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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

The Foundation in Business and Management comprises academic skills and modules focusing on social sciences. It introduces key concepts and enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Our module extends beyond theory to practical applications in a global context, preparing you to excel in today's interconnected business world. Whether your interests lie in business, economics, finance, or marketing, our foundation serves as a gateway to various degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Why choose this course?

  • Students will attend lectures, seminars, and workshops following a typical undergraduate timetable.
  • This foundation programme offers students a strong academic foundation necessary for success in higher education. It covers various modules to help students make well-informed decisions when selecting their undergraduate degree.
  • The three-semester programme is for those with a minimum of 11 years of formal education, while the two-semester programme is for those with at least 12 years of formal education.

Modules

Typical core modules

  • Provide students with a basic understanding of computer technologies.
  • Provide students with a basic understanding of computers and components.
  • Provide students with the opportunity to develop critical understanding of organisations by considering the basic principles of operations management.
  • Introduce students to digital revolutions and its impact on business strategy, operations and management.

Learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate basic understanding of computer technologies and principles of operations management.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, describe and organise ideas related to computing technologies and operations decisions.
  • Demonstrate cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including the ability to identify assumptions, to detect false logic or reasoning, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately.
  • Show the ability of self-aware, teamwork, independent learning and leadership skills.
  • To give students a wider perspective on some of the key social and economic issues facing the world today, such as poverty, inequality, economic growth, inflation etc.
  • To understand the inter-relatedness of many social and economic issues, problems and institutions.

Learning outcomes:

  • Ability to critically analyse social and economic situations and problems for the relevant factors and main inherent issues.
  • Application of relevant concepts, theories and techniques in analysing social and economic issues and in evaluating arguments and evidence.
  • Interpret economic information presented in verbal, numerical or graphical form.
  • Provide a basic understanding of the nature of social science.
  • Introduce the field of sociology and its key themes as they relate to the study of management and business and social sciences.
  • Facilitate the development of awareness of the language and methodology associated with the study of social science.

Learning outcome

  • Know and understand the underlying concepts and principles of social science as they relate to the study of business management as well as modern society.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Typical core modules

  • Introduce the fundamental components of critical thinking and study skills within the context of academic disciplines that are appropriate for business and economics students.
  • Develop skills in analysing and solving problems in the context of business by focussing on the abilities to problem solve and to present, evaluate and support an academic argument or viewpoint.
  • Develop skills that will enable participants to develop confidence in their own reasoning, tolerance of ambiguity, flexibility and fairness in considering viewpoints
  • Develop the skills required to undertake written examinations and coursework in the foundation and undergraduate programmes taught in the Business School, the School of Economics and the Institute of Work, Health and Organisations.

Learning outcomes:

  • Develop knowledge and understanding of critical thinking skills required to enable students to produce high quality work in their undergraduate courses.
  • Develop and apply the cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including the ability to identify assumptions, to detect false logic or reasoning, to define terms and to generalise appropriately.
  • Demonstrate skills in essay and report writing and oral presentation.
  • To introduce basic economic principles and introductory algebra.

Learning outcomes:

  • Develop an awareness of the language and methodology of economics.
  • Explain and analyse economic issues using relevant economic concepts, theories and information.
  • Operate with numbers and algebra.
  • Form and use mathematical expressions and equations for business and management applications.
  • To develop awareness of the language and methodology associated with the study of business and management in order to familiarise students with the intellectual demands of university level education.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop understanding of business organisations by considering the basic principles of business & management and the range and nature of activities associated with management of organisations in a dynamic external environment.

Learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of business and management, and appropriate strategies to meet stakeholders’ needs in a changing environment.
  • Demonstrate the cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including the ability to identify assumptions, to detect false logic or reasoning, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately.
  • Demonstrate the ability to organise ideas gained from theoretical understanding of business management principles and apply them to business situations.
  • Demonstrate qualitative skills of business problem analysis, research and solution, including the ability to work with case studies.
  • Show the ability of self-awareness, teamwork, independent learning and leadership skills.

Typical optional module (choose any one)

  • Provide an introduction to the basic legal concepts and rules and the machinery in their introduction, application and enforcement as a foundation for further study in the subject.
  • Encourage the critical assessment of the value of legal rules, processes and institutions.

Learning outcome:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic legal concepts and rules and the machinery in their introduction, application and enforcement in the context of business. 
  • To develop awareness of the language and basic understanding of the nature of social sustainability.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop critical understanding of social sustainability by considering the basic principles of sustainable communities, social change, social innovation, design thinking, and social enterprises.

Learning outcomes:

  • To know and understand the underlying concepts and principles of social sustainability as they relate to modern society and governance.
  • The ability to organise ideas gained from theoretical understanding of social sustainability principles and apply them in social, management,and social enterprise situations.
  • Demonstrate qualitative skills of business problem analysis, research and solution.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, teamwork and leadership skills.

This module aims to introduce key areas and concepts of linguistics and literature and develop students’ ability to analyse real-world texts using the concepts learnt. 

Learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate understanding of basic linguistic and literary terminologies and concepts.
  • Apply literary and linguistic approaches to the analysis of different texts.
  • Explain abstract ideas in a clear unambiguous manner in written communication.

This module covers basic principles in spoken communication as it applies in British higher education. It develops skills in academic communication, individual and group presentations and seminar discussions and increase students’ confidence and speaking skills necessary to work in groups. It also aims to provide interactive activities to encourage students to use academic language accurately and appropriately, facilitating the transition into higher education and introducing them to British cultural and academic norms and expectations.

Learning outcomes:

  • Identify and apply effective communicative strategies.
  • Demonstrate the ability to present ideas effectively using the common discourse and organisational features of seminar discussions and presentations.
  • Deliver effective presentations using appropriate vocal, verbal and non-verbal delivery techniques

This module aims at improving students' abilities to use grammatically correct English. It will also enable students to discover the important aspects of grammar and apply them in academic writing and academic speech. 

Learning outcomes:

  • To develop an understanding of academic grammar and discourse structures for application in other areas of study.
  • To develop the ability to identify and use key academic grammar, vocabulary and discourse features in writing/speaking activities.
  • To develop an awareness for and the ability to use long and sophisticated structures in academic discourse.
  • To develop the ability to speak and write in more coherent, accurate English.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Typical core modules

To introduce basic calculus, probability and statistics. 

Learning outcomes:

  • Apply limits, derivatives, and integration to solve problems.
  • Present data in appropriate tabular and graphical forms.
  • Apply sets and probability to solve problems.
  • Identify different types of probability distributions and apply them to solve problems.

To introduce accounting processes, concepts, reports and decision-making.

Learning outcomes:

  • Explain key accounting terms, concepts and principles.
  • Record and present financial information in appropriate formats.
  • Interpret financial reports.
  • Apply accounting techniques in managerial decision-making
  • Provide an understanding of the principles of microeconomics as they apply in a business context.
  • Develop awareness of the language and methodology of economics

Learning outcomes:

  • Ability to critically analyse economic situations and problems for the relevant factors and main inherent issues.
  • Application of relevant concepts, theories and techniques in analysing economic issues and problems and in evaluating arguments and evidence.
  • Interpret economic information presented in verbal, numerical or graphical form.
  • Communicate ideas, principles and theories in a clear/concise manner through written or oral means, including using additional aids such as statistics and diagrams where appropriate.

Typical optional module (choose any one)

  • Introduce students to major issues in contemporary and international history from the perspective of economics.
  • Encourage students to explore the themes of international economic development and its effect on the contemporary world.
  • Provide students with an opportunity to study the challenges facing less developed economies and the developed world.
  • Facilitate the development of awareness of the language and methodology associated with the study of economic development.

Learning outcomes:

  • Apply economic reasoning to different topics.
  • Work with abstract concepts and in a content of generality.
  • Justify conclusions using economic arguments with appropriate rigour.

This module introduces students to the discipline of Applied Social Psychology by emphasizing research-based psychological principles that influence the dynamics of individual, group and organisational experiences.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding: The underlying concepts and principles of applied psychology and appropriate strategies to meet diverse needs in a changing environment. Intellectual skills.
  • The cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis: Competency in all aspects of English Language to a level required for the study of an undergraduate programme. Study skills including critical thinking, argument, essay and report writing and oral presentation.
  • Professional/Practical skills: The use of relevant theory and information for application in every day and organisational environments. Self-awareness, teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Introduce basic concepts of, politics and communication, and how they interrelate.
  • Examine the relationship between society and contemporary media.
  • Through an understanding of media representations of society, gain an insight into aspects of society such as institutions, political ideologies and identities.
  • Develop students’ analytic, critical and interpretative skills.

Learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding: knowledge and understanding of some of the basic concepts of, and the relationship between, media and society and thereby gain an insight into aspects of society such as institutions, political ideologies and identities. 
  • Intellectual Skills: analytic, critical and interpretative skills as well as an ability to apply skills and techniques to the analysis of a variety of media texts from varying societies.
  • Professional Practice Skills: IT skills to access media texts and to complete assignments.
  • Transferable Skills: reading, listening, writing, speaking, collaborative learning and critical thinking.

This module aims at improving students' abilities to use grammatically correct English. It will also enable students to discover the important aspects of grammar and apply them in academic writing and academic speech. 

Learning outcomes:

  • To develop an understanding of academic grammar and discourse structures for application in other areas of study.
  • To develop the ability to identify and use key academic grammar, vocabulary and discourse features in writing/speaking activities.
  • To develop an awareness for and the ability to use long and sophisticated structures in academic discourse.
  • To develop the ability to speak and write in more coherent, accurate English.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

3 Semester Entry

SPM/GCSE/IGCSE

5 Bs including Mathematics, excluding moral studies and religious studies. Consideration to be made based on relevant subjects.
IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) 5, 5, 5, 5, 5 including Mathematics, excluding Personal Project. Consideration to be made based on relevant subjects.
2 Semester Entry  
A Level CCC, excluding critical thinking and general studies
AS Level BBB, excluding critical thinking and general studies
STPM C+C+C+, excluding Pengajian Am.
UEC 4 B3s and 1 B4, including Mathematics, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese language.
IB Diploma 24 points with 4,4,4 at Higher Level, including Mathematics.
SAM or other Australian Matriculations ATAR 74 (consideration to be made based on relevant subjects)
Canadian Ontario Grade 12 Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

70% average based on 6 subjects with at least 60% in Mathematics of Data Management.

Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University’s requirements.

High School Diploma (US style curriculum) Minimum final GPA 3.0 (out of 4) with Grade B in Mathematics or Pre-calculus in grade 11 or grade 12.

 

In addition to the entry requirements listed above, those who have taken SPM/ GCSE/ IGCSE/ High School Diploma or equivalent must have grade B in Mathematics.

Applicants who have successfully completed 12 years of education (definitions will vary according to school system) and meet the entry requirements for the programme, may be eligible to apply for the two semester programme. Acceptance is at the discretion of the University.

We strongly encourage all interested students to apply. Our students come to us with a diverse range of qualifications and we are also reviewing and accepting grades based on the minimum acceptable (and those who are holding grades with near misses). The only way for us to fully determine eligibility is through the submission of a completed application.

Entry requirements in the prospectus and website may not always apply and individual offers may vary.

IELTS (Academic): 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)
TOEFL (iBT): 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)
PTE (Academic): 65 (with no less than 59 in each element)
SPM: CEFR level B2
GCSE O-Level: grade C / 4
IGCSE (first language): grade C / 4
IGCSE (second language): grade B / 6
IB MYP: 4
MUET: Band 4
UEC: grade B3

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Practical classes

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Examinations
  • Presentation

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM8,900 per semester
International studentsRM10,900 per semester

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Foundation in Business and Management provides students with strong fundamentals in essential business skills, which can help prepare them for a wide range of career opportunities.

Graduates can expect to work in a variety of industries, including finance, marketing, accounting, human resources, and business management. This is also a good stepping stone for budding entrepreneurs.

Some of the career opportunities available to Foundation in Business and Management graduates include:

  • Business analyst/consultant
  • Marketing executive
  • Sales representative
  • Human resources coordinator
  • Operations manager
  • Financial analyst
  • Project manager

FAQs

Foundation in Business and Management is a one-year programme that prepares students for entry into undergraduate degrees in business and management. It provides students with a strong background in business, economics and other related skills.

The programme provides students with a strong foundation in essential business skills and knowledge, which can help them succeed in their future studies and careers. The following are some of the reasons why you should enrol in this course:

  • It gives you a head start on learning business-related topics and provides an understanding of what you’ll be learning during your undergraduate degree.
  • It creates an easy transition into your degree programme (especially if you opt to take it with the same university, in this instance, at the Nottingham University Business School).
  • You can apply for scholarships and financial assistance to complete your foundation programme.

This is a suitable programme for you if:

  • You want to get a head start in learning subjects related to business management.
  • You want to advance your career with a business-related degree.
  • You have a natural business and leadership mindset.

Yes, graduates from this programme can continue their studies and enrol for an undergraduate degree in business and management or related fields. Nottingham University Business School offers courses such as Business Economics and Finance BSc (Hons), Finance, Management and Business Analytics Bsc (Hons), International Business Management BSc (Hons), and Marketing and Management Bsc (Hons).  

At UNM, the programme is available in two or three-semester durations.

The UNM uses a combination of coursework, group work, exams, and presentations to assess students' understanding of the curriculum.

Yes, international students can enrol for this programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. 

While this may not be a necessity, it is definitely advisable to pursue your degree at the same university where you study your foundation course. Foundation programmes are usually administered by individual institutions. Therefore, it is entirely up to the "receiving" university’s decision whether to accept your qualification or not.

This content was last updated on 18 March 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.