaginative thinking and handson prowess, our graduates are primed to lead the charge in shaping the dynamic knowledge information industry of the 21st century.

1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • Data Structure and Algorithm
  • Digital Logic Circuit Practice
  • Web Programming
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Databases
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Architecture
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Mobile Programming
  • Computer Network Programming
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced Web Programming
  • Server Programming
  • Operating System
  • Software Design
  • Advanced Databases
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Introduction to Cloud Computing
  • Cloud Computing Application
  • Advanced Server Programming
  • Advanced Artificial Intelligence
  • Capstone Design

FILM AND VISUAL EFFECTS

Immerse yourself in the realm of Film and Visual Effects (VFX), where imagination and technology blend seamlessly. We offer comprehensive training to nurture your artistic talents and technical expertise. Become a director, producer, or skilled professional in the vibrant world of filmmaking. With cuttingedge facilities and a hands-on approach, you’ll gain real industry experience.

1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Directing
  • Introduction to Cinematography and Lighting
  • Matte Painting
  • Advanced Cinematography and Lighting
  • Introduction to Production Methodology
  • Screenwriting: The Short Film
  • Fundamentals of Editing
  • VFX 1
  • Fundamental of Compositing
  • 3D Modeling
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Sound Design for Film
  • Advanced Production Techniques
  • Cinematography for VFX
  • VFX 2
  • Compositing: Digital Lighting
  • Film Criticism
  • Advanced Screenwriting
  • Advanced Compositing
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Filmmaking Workshop 1
  • Advanced Editing
  • VR Production
  • Filmmaking Workshop 2
  • Sound Production

ANIMATION

In today’s era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the realm of 3D graphics is taking center stage across all media platforms. In the Animation Department, you’ll not only delve into your passions but also unearth new interests and technology in the animation area. Come and take those first exhilarating steps with us! Your creative odyssey awaits.​
1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Life Drawing
  • Environment Modeling & Texture Creation 1
  • Matte Painting
  • Basic Animation Sound
  • Introduction to Cinematography and Lighting
  • Digital Film Making
  • Character Design
  • Compositing 1
  • Basic 3D Game Modeling
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Creature Modeling & Texture Creation 1
  • Character Animation Studio 1
  • Basic Rigging
  • Visual Effects 1
  • Advanced Digital Painting
  • Creature Modeling & Texture Creation 2
  • Character Animation Studio 2
  • Visual Effects 2
  • Environment Modeling & Texture Creation 2
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Bachelor Thesis 1
  • Research Methods
  • Lighting & Rendering Creation
  • Compositing 2
  • Advanced Rigging
  • Portfolio
  • Sound Workshop

DIGITAL DESIGN

From visual communication to animation, digital marketing to web design, fashion design, and even virtual reality. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses and organizations. Our Digital Design programme equips students with the skills to attract and retain customers, effectively communicate with the audience, and establish a consistent brand identity across digital platforms.

1st Year (APU)
U-START @ APU Malaysia (DSU Year 1)
 
2nd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Typographic Design
  • Motion Graphics Design
  • Digital Marketing Fundamentals
  • Information Visualization for Business Intelligence
  • Advanced Motion Graphics Design
  • 3D Modeling and Animation
  • Web Design and Development
 
3rd Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Practice in Design and Market Research
  • Digital Publishing
  • Advanced 3D Modeling and Animation
  • Visual Effects
  • Physical Computing Design
  • Production Innovation and Service Design
  • Interface Design
  • User Experience Design
  • Metaverse: Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • Sound Studio
 
4th Year (DSU)
Fall
Spring
  • Bachelor Thesis 1
  • Music and Creativity
  • Research Methods
  • Visual Effects
  • Design Entrepreneurship
  • Virtual Reality Showcase
  • Bachelor Thesis 2
  • Portfolio

 

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

 

Please feel free to write to ustart@apu.edu.my for any enquiries.

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.