By Chew Wai Seong
Foundation programs have always been an available option for students who have completed their SPM examinations. However, since foundation programs have the shortest period of completion time (which will be completed in 1 year), many people don’t fully understand what these programs are about and how it is beneficial to them.
In this article, we will cover what a foundation program is and the misconceptions people have towards them.
What is a foundation program?
A Foundation Program is a university preparatory program that assists students in adjusting to their new environment and gaining extra academic skills. This will assure that an applicant satisfies all of the university’s standards for enrollment.
Studying a foundation course will assist you in achieving the necessary qualifications and abilities you will need to pursue a university degree.
A foundation year often includes a three-semester curriculum that consists of academic modules as well as particular courses pertaining to your chosen field.
If you don’t have the necessary requirements to proceed directly to an undergraduate degree program, a foundation year can help you bridge the gap.
It gives you a comprehensive introduction to the areas of your choosing while also assisting you in developing important academic, study, and English language skills.
Who should enroll in a foundation program?
A foundation course will be suitable for you as:
- A foundation year might be seen as a stepping stone into the world of higher education, especially if you lack the necessary requirements to enrol in a degree program right away. A foundation year can include a wide range of courses, from social studies and corporate management to biological science and sports therapy.
- If you’re not sure if you want to go to university, a foundation year is also a good option. Before enrolling in a full-fledged degree program, you can gain a better grasp of your subject of interest. You will become used to the higher education setting and develop the abilities required for higher-level studies in addition to topic knowledge. If you finish the foundation year successfully, you can go on to the next level right away.
Misconceptions of Foundation Programs
Foundation Programs are one of the options open to SPM school leavers. However, some people have misconceptions about foundation programs
Foundation programs are too general
At first appearance, this would appear to be true as our UOW Malaysia KDU Foundation programs allow you to pursue a diverse range of bachelor programs upon completion of your foundation studies e.g. computing, games, communication, business, hospitality, and law.
But what you may not know is that our Foundation programs are tailored to your specific stream. You will be given the modules which are related to what you would like to pursue in your bachelor’s degree program.
For example, if you have decided to pursue Communications, your core subjects may be the same, but your electives would differ from those who are pursuing business, hospitality, games, computing, and law.
Foundation programs are an extension of high school
Well, this is another misconception because our UOW Malaysia KDU Foundation program teaches at a higher level than a high school.
A UOW Malaysia KDU foundation program teaches both the curriculum and mentors the essential human values a student needs to thrive in life beyond university. We teach our students empathy and kindness.
Unlike a high school where grades are prioritized, we teach our students that empathy and kindness are equally important. We believe that students should be all-rounders; book smart, street smart, and with a heart.
Our Foundation programs have a strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) embedded through the curriculum, where students are exposed to charity organisations and environmental organisations.
Every year, we partner with an organisation for our CSR program. Some of our previous projects were with Kloth Cares, IQ70 and Pusat Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Taman Megah.
We teach our students to conduct exhibitions, car boot sales, and raise funds for charity. These are just some of the activities that are usually not taught in classrooms.
Foundation programs are boring
Well, maybe it is true in other universities but not here. Our UOW Malaysia KDU foundation programs are amongst the most enjoyable and educational programs according to our graduates.
During 1 year with us, students are exposed to all sorts of new teaching styles. For example, our lecturers teach design skills by making you land an egg safely from the 2nd floor on campus, we teach you problem-solving skills through escape rooms and we teach you social science experiments by making you conduct your own social experiments. Now, does that sound like your high school? Or better?
