University of Nottingham Malaysia
Nottingham Foundation Programme
UNM/JPT-N/0011/3/0189(12/29)MQA/PSA18302
- Full-time: 1 year (2 semesters)
- Part-time: Not available
- Start date: April, September 2025
- Malaysian fee: RM35,000
- International fee: RM38,000
- Intake: April and September
Course overview
The Nottingham Foundation Programme (NFP) is your first step towards an exciting academic journey at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. This flexible, pre-university programme offers tailored pathways and flexible modules to ensure a smooth transition into your chosen undergraduate degree. Open to both Malaysian and international students, the programme not only builds a strong academic foundation but also equips you with critical thinking, academic literacy, and communication skills.
Why choose this course?
- 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, business, arts, and social sciences.
- Scholarships Available: Receive up to 25% off your tuition fees.
- 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.
Modules
Core modules
- English 1 (Writing for Academic Purposes)
- English 2 (Oral Communication for Academic Purposes)
- Critical Thinking and Study Skills
- Sustainability: Global and Local Perspectives
- Mathematics
- Fundamental Mathematics*
*Required for students who did not meet SPM grade B for NUBS and grade A for Economics. Optional for others.
Optional modules
- Biology 1
- Chemistry 1
- Physics 1
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Fundamentals of Business
- Humanities 1
- Social Science 1
Core modules
- English 2 (Oral Communication for Academic Purposes)
- Sustainability: Global and Local Perspectives
Optional modules
- Advanced Mathematics
- Biology 2
- Chemistry 2
- Physics 2
- Programming
- Fundamentals of Economics
- Principles of Accounting
- Social Science 2
- Humanities 2
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
| 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.
| IELTS (Academic): |
6.0 (with no less than 5.5 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.
Learning and assessment
How you will learn
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Seminars
How you will be assessed
- Coursework
- Group coursework
- Examinations
- Presentation
- Poster presentation
- Essay
- Reflective review
Fees
| Malaysian students | RM35,000 |
| International students | RM38,000 |
Where you will learn
Malaysia Campus
Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.
The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.
Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.
Frequently asked questions
The Nottingham Foundation Programme will take 1 year (2 semesters) to complete with intakes in April and September each year.
You will require a minimum of 5 Credits in SPM, O-Level or equivalent (however entry into our Pharmacy programmes requires 5Bs). The minimum English requirement is IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 or equivalent.
Malaysian students will pay RM35,000 and international students will pay RM38,000.
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.
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.
No, the Nottingham Foundation Programme is only offered on a full-time basis.
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.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply. You can reach out to our counsellors here for more information.
This content was last updated on 02 January 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.