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. Students can choose to go either in science, engineering, business or social sciences pathway.

• 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

• TOEFL iBT

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

• PTE (Academic)

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

• SPM

  • Standard entry: CEFR Level B2

• GCSE O-Level: Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (First Language): Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (Second Language): Grade B / 6

• 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.

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