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ABOUT

The Foundation in Arts (FIA) programme is a sturdy base for students to build their future pursuits. Students are assured that the modules are benchmarked to the undergraduate level to provide students with the skills that will empower them to navigate the complexities of arts-related field.

Foundation in Arts

Students will not only learn the fundamental principles and skillsets in the arts but they will also be inspired to probe deeply into their creative passions, honing their abilities and discovering new avenues for expression. Our Foundation in Arts programme offers a diverse curriculum that fosters a well-rounded understanding of art disciplines.

This immersive experience not only prepares students for further academic pursuits but also equips them with the creativity and critical thinking skills essential for success in a variety of career paths within the arts and beyond.

Subject to specific entry requirements, students who complete the Foundation in Arts programme will be able to gain entry into IMU or other Malaysian universities as it is an MQA-accredited programme.

The IMU Foundation in Arts programme has 2 intakes across the year so you can choose the time frame that is most suitable for you.

Key Facts

QUALIFICATION
QUALIFICATION

  • Foundation in Arts (IMU)

Commencement

  • September

total duration

  • 1 year (3 semesters)

UP TO 100% SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

Students who have excellent academic achievements in SPM are eligible for IMU’s Foundation in Arts scholarship and bursary. The exact scholarship or bursary offered will vary depending on their results.

Why Study Foundation in Arts at IMU?

High-quality Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards

A comprehensive, globally aligned curriculum using outcome-based teaching and diverse assessments to foster active learning, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding, preparing students for careers in the arts or academic practice.

Direct Pathway into Undergraduate Studies at IMU

A fast track to undergraduate studies, providing a strong academic base and conditional offers for a seamless transition into fields like Business, Digital Health, Psychology, Communication and Nursing.

Early Integration into University Life

Early integration into university life through initiatives like orientation, mentorship, and extracurricular activities, fostering a supportive environment and building essential skills for academic and personal success.

Interaction with Academician and Industrial experts

Students benefit from academic and industry expert interactions through lectures, workshops, and projects, bridging theory and practice to prepare them for successful careers.

Personalised Education

Personalised education through dedicated mentorship and flexible electives, empowering students to explore their interests, maximise their potential, and achieve academic and professional success.

Specialised Courses

Specialised modules across various disciplines, providing in-depth knowledge, skills, and expert guidance to help students excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Programme Structure

Semester Contents

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
  • Introduction to Business
  • Basic Mathematics
  • English for Academic Purposes*
  • Computing Studies*
    Plus any ONE of the following two options*:
    1) Introduction to Management
    2) Introduction to Psychology
  • Basic Statistics
  • Professional Development and Ethics
  • Introduction to Communication
  • Introduction to Marketing
    Plus any ONE of the following two options*:
    1) Science, Technology and Society
    2) Fundamentals of Finance
  • Sociology and World Culture
  • Thinking skills*
  • Communication and Media
  • Cross Boundary Studies*
    Plus any ONE of the following three options*:
    1) Applied Stats for Data Science Using Python*
    2) Fundamentals of Economics
    3) Psychology in Healthcare*
  • *Your four optional subjects are key to success in your proposed undergraduate course and should be chosen accordingly and as advised by your academic mentors.

Entry Requirement

Academic Requirements

Pass SPM/O-Level or equivalent with 5 credits.

English Requirements – IELTS

Minimum C in SPM/O-Levels English; or IELTS – Overall band score 5.0.

Click here to view Requirements for Undergraduate Conditional Offer.

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Requirements for Undergraduate Conditional Offer

SPM / O-Levels Grades Required

Foundation in Arts Grade Required

Target IMU Degree

Pass SPM/O-Level with 5 credits. Credit in Mathematics and Science and a pass in English at SPM level

cGPA 2.50

Psychology

Pass SPM/O-Level with 5 credits. Credit in Mathematics in SPM or its equivalent

cGPA of 2.50

Digital Health

Pass with 5Cs in Malay, Mathematics, Science (General
Science/Biology/Chemistry/Physics) and 2 other subjects.
Non-Malaysian can be exempted from Malay and be replaced with
credit in one other subject.

cGPA 2.50

Nursing

Pass with 5Cs in 5 subjects.
(With a pass in English and Mathematics)

cGPA 2.50

Business Administration with
Healthcare Management

Pass with 5Cs in English and 4 other subjects

cGPA 2.50

Communication with Health

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 150 500
Registration Fee 300 1,000
Refundable Caution Deposit 1,000 1,000
  • Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
  • Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
  • The fees quoted for partner universities are current estimates only
  • Student must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees
  • All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to annual increases, currency exchange rates, and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any).
  • All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
  • * Tuition fee is payable by semester.
  • Administration fee is payable together with registration fee.
  • International Student Administration Fee of RM2,400 is applicable to international students

Fee Structure

malaysian student

Total Duration (year) Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM)* Tuition Fee Per Year at IMU (RM)
Foundation in Arts (FIA) 1 3 9,800 29,400

International Student

Total Duration (year) Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM)* Tuition Fee Per Year at IMU (RM)
Foundation in Arts (FIA) 1 3 9,800 29,400
Country Estimated Living Costs
(Per Year)
Exchange Rate
(As of Dec 2023)
Estimated Living Cost (Per Year) Australia AUD 21,000 – AUD 30,000 ≈ RM 65,900 – RM 94,200 AUD 1 ≈ RM3.14
Canada CAD 28,000 ≈ RM 98,000 CAD 1 ≈ RM3.50
China RMB 85,000 ≈ RM 56,100 RMB 1 ≈ RM0.66
Ireland EUR 12,000 ≈ RM 62,000 EUR 1 ≈ RM5.17
New Zealand NZD 22,000 – NZD 26,000 ≈ RM 64,500 – RM 76,200 NZD 1 ≈ RM2.93
United Kingdom GBP 10,000 – 22,700 ≈ RM60,000 – RM 136,200 GBP 1 ≈ RM6.00
United States of America USD 16,000 ≈ RM 75,800 USD 1 ≈ RM4.74
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia RM36,000 RM36,000

Our Team

Dr James Edward Walsh

Director, Centre for Pre-University Studies

PhD (Experimental Physics) (NUI), Master (Experimental Physics) (NUI), Bachelor (Experimental Physics) (NUI)

Sharon Chan Min Hui

Deputy Director

Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Major in English)(University of Malaya), MHPE (IMU)

Parkash Mathivanan

Programme Director

B.ed Tesl (Hons) (Unisel), Masters in Corporate Communication (UPM)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the programme?

1 year (3 semesters)

What are the entry requirements?

Entry Requirement into IMU FiA


Malaysian Students

Pass SPM/O-Levels with a minimum of 5 credits.

 

International students
Pass O-Levels equivalent qualification based on MQA guidelines and meet the equivalent requirements.

 

English Requirements:

SPM or O-Levels: Minimum a credit or Pass in English; or

IELTS: Overall band score of 5.0 or equivalent.

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure.

Who are the IMU FiA teaching staff?

The current IMU FIA team consists of carefully selected, well-qualified and experienced staff with specific skill sets that make them ideal pre-university level academicians. The team has a clear understanding of subsequent undergraduate degree progammes requirements and is assisted in this regard by degree-level academics who also advise the students on their available undergraduate pathways while in the foundation. Our students are well mentored for the exciting career pathways that the FIA programme provides.

How does the IMU FiA give ‘preferred enrolment’ into IMU programmes?

When you enrol for IMU FiA, you will also receive a conditional letter of offer to join certain IMU local undergraduate programmes upon completion of the FiA. The programmes that you will be offered will depend on your entry-level qualification grades (SPM/O-Level) into FiA. This conditional offer will give you preferred entry into an undergraduate programme subject to you meeting ALL other entry requirements of the undergraduate programme. Application fees for the undergraduate programmes will be waived.

NOTE: Meeting all pre-requisite requirements does not guarantee admission to any IMU degree.

Will I have to re-apply for the IMU undergraduate degree after completing my FiA?

The application process would be simplified as FiA students will be required to confirm their selected undergraduate programme during their studies at IMU. Application fees to the undergraduate programme will be waived.

Can I study Psychology with IMU FiA qualification?

YES, the IMU FIS does allow you to pursue a degree in Psychology at IMU with the following conditions:

  • You must achieve the minimum SPM grades at the point of application to FiA (Credit in Mathematics and Science and a pass in English)
  • You must achieve the specified FiA cGPA (2.50). Conditional offers into these programmes will only be given if your cGPA is 3.00 and above.

Is IMU FiA recognised by other universities apart from IMU, either local or international?

IMU’s Foundation in Arts programme serves as the students’ stepping stone into an illuminating experience in the education world and eventually a bright career pathway in the University’s extensive range of undergraduate programmes, those of its international partner universities.

Can a student register for an IMU Partner University credit transfer programme?

Yes, to most of IMU’s Partner University credit transfer programme.

Are there any scholarships available for IMU FiA programme?

Yes, scholarships are available.

Have a Question? Ask Us

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Interested in Applying for One of Our Programmes?

You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Verified copies of your academic qualifications
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport

These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.

We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!

A Word from the Programme Director

PARKASH MATHIVANAN

Programme Director Foundation in Arts
B.ed Tesl (Hons) (Unisel)
Masters in Corporate Communication (UPM)

The IMU’s Foundation in Arts Programme is a dynamic and comprehensive platform designed to cultivate your creative thinking, analytical skills, and a solid academic foundation. Whether you are pursuing a career in the arts, humanities, or social sciences, this programme serves as a stepping stone for your academic journey. Throughout this course, you will engage with diverse subjects, fostering a broad understanding of various disciplines. Our experienced faculty is committed to guiding you through this transformative phase, equipping you with the essential skills needed for success in your chosen field.

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