Foundation in Business

The course

Programme code
KPT/JPS (R/010/3/0240) (MQA/FA4351) 03/24
Delivery type
Full-time
Duration
3 semesters
Intake date
January, April, July, September
Location
Malaysia

The Malaysia Foundation Programme uses an innovative challenge-based learning approach to provide students with an enhanced and engaging experience.

Contact

Got questions about this programme?

Contact our enquiries team.

Overview

The Foundation in Business 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:

  • BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science (Actuarial Science route requirements apply)
  • BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Computing Science route requirements apply)
  • BBA (Hons) Business Administration
  • MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance
  • MA (Hons) Business and Finance
  • MA (Hons) International Business Management
  • MA (Hons) International Business Management with Marketing
  • MA (Hons) International Business Management with Human Resource Management
  • MA (Hons) International Business Management with Enterprise
  • MA (Hons) International Business Management with Year Abroad
  • BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
  • BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management.
  • BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science (Statistical Data Science route requirements apply)

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.

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.

Course content

The programme content is taught over three semesters (14 weeks) through lectures, seminars and group work. All the courses taught are designed to directly relate to the progression degrees offered on your choice of programme; the Foundation in Science, the Foundation in Business or its Actuarial Science/ Statistical Data Science route.

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.

Courses you will study

Foundation in Business (Actuarial Science/Computing Science/Statistical Data Science route)

  • Object Oriented Programming or Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Academic Skills
  • Principles of Economics
  • Data Structures and Software Design or Financial Accounting
  • Mathematics for Science
  • Foundation English
  • Microeconomics and Policy
  • Web Development and Databases or Management Accounting
  • Advanced Mathematics for Science
  • Foundation English for Business
  • Macroeconomics and Global Economics Issues

Foundation in Business

  • Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Principles of Economics
  • Contemporary Business
  • Academics Skills
  • Financial Accounting
  • Microeconomics and Policy
  • Foundations of Management
  • Foundation English
  • Management Accounting
  • Macroeconomics and Global Economic Issues
  • Business and the World
  • Foundation English for Business

Foundation in Business (with Psychology route)

  • Discovering Psychology
  • Principles of Economics
  • Contemporary Business
  • Academic Skills
  • Psychology and the Human Mind
  • Microeconomics and Policy
  • Foundations of Management
  • Foundation English
  • Research in Action
  • Macroeconomics and Global Economic Issues
  • Business and the World
  • Foundation English for Business

Entry requirements

  • Minimum 5 credits (C’s), in SPM or O-Levels, including English and Mathematics or other relevant subjects - or equivalent global qualifications.
  • Actuarial Science route requires minimum 5 credits (C’s), in SPM or O-Levels, including English, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics - or other equivalent global qualifications.
  • IB MYP: 3 subjects with Grade 6 (English and Maths) and 2 subjects with Grade 5 (For Actuarial Science route, requires a Grade 5 for a subject equivalent to Add Maths)
  • 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 6.0 is required.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSEP) prior to commencing your studies.

Fees

View our tuition fees for this course.

Scholarships and bursaries

See our range of scholarships.