University of Nottingham Malaysia

Foundation in Business and Management

     
  

Fact file

Fees: Malaysian – RM8,500 per semester, Non-Malaysian – RM9,900 per semester
Mode: 2 or 3 semesters full-time
Intake: 3 semester programme: April and June / 2 and 3 semester programme: September
Campus: Malaysia

Course overview

The Foundation in Business and Management is run by the Centre for English Language & Foundation Education (CELFE), and aimed at International and Malaysian students who would like a solid preparation for Undergraduate study.

The course is a combination of academic skills and content specific modules, providing an introductory grounding in social sciences as well as challenging work on critical thinking, academic literacy and communication skills. The emphasis on English for Academic Purposes will enable you to express complex ideas in a concise and appropriate way.

How you are taught

Lectures are typically two-hour sessions. During these sessions, you will become familiar with the subject’s main theoretical concepts and ideas. Academic tutorials are held so you can participate in class discussions, improveyour presentation skills and apply theoretical concepts to practical issues. In addition, lab work, tutorials and assignments will be key parts of your learning experience and assessment. All core modules are compulsory. You can also select optional modules relating to your preferred undergraduate course. 

Course structure

Each semester consists of 10-12 weeks of teaching and an additional one to three weeks of assessment. Your foundation route depends on your skills and the amount of formal education you have undertaken. The three-semester programme is ideal if you have completed a minimum of 11 years of formal education, whereas the two-semester programme is suitable if you have completed at least 12 years of formal education but need to enhance your skills in order to undertake an undergraduate degree. If you study for the three-semester programme you will take all modules, and if you take the two-semester programme you will take all modules offered in the second and third semesters.

Progressing to degree level

On successful completion of the Foundation programme, you can choose from the following undergraduate courses depending on your academic performance and interest.

Primary courses for progression:

  • Applied Psychology and Management Studies (BSc)
  • Business Economics and Finance (BSc)
  • Business Economics and Management (BSc)
  • Economics (BSc)
  • Economics and International Economics (BSc)
  • Finance, Accounting and Management (BSc)
  • International Business Management (BSc)
  • Management (BSc)

Alternative pathways for progression:

  • International Communication Studies (BA)
  • International Communication Studies with English Language and Literature (BA)
  • International Communication Studies with Film and Television Studies (BA)
  • International Relations (BA)
  • International Relations with French/Spanish (BA)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements
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.
Canadian Ontario Grade 11 Secondary School

70% average with 75% in relevant academic subjects.

Canadian Grade 11 from other provinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University's requirements.

2 Semester Entry  
A Level CCC, excluding critical thinking and general studies
AS Level BBB, excluding critical thinking and general studies
STPM BBB, 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 privinces are acceptable and to be assessed based on the University's requirements.

High School Diploma (US style curriculum) Minimum 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 also consider applicants' personal statement, references and interview performance (if you have one) when making a decision. 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.

English language requirements
IELTS (Academic):  6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)
TOEFL (iBT):  79 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking)
PTE (Academic): 65 (with no less than 59 in each element)
SPM:  Grade B+
1119 (GCE-O): Grade C
GCSE O Level:  Grade C
IGCSE (first language): Grade C
IGCSE (second language): Grade B
UEC:  grade B3
MUET: Band 4
IB MYP: 4

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.

Foundation

 

Modules

First Semester

Typical core modules 

Computer Basics & Operations Decisions
  • 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. 
Contemporary Global Issues
  • 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: 

  • A1 - Ability to critically analyse social and economic situations and problems for the relevant factors and main inherent issues.
  • A2 - Application of relevant concepts, theories and techniques in analysing social and economic issues and in evaluating arguments and evidence.
  • A3 - Interpret economic information presented in verbal, numerical or graphical form. 
Introduction to Social Science  
  • 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. 

Second Semester 

Typical core modules 

Critical Thinking and Study Skills 
  • 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 supportan 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.
Elementary Economics and Mathematical Skills 
  • To introduce basic economic principles and introductory algebra.

Learning outcomes: 

  • A1 - Develop an awareness of the language and methodology of economics.
  • A2 - Explain and analyse economic issues using relevant economic concepts, theories and information.
  • A3 - Operate with numbers and algebra.
  • A4 - Form and use mathematical expressions and equations
    for business and management applications.  
Business and Management in a Global Context
  • 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) 
Introduction to Law 
  • 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. 
Social Sustainability
  • 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.
Foundation in Language and Literature
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. 
Oral Communications for Academic Purposes

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
English for Academic Purposes
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 uderstanding 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. 

Third Semester 

Typical core modules  

Quantitative Methods for Business
To introduce basic calculus, probability and statistics. 

Learning outcomes: 

  • A1 - apply limits, derivatives, and integration to solve problems.
  • A2 - present data in appropriate tabular and graphical forms.
  • A3 - apply sets and probability to solve problems.
  • A4 - identify different types of probability distributions and apply them to solve problems. 
Business Accounting

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

Learning outcomes: 

  • A1 - Explain key accounting terms, concepts and principles.
  • A2 - Record and present financial information in appropriate formats.
  • A3 - Interpret financial reports.
  • A4 - Apply accounting techniques in managerial decision-making
Fundamentals in Economics
  • 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:

  • A1 - Ability to critically analyse economic situations and problems for the relevant factors and main inherent issues.
  • A2 - Application of relevant concepts, theories and techniques in analysing economic issues and problems and in evaluating arguments and evidence.
  • A3 - Interpret economic information presented in verbal, numerical or graphical form.
  • A4 - 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) 

The World Economy
  • 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. 
Principles of Applied Psychology

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 programmes.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 everyday and organisational environments.Self-awareness, teamwork and leadership skills. 
Communications Politics and Media
  • 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, politicalideologies 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 andthereby 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 varietyof 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. 
English for Academic Purposes 
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 uderstanding 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. 

Careers

The Business and Management Foundation Programme is the primary pathway for students wishing to enter Business School. Students may also progress into alternatively pathways offered by the following schools: 

 

Apply for this course

Contact

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Jalan Broga,
43500 Semenyih,
Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia
t:   +6 (03) 8924 8000
f:   +6 (03) 8924 8005
Visit the website
 
 

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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM IN MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.
DULN001(B) (473520-K)

telephone: +6 03 8924 8000
fax: +6 03 8924 8005

course enquiries: +6 03 8924 8686
Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm (Except on public holidays)

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