Foundation in Science

The course

Programme code
KPT/JPS (R/010/3/0223) (MQA/FA3952) 01/24
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 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:

  • BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
  • BSc (Hons) Computing Science
  • BEng (Hons)/MEng Chemical Engineering
  • BEng (Hons)/MEng Civil Engineering
  • BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
  • BEng (Hons)/MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • BEng (Hons)/MEng Mechanical Engineering
  • BEng (Hons)/MEng Petroleum Engineering
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management
  • BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
  • BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science

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 has 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 2022, 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 uses 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 (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.

Courses you will learn

  • 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

Entry requirements

  • 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 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.