Foundation Programmes

What are you looking for?

A Gateway to World-Class Undergraduate Degrees in Just One Year!

The Nottingham Foundation Programme (NFP) is a pre-university programme designed to prepare students for undergraduate study at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. The programme features tailored pathways and flexible module options to ensure a seamless transition to your chosen degree.

Programme Fee

Malaysian fee: RM35,000
International fee: RM38,000

Nottingham Foundation Programme

Level	Requirements
SPM/GCSE/IGCSE	A minimum of 5 Cs is required, excluding Moral Studies and Religious Studies. Relevant subjects will be considered.
Specific Requirements for Progression to Certain UG Programmes
Master of Pharmacy (Honours) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)	5 Bs in relevant subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and either Mathematics or Additional Mathematics.
Engineering Programmes	Must include Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, and Physics.
Mathematical Sciences and Computer Sciences Programmes	Must include Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.
Science Programmes	Must include Mathematics and two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).
Nottingham University Business School Programmes	A grade B in Mathematics is required, or students must pass Fundamental Mathematics in the Nottingham Foundation Programme.
Economics Programmes	A grade A- in Mathematics is required, or students must achieve at least 45% in Fundamental Mathematics in the Nottingham Foundation Programme.

In addition to these, applicants must meet MQA prerequisites at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or equivalent levels.

Level	Requirements
IELTS (Academic)	5.5 (with no less than 5.0 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) results must be less than two years old.
MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.
Other acceptable English language qualifications may be considered if they meet both the University of Nottingham (UoN) and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) requirements.
Applicants with IELTS 5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in each element) or equivalent qualifications may be accepted but are required to complete an In-Sessional English module in addition to English 1 and English 2.

Why Choose the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

Fast-Track Your Success

Complete your pre-university programme in just one year.

Guaranteed Pathways

Progress seamlessly to top-ranked undergraduate programmes across science, engineering, computing, business and more.

Scholarships Available*

Receive up to 25% off your tuition fees.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Personalised Learning

Benefit from core and optional modules designed for your future degree.

Extra Academic Support

Strengthen your English and Mathematics skills for a strong academic foundation.

Pathways to Your Undergraduate Future

Science Pathway

Perfect for careers in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences.

Engineering Pathway

Step into Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

Arts and Social Sciences Pathway

Ideal for Business, Economics, Humanities, Education, and International Relations.

What You Will Study

Students are required to complete at least 150 Nottingham credits (equivalent to 50 MQA credits) during the programme, including 80–90 credits of core modules and 60–70 credits of optional modules, depending on the undergraduate pathway they wish to pursue.

Modules

Core Modules (20 credits each)

English 1: Writing for Academic Purposes
English 2: Oral Communication for Academic Purposes
Critical Thinking and Study Skills
Sustainability: Global and Local Perspectives

Mathematics Modules (10 credits each)

Mathematics: For Science and Engineering undergraduate pathway
Fundamental Mathematics*: For Social Sciences undergraduate pathway

Optional Modules (10 credits each)

Science Pathway

This pathway is ideal for students aiming to study undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, or Computer Science.

School	Required Optional Modules	Recommended Optional Modules
Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacy	Biology 1, Biology 2, Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2
Environmental and Geographical Sciences	Two Science Subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
Psychology		Psychology
Computer Science	Advanced Mathematics	Information Technology, Programming
Mathematical Sciences	Advanced Mathematics

Engineering Pathway

This pathway supports progression to undergraduate degrees in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematical Sciences.

School	Required Optional Modules
Chemical and Environmental	Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry 1 and 2 or Physics 1 and 2
Civil	Advanced Mathematics, Physics 1, Physics 2
Electrical and Electronic	Advanced Mathematics, Physics 1, Physics 2
Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing	Advanced Mathematics, Physics 1, Physics 2

Arts and Social Sciences Pathway

Designed for students interested in Business, Economics, Humanities, Applied Psychology, Education, and International Relations.

School	Required Optional Modules
Business	Fundamentals of Business, Fundamentals of Economics, Principles of Accounting
Economics	Fundamentals of Business, Fundamentals of Economics, Principles of Accounting
Institute of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing	Psychology, Social Science 1 and 2
Education	Humanities 1 and 2
Humanities	Humanities 1 and 2
Politics and International Relations	Humanities 1 and 2

In-Sessional English for Foundation Students

For applicants that do not meet the minimum English language requirement, you may still be eligible to join the Nottingham Foundation Programme. Applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5 (with no less than 5.0 in each component) or equivalent qualifications will need to take an additional In-Sessional English module alongside the core English 1 and English 2 modules. This ensures applicants build the language skills needed to excel in their studies.

Why Wait? Start Your Journey Today!

Prepare for an exciting academic future with the Nottingham Foundation Programme. With personalised learning, financial support, and a pathway to world-class universities, your future is within reach.

Get in touch Learn more

FAQs

What is the duration of the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

The Nottingham Foundation Programme will take 1 year (2 semesters) to complete with intakes in April and September each year.

What are the entry requirements for the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

You will require a minimum of 5 Credits in SPM, O-Level or equivalent, however entry into our Pharmacy programme requires 5Bs. The minimum English requirement is IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 or equivalent. Please refer here for more information.

What are the tuition fees for the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

Malaysian students will pay RM35,000 and international students will pay RM38,000. Please check our tuition fees for the latest figures.

What is the coursework-to-exam ratio in the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

The Nottingham Foundation Programme offers students a range of modules with differing ratios of coursework-to-exam from 40% coursework-based to 100% coursework-based. Please refer to the individual modules for more information.

Does UNM offer any scholarships for the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

Yes, students may be eligible for the High Achiever's Scholarship which offers tuition fee reductions based on your SPM, O-Level or equivalent results. Eligible students can receive a 25%, 20%, or 15% reduction on the total tuition fees.

Does UNM offer this programme on a part-time basis?

No, the Nottingham Foundation Programme is only offered on a full-time basis.

Can I apply to another university after completing the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

Yes, you can transfer to another university if your application is accepted by the university you’re applying to. Please check with the university in advance before applying for the Nottingham Foundation Programme.

As an international student, can I apply for the Nottingham Foundation Programme?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. You can reach out to our counsellors here for more information.