THE STAR Tuesday 4 March 2014 COURSE FOCUS: StarSpecial PRE-UNIVERSITY A firm foundation Choose the right pre-U programme for a head start. British university in Asian setting > 3 Take charge of your life > 14 2 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 4 March 2014 Diploma and A-Levels subjects that are right for you foundation WITH more than 40 subjects examined at A-Levels, Favourable and non-favourable subjects choosing the right combination can be difficult. Here are some guidelines to help you choose It has long been assumed that certain subjects subjects that will get you into a competitive are more highly regarded by universities than university. others. It is therefore important to identify the subjects that are highly regarded and those that are – know the Choose subjects you love not. Traditional subjects such as mathematics, One formula for success is to enjoy and be geography, history, pure sciences, English and interested in the subjects that you are taking. classical and modern foreign languages are often Do not choose a subject just because it sounds the subjects of choice while theatre studies, design interesting. Take time to find out more about the and technology, drama, art and design, and media difference subject and then decide if it is one that matches studies are examples of less popular subjects. your learning skills. For example, a student with good reading HERE are many pre- Content focus skills will most likely enjoy subjects that require QUICK FACTS university programmes independent reading. Science, history and literature Tavailable in Malaysia Foundation programmes are some examples of subjects that require this l Accounting, banking and finance programmes and among them are diploma serve as a stepping stone to skill. Taking up a subject you enjoy increases usually require students to take mathematics. programmes and foundation undergraduate courses and help your confidence and in doing so, increases your Advanced-level qualifications usually require programmes. Although both students adapt to university probability of obtaining a good grade in your students to take mathematics, business studies and these pre-university programmes life. The content in foundation examinations. economics. are an entry requirement to programmes is focused and l Biochemistry programmes usually require a degree, each has salient is designed to help increase Choose subjects that fit your career plans chemistry while some programmes require students differences that need to be academic knowledge, study to take biology, mathematics or physics. considered carefully. Use all tools skills as well as improve English You need to have a clear idea about what you l Engineering programmes, in many cases, at your disposal, such as websites language competency. want to study at university. Once you have selected require students to take mathematics and physics or (for example, www.afterschool. The content of diploma a course and a university that you are keen on, you chemistry. my), university counsellors, as programmes focuses on skills will need to check the university’s website to find lMedicine and pharmacy programmes usually well as educational magazines development and the use of out the course’s subject requirements. You can require chemistry, biology and either mathematics such as Study Malaysia. technologies and computer then plan which subjects to take according to your or physics. programmes that are relevant to interests and career plans. Duration a student’s chosen field. These programmes are also suited to When it comes to duration, those who need to improve their a foundation programme is mathematics skills because most a fast route to obtaining a diploma programmes cover degree. The programme takes subjects such as accounting, one year to complete whereas mathematics and finance. a diploma can take two years. Foundation programmes are Flexibility and recognition also easy because students sit for examinations at the end Sometimes called “feeder of each semester, allowing programmes”, foundation them to focus on subjects programmes are designed and take exams piecemeal. specifically for degree After they have completed the programmes offered by the same foundation programme, students university. can proceed with a degree They are most suited for programme. students who already know the course they want to take and Getting a job university they want to attend. Students planning to pursue Diploma programmes are the fields of medicine, pharmacy time-effective and perfect or dentistry should consider for those who want to spend foundation programmes less time and money on (foundation in science their education. With their programmes) because these help concentrated classes and them save time and money. practical skills, a diploma can be The limitation of foundation QUICK FACTS a good option for those who want programmes is that they might to be trained and qualified for a not be recognised by other l Some universities have a particular business or trade. universities or colleges. list of subjects that they do not This is because a diploma accept so it is best for you to is much like a degree except Scholarships ensure that the subjects that that its level and syllabus only you take meet the university’s cover the first year of university If you are strapped for cash, a requirement. studies. A diploma is perfect diploma holder is more likely to l Students who study at for students who want to take find scholarship grants compared least two of the choice subjects up studies in the field of design to a student who has completed will find that more degree (fashion, multimedia, interior a foundation programme. This is options will be opened to them or graphics), culinary arts, because foundation programmes from competitive universities. nursing, radiography and medical are not always recognised by imaging. other institutions. 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Lifestyle options > 10 Buying new or used? > 8 Quality developments, prime locations > 10 The new pulse of Johor Baru > 22 Knowing your body weight status > 3 Quality, affordable internationalThe righteducation time to > 5 buy > 6-7 When two worlds collide > 6-7 Choice and diversity > 3 An MBA at your own PACE > 8 Engineering your future > 10 The supermini that is out to impress > 4 StarSpecial, Tuesday 4 March 2014 COURSE FOCUS 3 British university in Asian setting EVERAL thousand students biomedical science, economics from Malaysia have and English language and applied Sstudied at The University of linguistics. Nottingham, United Kingdom, In total, 17 UK campus schools since it gained university status and departments have a presence in 1948. Currently, there are more at the Malaysia campus. than 550 students from Malaysia The University of Nottingham studying at the university. Malaysia Campus will be hosting Many prominent members an Open Day Carnival on March 29 of Malaysian society are among at its main campus in Semenyih. the university’s distinguished Parents and potential students graduates, including the Sultan will have the opportunity to of Perak, the late Yang di-Pertuan meet academics, current UNMC Besar of Negri Sembilan, former students and alumni of the ministers and business and university to gain insight on industry leaders. courses offered, career options The University of Nottingham’s and prospects for graduates. campus in Malaysia was the first UNMC offers foundation, international campus established undergraduate and postgraduate by a British university and the courses in applied psychology, campus will celebrate its 15th year biomedical sciences, biosciences, of operation next year. business, computer science, The Malaysia campus is both education, engineering, English, an expression of the university’s The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus is the first international campus established by a British university. international communications, special relationship with Malaysia international relations, Islamic and a direct response to the experience in an Asian setting. It is development of interpersonal wide range of courses in the areas finance, pharmacy and Malaysian government‘s plans to part of a global institution serving skills. of engineering, computer science psychology, among others. establish the country as a centre of an international community of Quality standards are also and information technology, The event offers exciting games excellence for higher education for students and yet is firmly rooted among the best in the world. At business and management, and great food in a carnival-like the region and beyond. in all that is distinctive about the same time, it is a Malaysian pharmacy, plant biotechnology, environment. The Malaysia campus is a British education – innovative institution and is fully integrated environmental science, nutrition, full and integral part of The teaching and assessment methods, and engaged with the higher international communications n For more information on the University of Nottingham, UK, and independent, creative and critical education community of Malaysia. and international relations, Open Day and courses offered, offers students the Nottingham thinking and an emphasis on the The Malaysia campus offers a education, applied psychology, visit www.nottingham.edu.my 4 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 4 March 2014 Poised to meet needs and challenges INTEC Education College is UiTM‘s new private college.