Nottingham's Foundation Programme | University of Nottingham Malaysia

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Join Our Flexible Pre-University Programme!

Are you a high-school leaver looking for a pre-university course? Take your first step into university life with Nottingham’s Foundation Programme (NFP). This 1-year foundation is a flexible, well-supported pre-u programme that leads to over 70 internationally recognised pathways.

Learn from passionate academics teaching core modules like English for Academic Purposes and Mathematics, so you can build a strong academic foundation. Plus, experience a vibrant campus life and grow into the best version of you in a supportive, diverse university environment.

Apply now with your SPM, GCSE, IGCSE or equivalent qualifications today!

Why Choose Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Fast-Track Your Success

Complete your pre-university programme in just one year.

Flexible Pathways

Explore a variety of subjects through our optional modules and find the right degree path for you.

Scholarships Available*

Academically gifted students can enjoy up to 25% off* their tuition fees based on their results.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Vibrant Campus Life

Build your independence in a safe and vibrant university residential setting.

Learn From The Best

Our modules are taught by accomplished and passionate academics, with 85% having PhDs.

Flexible Pathways to your Undergraduate Future

Science Pathway

Ideal for students who want to pursue their undergrad in Health Science, Computer Science, Mathematical Science, Pharmacy and more!

Engineering Pathway

Perfect for students who plan to pursue a degree in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronic or Electrical Engineering.

Arts and Social Sciences Pathway

Ideal for students who want to pursue a degree in Business, Economics, Education, Humanities and International Relations.

Foundation Programme Entry Requirement and Fees

	Malaysian students	International Students
Fees	RM35,000	RM38,000

Level	Requirements
SPM/GCSE/IGCSE	A minimum of 5 Cs is required, excluding Moral Studies and Religious Studies. Relevant subjects will be considered.
Specific Requirements for Progression to Certain UG Programmes
Master of Pharmacy (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)	5 Bs in relevant subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and either Mathematics or Additional Mathematics.
Engineering Programmes	Must include Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, and Physics.
Mathematical Sciences and Computer Sciences Programmes	Must include Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.
Science Programmes	Must include Mathematics and two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
Nottingham University Business School Programmes	Must include Mathematics. Those with a Grade B or above may be exempted from Fundamental Mathematics, while those with a Grade C are required to take and pass Fundamental Mathematics to progress.
Economics Programmes	A grade A- in Mathematics is required. Those with a grade B or C must achieve at least 45% in Fundamental Mathematics in the Nottingham Foundation Programme.

In addition to these, applicants must meet MQA prerequisites at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or equivalent levels.

Level	Requirements
		Required to pass the In-sessional English module
IELTS (Academic)	6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)	5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in each element)
TOEFL (iBT)	80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)	72 (minimum 16 in Writing, 15 in Listening, 14 in Reading and 19 in Speaking)
PTE (Academic)	65 (with no less than 59 in each element)	59 (with no less than 53 in each element)
SPM	CEFR level B2	CEFR Level B1 and SPM English Grade B
GCSE O-Level	grade C / 4	Not applicable
IGCSE (first language)	grade C / 4	Not applicable
IGCSE (second language)	grade B / 6	grade B / 5
IB MYP	4	Not applicable
MUET	Band 4	Not applicable
UEC	grade B3	Not applicable

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE (Academic) results must be less than two years old.
MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.
Other acceptable English language qualifications may be considered if they meet both the University of Nottingham (UoN) and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) requirements.
Applicants with IELTS 5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in each element) or equivalent qualifications may be accepted but are required to complete an In-Sessional English module in addition to English 1 and English 2.

What You Will Study

Students are required to complete at least 150 Nottingham credits (equivalent to 50 MQA credits) during the programme, including 80–90 credits of core modules and 60–70 credits of optional modules, depending on the undergraduate pathway they wish to pursue.

Modules

Core Modules (20 credits each)

English 1: Writing for Academic Purposes
English 2: Oral Communication for Academic Purposes
Critical Thinking and Study Skills
Sustainability: Global and Local Perspectives

Mathematics Modules (10 credits each)

Mathematics: For Science and Engineering undergraduate pathway

Fundamental Mathematics*: For Social Sciences undergraduate pathway

*Required for students who do not meet SPM grade B for NUBS and grade A- for Economics. Optional for others.

Optional Modules (10 credits each)

Science Pathway

This pathway is ideal for students aiming to study undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, or Computer Science.

School	Required Optional Modules	Recommended Optional Modules
Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacy	Biology 1 Biology 2 Chemistry 1 Chemistry 2 Chemistry 3 (for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Health Science courses only)
Biosciences	Biology 1 Biology 2 Either Chemistry (Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2) or Physics (Physics 1 and Physics 2)
Environmental and Geographical Sciences	Two Full Science Subjects: Biology (Biology 1 and 2), Chemistry (Chemistry 1 and 2), or Physics (Physics 1 and 2)
Psychology		Psychology
Computer Science	Advanced Mathematics	Information Technology Programming
Mathematical Sciences	Advanced Mathematics

Engineering Pathway

This pathway supports progression to undergraduate degrees in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences.

School	Required Optional Modules
Chemical and Environmental	Advanced Mathematics Chemistry 1 and 2 or Physics 1 and 2
Civil	Advanced Mathematics Physics 1 Physics 2
Electrical and Electronic	Advanced Mathematics Physics 1 Physics 2
Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing	Advanced Mathematics Physics 1 Physics 2

Arts and Social Sciences Pathway

Designed for students interested in Business, Economics, Humanities, Applied Psychology, Education, and International Relations.

School	Recommended Optional Modules
Business	Fundamentals of Business Fundamentals of Economics Principles of Accounting Psychology Social Science 1 and 2 Humanities 1 and 2
Economics
Institute of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing
Education
Humanities
Politics and International Relations

In-Sessional English for Foundation Students

For applicants that do not meet the minimum English language requirement, you may still be eligible to join the Nottingham's Foundation Programme. Applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in each component) or equivalent qualifications will need to take an additional In-Sessional English module alongside the core English 1 and English 2 modules. This ensures applicants build the language skills needed to excel in their studies.

Find out more

Get in Touch to Start Your Pre-University at UNM

FAQs

What is the duration of Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Nottingham's Foundation Programme will take 1 year (2 semesters) to complete with intakes in April and September each year.

What are the entry requirements for Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

You will require a minimum of 5 Credits in SPM, O-Level or equivalent, however entry into our Pharmacy programme requires 5Bs. The minimum English requirement is IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 or equivalent. Please refer here for more information.

What are the tuition fees for Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Malaysian students will pay RM35,000 and international students will pay RM38,000. Please check our tuition fees for the latest figures.

What is the coursework-to-exam ratio in Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Nottingham's Foundation Programme offers students a range of modules with differing ratios of coursework-to-exam from 40% coursework-based to 100% coursework-based.

Does UNM offer any scholarships for Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Yes, students may be eligible for the High Achiever's Scholarship which offers tuition fee reductions based on your SPM, O-Level or equivalent results. Eligible students can receive a 25%, 20%, or 15% reduction on the total tuition fees.

Does UNM offer this programme on a part-time basis?

No, Nottingham's Foundation Programme is only offered on a full-time basis.

Can I apply to another university after completing Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Yes, you can transfer to another university if your application is accepted by the university you’re applying to. Please check with the university in advance before applying for Nottingham's Foundation Programme.

As an international student, can I apply for Nottingham's Foundation Programme?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. You can reach out to our counsellors here for more information.

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