Nottingham Foundation Programme

The University of Nottingham Malaysia's Foundation Programme is a flexible pre-university course designed to provide a smooth academic transition into undergraduate studies. Open to both Malaysian and international students, it offers tailored pathways and modules that build a strong foundation in critical thinking, academic literacy, and communication skills—preparing students for success in their chosen degree programmes.

Minimum Academic Entry Requirements

• SPM / GCSE / IGCSE: Minimum of 5 Cs required (excluding Moral Studies and Religious Studies).

• Relevant subjects will be considered based on programme requirements.

Programme-Specific Requirements

• Master of Pharmacy (Hons) / Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)

  • Minimum 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 & Computer Sciences

  • Must include Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.

• Science Programmes

  • Must include Mathematics and two science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics).

• Nottingham University Business School

  • 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.

• Applicants must also meet MQA prerequisites at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or equivalent levels.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic)

  • Standard entry: Overall 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component

  • With In-sessional English module: Overall 5.5, with no less than 5.0 in each component

• TOEFL iBT

  • Standard entry: Minimum score of 80 (Writing: 17, Listening: 17, Reading: 18, Speaking: 20)

  • With In-sessional English module: Minimum score of 72 (Writing: 16, Listening: 15, Reading: 14, Speaking: 19)

• PTE (Academic)

  • Standard entry: Overall 65, with no less than 59 in each component

  • With In-sessional English module: Overall 59, with no less than 53 in each component

• SPM

  • Standard entry: CEFR Level B2

  • With In-sessional English module: CEFR Level B1 and Grade B in SPM English

• GCSE O-Level: Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (First Language): Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (Second Language)

  • Standard entry: Grade B / 6

  • With In-sessional English module: Grade B / 5

• IB MYP: Minimum grade of 4

• MUET: Band 4

• UEC: Grade B3

Additional Notes

• IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE results must be less than two years old.

• MUET results are valid for five years from the date of release.

• Other English language qualifications may be considered if they meet both University of Nottingham and MOHE requirements.

• Applicants with IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) may be accepted with the condition that they complete the In-sessional English module along with English 1 and English 2.

Foundation Programme Modules

Semester 1

Core Modules

• English 1: Writing for Academic Purposes

• Critical Thinking and Study Skills

Mathematics Modules

• Mathematics (For Science and Engineering undergraduate pathways)

• Fundamental Mathematics (For Social Sciences undergraduate pathways)

  • Required for students who do not meet SPM Mathematics requirement:

    • Grade B for Nottingham University Business School

    • Grade A- for School of Economics

  • Optional for all other students

Optional Modules

• Biology 1

• Chemistry 1

• Physics 1

• Information Technology

• Psychology

• Fundamentals of Business

• Humanities 1

• Social Science 1

Semester 2

Core Modules

• English 2: Oral Communication for Academic Purposes

• Sustainability: Global and Local Perspectives

Optional Modules

• Advanced Mathematics

• Biology 2

• Chemistry 2

• Chemistry 3

• Physics 2

• Programming

• Fundamentals of Economics

• Principles of Accounting

• Social Science 2

• Humanities 2