Got your heart set on pursuing a Foundation in Arts but unsure what sort of degrees you can pursue after that?

The truth is that Foundation in Arts can be a versatile programme as it provides you with critical thinking, collaborative and communication skills, and the relevant academic knowledge to excel in your degree.

In this article, we lay out the many different degrees you can pursue with a Foundation in Arts and how it can equip you with skills that can benefit you during your degree and beyond.

#1. Business and Accounting

Even with a growing number of business graduates, companies are still struggling to find talents that fit roles such as business development manager, corporate planning manager and marketing manager. It’s often due to the lack of necessary skills and technical knowledge.

But a Foundation in Arts can ensureyou’re strapped with core knowledge and transferable skillsthat will allow you to stand out from the crowd early on. For starters, the programme includes key modules such as business, accounting and mathematics. This means that you’ll have an easier time grasping concepts in your degree since you’ve covered the fundamentals of business.

Not only that, but you’ll also cover other modules such as communication and public speaking skills that will help you communicate effectively (verbal and written) and present eloquently — both of which are essential for any aspiring entrepreneur.

#2. Economics

Economics is about the allocation of scarce resources to satisfy the wants and needs of governments, businesses and people. You’re required to analyse data and predict the economy, thus having extensive knowledge and understanding of the field is crucial.

With Foundation in Arts modules such asprinciples in economics, accounting, quantitative methods and mathematics, the academic knowledge you gain in the programme can prepare you well for an economics degree.

Not to mention that you’ll also be exposed to modules like critical thinking and public speaking which will come in handy when you're evaluating and presenting your arguments.

#3. Media and Communication

Got a knack for mass communication or journalism? Or perhaps you consider yourself an all-around creative person. You’re in luck because there’s a demand for more talent in the advertising, social media and public relations sectors.

Whichever your interest, Foundation in Arts gives you a good chance of succeeding in this creative field. The syllabus covers modules related to mass communication, media and writing that will benefit you greatly during your degree studies.

On top of that, the indirect skills that you gain during assignments and projects as part of your foundation programme will ensure that you'll thrive not only in your degree but career as well.

#4. Applied Psychology

Applied psychology is about using psychological methods and applying the findings of scientific research in psychology to provide practical solutionsrelated to human behaviour and experience. Some of the branches of applied psychology includeclinical psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology and forensic psychology.

What's more, you're not limited to being a psychologist. Careers in human resources, marketing, recruitment, training and market research are open to you too.

The psychology field requires critical thinking, good communication skills and complex problem solving, all of which can be developed through a solid Foundation in Arts programme.Subjects such as English, critical thinking and principles in psychology, as wellas exposure to coursework and presentations, will ease your transition into a psychology degree.

#5. Education

Education is the process of teaching and learning. As an educator, you’re responsible for shaping the minds of future generations. Therefore, being equipped with the right skills early on can benefit you greatly to thrive in the field.

With Foundation in Arts, you are certain to develop your creativity and hone your writing, presentation and communication skills through the various academic modules, coursework essays and oral presentations.You'll also learn to how to think fast on your feet, a useful skill when dealing with enthusiastic and fiery students.

As an education graduate, your career prospects doesn't stop at schools. You can also work in the educational products industry, media and publishing, education consultancy, children activities and recreation, and NGOs that cater to the wellbeing of children.

#6. International Relations

Do you have an interest in political issues and current affairs? Well, you won't go wrong with a Foundation in Arts as it can also take you in the direction of international relations.

International relations is the study of relations between nations and other international bodies. The field looks into various topics such as politics, international law, economics and world history and has grown in importance in the recent years given how the world is becoming increasingly connected.

An international relations degree calls for critical thinking, good written and communication skills, and theability to hold strong and balanced arguments. A Foundation in Arts will stand you in good stead through subjects such as English, critical thinking and communication. Electives such as economics, law and politics may also be offered, giving you exposure before you transition into an international relations degree.

#7. English and Creative Writing

Think that an English degree is all about fixing grammatical errors and reading prose? Think again. This degree involves a lot of reading, analysing and critiquing the words we consume every day, which can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect.

However, a Foundation in Arts can prepare you for the rigorous work of critical thinking, academic literacy and communication skills in your English degree. Subjects such as communication and English are often core modules, allowing you to have a deeper understanding of academic grammar, fiction and creative writing as well as discourse structures. With this, you’re able to adapt better during your degree.

A degree in English will prepare you for a multitude of careers such as copywriting, journalism, public relations, marketing and social media. You could also undertake postgraduate studies or go into teaching or education.

Why Study Foundation in Arts at Nottingham Malaysia

So there you have it — 7 different degree courses you can pursue with a Foundation in Arts, each with its own array of exciting careers.

Planning on pursuing UNM's Foundation in Arts? Sign up here.