Course Details
Why choose APU?
Requirements
Entry Requirements
The Foundation programme gives you an opportunity to sample your future areas of study. This helps you choose which Degree programme to pursue.
- 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.
Note:
Some Degree Programmes may require a Credit in Mathematics at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent.
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).
- IELTS : 4.0
- TOEFL IBT : 30-31
- Pearson (PTE) : 36
- MUET : Band 3
For more information please click HERE
Programme Outline
What We Teach
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:
FLEXIBILITY OF CHOICE
Our 12-month Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students from SPM, IGCSE, O-Level 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.
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 a foundational understanding of the concepts, principles, and terminology underpinning the chosen discipline, such as Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business and Management, AI, Computing and Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Digital Marketing, Animation and Visual Effects, Game Development, Architecture, Media and Communication, International Relations, 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.
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, Game Development, Engineering, Industrial Design, Animation, Visual Effects, Media, Hospitality & Tourism and International Relations.
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.
Learn, Apply, Achieve - Practical Assessments for Meaningful Learning
At APU, learning is designed to be practical, engaging, and relevant. Many Foundation modules are assessed through projects, presentations, case studies, and coursework, allowing you to apply knowledge in real-world situations. This approach builds critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills while preparing you for degree-level studies and future career success. Where appropriate, final examinations are included to ensure a well-rounded academic foundation.
Programme Outline - Your Future. Your Choice.
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ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN ROUTE
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.
Semester 1 (12 weeks)
- English for Academic Purposes
- Personal Development & Study Skills
- Digital Communication & Collaboration
- Mathematics
Note: This is a common Semester 1 across all pathways
Semester 2 (12 weeks)
- Public Speaking & Personal Branding
- Introduction to Digital Photography
- Fundamentals of Drawing
- Design Studies
- Design Project 1 / Architecture and Built Environment
Semester 3 (12 weeks)
- Research & Data Literacy
- AI for Business & Design
- Life Drawing / Architectural Drawing and Communication
- Design Project 2 / Architectural Design Project
- Co-Curricular
Choose one of the following modules:
- History of Design and Media
- Exploring Games & Immersive Technologies
- Cyberpsychology and Digital Society
Upon completion of your Foundation, you may then proceed to Level 1 of a Degree of your choice in the following pathways.
PRIMARY PATHWAYS ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS
Students may alternatively choose the following:- Industrial Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Digital Advertising
- Architecture
- Computing & Technology
- Immersive Technology & VR/AR
- Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies
- Business, Management, Hospitality & Tourism
- International Relations
- Media, Communication & Psychology
- Game Development
SPECIALISED MODULES FOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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.
AI for Business and Design
This module introduces students to the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business and design, highlighting how AI is transforming creativity, decision-making, and innovation across industries. Students explore AI-powered tools for content creation, design, marketing, customer engagement, and business analysis while developing practical skills in using AI responsibly. The module also encourages critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs and an understanding of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI in professional practice.
Design Studies
Design studies address the different ways in which design has been characterized and practiced. It covers the contexts and systems on how designs operate and the responsibilities that come with the power of designing. Discover 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.
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.
Architectural Drawing and Communication
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the basic principles of architectural visual communication through freehand sketching and basic technical drawing. The course develops students' ability to communicate architectural ideas using basic graphic conventions. Students explore architectural sketching techniques and technical drawings through studio exercises and practical assignments that will strengthen both creative expression and technical understanding. The course culminates in the production of a portfolio that documents students' development and showcases their ability to communicate architectural ideas effectively through a combination of observational sketches, technical drawings, and graphic presentation.
Architectural Design Project
The aim of the module is to introduce the student to the complete architectural design process through a project-based learning approach. Students develop a design brief before generating conceptual design responses. These ideas are translated into physical architectural models that demonstrate spatial organisation, form, and scale using appropriate model-making techniques. The course concludes with a formal presentation in which students communicate their design process and final proposal through drawings, models, and oral presentation. Emphasising creativity, critical thinking, craftsmanship, and effective communication, the course provides students with a strong foundation for progression into undergraduate architectural design studios.
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.
COMMON MODULES
English for Academic Purposes
This module develops English language proficiency for academic study through reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students learn to critically analyse academic texts, communicate ideas effectively, and use academic writing conventions, including paraphrasing, summarising, referencing, and academic integrity. The module also develops the ability to evaluate and integrate relevant evidence to construct clear, well-supported academic arguments.
Personal Development and Study Methods
This module develops personal and academic competencies to support success at university and beyond. Students enhance self-awareness, emotional intelligence, leadership, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills while exploring personal well-being, career development, effective study strategies, and goal setting to become confident, adaptable, and lifelong learners.
Mathematics
Mathematics introduces the fundamental knowledge of mathematics and statistics. This module covers numbers, functions, equations and inequalities, indices and logarithms, probability and descriptive statistics. These concepts and techniques are essential for undergraduate study.
Public Speaking & Personal Branding
This module develops effective public speaking and personal branding skills for academic and professional contexts. Students learn to plan and deliver engaging speeches, communicate with confidence, and apply persuasive speaking techniques. The module also introduces strategies for building a positive personal brand, enabling students to present themselves professionally and communicate their strengths effectively.
Digital Communication & Collaboration
This module develops effective digital communication and collaboration skills for academic and professional contexts. Students learn to communicate clearly across digital platforms, collaborate productively in teams, and apply appropriate digital etiquette and professional practices. The module also enhances confidence in presenting ideas, sharing information, and using digital technologies to support collaborative learning and project work.
Research & Data Literacy
This module introduces fundamental research and data literacy skills for academic study. Students learn to locate, evaluate, and synthesise information from credible sources, interpret and present data, and apply basic research methods. The module also develops skills in academic integrity, ethical use of information, referencing, and effective use of digital resources for research.Your Foundation Pathway To A Degree Of Your Choice
(Please refer to individual course brochure for details and admission requirements.)
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:
Computing & Technology
- 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 Sustainable Computing
- 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 (Hons) in Software Engineering*
- 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 Quantum Computing*
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence)*
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security)*
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security) with a specialism in Digital Forensics*
Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial- 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 Financial Technology (Honours)
- 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**
ArchitecturePortfolio or Interview Required
Immersive Technology & Game Development- Bachelor in Interactive Media and Immersive Technology (Honours)
- Bachelor in Interactive Media and Immersive Technology (Honours) with a specialism in VR/AR
- Bachelor in Game Development (Honours)
Portfolio or Interview Required
Note:*Students who choose to progress to Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Artificial Intelligence 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.
**Further Mathematics module is Compulsory for students who choose to progress to Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies.
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:
Psychology- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with a specialism in Cyberpsychology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with a specialism in People and Culture
Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies:
Business, Management, Marketing & Digital Marketing- 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
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in AI & Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Business Economics
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management with a specialism in Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management with a specialism in People Analytics
- Bachelor in Digital Marketing (Honours)
Hospitality & Tourism- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Hospitality Innovation
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Events Management
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Aviation Management
Media and International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations
Media, Arts & Design
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising
Portfolio Required
Foundation
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Facilities at APU
The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.
Ready, Set, Go.
Whether you are locals or traveling here, we have the options for you to pursue your dreams.
RM26,800
Non-Engineering Pathways
RM28,400
(USD7,475)
Non-Engineering Pathways
Programme code : (R3/0011/3/0089)(11/29)(A10955)
All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.
Note : All fees are payable in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Any USD amounts indicated by APU are for reference only and are non-binding. The final amount payable is the RM amount stated in the official invoice, and the University will not entertain any claims arising from foreign exchange fluctuations.
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