The Complete Guide to Studying Foundation in Computing in Malaysia

Learn what tech degrees you can pursue with a Foundation in Computing. Explore course fees, programme syllabus and study pathway with this course guide.

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Interested in working in the computing and tech sector? Wondering what’s the best pathway for your post-SPM journey? If you’re thinking of pursuing a degree in computing, make sure to get started the right way with a Foundation in Computing.

Now, you’re probably wondering what is a Foundation in Computing and how is it different from other pre-university programmes like A Levels, Australian Matriculation and STPM?

Well, in this guide, you will not only learn what the programme is about, but also its entry requirements, future educational pathways and how it’s a great alternative to other pre-university options.

So if computing has always been your passion, make sure to check out this guide on Foundation in Computing.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Computing & Technology)

✓Direct pathway into dual-award degrees at APU

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#1. What is Foundation in Computing?

cg-foundation-in-cs-whatFoundation in Computing is a pre-university programme that specifically focuses on subjects related to the computing field. The programme’s curriculum aims to prepare you for entry into a computing-related degree (e.g. computer science, information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity) by providing you with introductory knowledge of the field.

Under the Foundation in Computing programme, you will be taught a number of fundamental subjects related to computing including programming, statistics, web and app development, computer networks and algorithms.

Similar to most foundation programmes, you can pursue a Foundation in Computing directly after SPM which will typically take 12 months to complete. Upon successful completion, you will be able to easily pursue a computing-related degree.

#2. Entry Requirements for Foundation in Computing

a) Subjects required

To study Foundation in Computing, you must have studied some of these subjects at SPM or equivalent:

  • Mathematics
  • At least 2 Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or an Engineering subject)
  • Additional Mathematics (required by some universities)

b) Requirements for Foundation in Computing

These are the general entry requirements for a Foundation in Computing:

  • SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 5Cs including Mathematics and 2 Science subjects
Take Note: Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

#3. Studying a Foundation in Computing Course

a) What subjects will you study in Foundation in Computing?

Foundation in Computing is an introductory programme that is meant to help prepare you for an undergraduate degree in computing. It does so by introducing you to beginner level computing subjects such as:

  • Mathematics and statistics for computing
  • Introduction to programming
  • Introduction to computer networks and architecture
  • Introduction to algorithms
  • Web and app development

In addition, you will also cover other general topics such as English and Communication Skills that will help you during your university degree.

b) How will you be assessed in a Foundation in Computing programme?

Most universities will grade you based on a combination of coursework and final exams. As part of your programme, you will spend a significant amount of time attending lectures, working on assignments and participating in projects.

c) How long is a Foundation in Computing course?

A Foundation in Computing programme is typically about 12 months long.

d) How much does it cost to study Foundation in Computing in Malaysia?

A Foundation in Computing programme costs around RM6,500 to RM30,000.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Computing & Technology)

✓Direct pathway into dual-award degrees at APU

More Info

#4. Your Education Pathway To Become a Computing Professional With a Foundation in Computing

The Foundation in Computing is a great option for those seeking a career in the computing field. Here’s how your education pathway will look like.

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Step 1: First, complete a Foundation in Computing after SPM. This will typically take 1 year.

Step 2: Afterwards, you can immediately enrol into a computing-related undergraduate degree such as Degree in Computer Science, Degree in Software Engineering and Degree in Information Technology. This will typically take you 3 years of study.

Step 3: Unlike professional roles like doctors, lawyers and engineers, the tech and computing field does not require any additional certification from professional bodies for you to secure a job. As long as you graduate from an MQA accredited programme, you will have no trouble finding a role in the field.

In summary, with a Foundation in Computing, it will take you approximately 4 years from SPM to complete a degree in computing and become a professional in the computing field.

#5. What Degrees Can You Pursue With a Foundation in Computing?

A Foundation in Computing will allow you pursue any one of the major disciplines of computing which are computer science, information technology, software engineering and information systems. In most universities, you’ll be able to choose electives to major in a specific subfield such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and internet of things (IoT).

If you decide that computing is not for you, a Foundation in Computing can still lead you to degrees such as actuarial science, accounting, business, culinary arts, education, hospitality and tourism, mass communication and psychology.

#6. Should You Study Foundation in Computing?

cg-foundation-in-cs-is-it-right-for-youa) Is Foundation in Computing right for you?

If you’re wondering whether you should study Foundation in Computing, here are some questions to think about:

  • Do you have a keen interest in the world of tech and computing?
  • Do you like to experiment with coding and programming languages?
  • Do you have good grades in maths?
  • Are you sure about your decision to pursue a computing-related degree?
  • Do you intend to pursue your degree studies in Malaysia and not overseas?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then a Foundation in Computing is right for you.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Computing & Technology)

✓Direct pathway into dual-award degrees at APU

More Info

#7. Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation in Computing

a) Can I switch to another university for my degree after completing a Foundation in Computing?

Yes, you can switch to another university for your degree after completing a Foundation in Computing, but it will depend on a number of factors.

Unlike A Levels which is internationally standardised and is the same all around the world, universities design their own curriculum for their foundation programmes. This means that the Foundation in Computing at one university will be different from the Foundation in Computing at another university. Therefore, the university that you’re applying to for your degree may need to conduct an assessment to ensure that you meet its standards and requirements.

In general, it’s best to ensure that you select a university that offers both the foundation and your degree of interest. However, the option to change universities for your degree is available as long as the foundation programme is accredited by MQA.

PRO TIP

Some universities have links with various partner universities (locally and abroad) for their foundation programmes, which gives you more options and allows for easy switching.

b) Can I switch to a non-computing degree?

This depends on the university and the degree that you want to pursue.

Usually, students with a computing background can easily switch to non-computing degrees such as business, mass communication, psychology or hospitality and tourism. However, if you want to switch to science degrees like medicine, pharmacy or biomedical science, you might have to start from the beginning again.

c) What’s the difference between Foundation in Computing and other foundation programmes?

Foundation in Computing is similar to other foundation programmes in terms of its role as a preparatory programme to help you prepare for an undergraduate degree.

However, Foundation in Computing specifically focuses on the computing field. As such, the subjects and modules will be heavily related to the computing field — think computing mathematics, algorithms, programming and computer networks.

On the other hand, general foundation programmes such as Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts will have a more general focus. For instance, a Foundation in Science may cover a wide range of science subjects such as biology, physics and chemistry while a Foundation in Arts will consist of various business and humanities modules.

d) What’s the difference between Foundation in Computing and pre-university programmes like A Levels?

The subjects in a Foundation in Computing programme will have been preselected, with a strong emphasis on computing-related topics. There are electives you can choose but the majority of your modules will have already been decided for you as the university has determined that these are the subjects that will best prepare you for a computing degree.

In contrast, pre-university programmes, such as A Levels and SACEi or AUSMAT, are more flexible as you are allowed to choose your own subjects. Should you choose to go into computing, you will be advised to choose a combination of subjects that can best prepare you for a computing degree. However, you are still free to choose the subjects that you are interested in, bearing in mind that some subjects may be required for certain degrees.

#8. Best Universities for Foundation in Computing in Malaysia

If Foundation in Computing is for you, then check out some of the best universities for Foundation in Computing in Malaysia. Alternatively, compare more universities for Foundation in Computing here.

Not sure which college to choose? Check out our Foundation in Computing comparison page to compare across all colleges. 

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