UTP looks at shaping well-rounded students through academics, sports, extra-curricular activities and community service.
UTP’s foundation programme prepare students for future success
PROSPECTIVE students aiming to pursue undergraduate degrees in engineering, science, computing, or business and receive the required preparation for higher education, may want to consider Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)'s foundation programme.
The university provides a direct pathway for students to pursue their desired undergraduate degrees, and encourages those who have completed their Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM), O Levels, or its equivalents, to consider enrolling in its foundation programme.
UTP’s Centre for Foundation Studies dean, Dr Aliza Sarlan, said “Once they complete their 50 credit hours within one year and fulfil all requirements, students will have secured a place for their undergraduate studies of their choice. The transition is seamless,” she explains.
Aliza says, the comprehensive pre-university programme that encompasses Foundation in Engineering and Science, and Foundation in Business Management and Computing, prepares students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to pursue undergraduate degree programmes in the fields of engineering, science, business management and computing at UTP.
“The students are aligned with the same vision and mission of the university, which is to produce well-rounded global graduates,” she adds.
Under the Foundation in Engineering and Science, students will be able to proceed to any ten engineering and science degree programmes, such as Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Petroleum Geoscience.
For Foundation in Business Management and Computing, students can choose from Business Management, Information Systems, Information Technology and Computer Science.
"This is an advantage of the foundation programme. Upon enrolment, students can secure a place in their chosen undergraduate programme, allowing them to begin their studies within a year.
“In comparison, students who have completed STPM or matriculation programmes for example, will still need to compete with other candidates to secure a place for their undergraduate studies,” says Aliza.
Preparing for excellence
The goal of the preparatory programme, introduced in 2003 – and enhanced over the years, is to build strong fundamental knowledge and understanding of the students’ respective courses.
With a strong foundation, emphasises Aliza, students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills of engineering, technology, science or management effectively.
“Students are given the opportunity to display their ability to communicate ideas effectively, analyse data and demonstrate good values,” she says, pointing out that the process also prepares students for the challenges and expectations of the undergraduate programme.
About 90% of students enrolled in UTP’s undergraduate programmes hail from the foundation studies programme, which has three intakes per calendar year – January, May and September semesters.
Aliza highlights that UTP’s comprehensive foundation programme will better prepare students for their undergraduate years.
The programme's success and students' seamless transition to undergraduate programmes are attributed to UTP's academic excellence, state-of-the-art labs and multimedia facilities, a well-designed curriculum, and effective teaching and learning methods.
“We use various teaching and learning approaches and choose the best ones that suit students’ needs and interests.
“We also incorporate social innovation aspects such as ‘Down to Earth’, which is a community outreach initiative in some of the foundation programme courses,” Aliza highlights.
She also points out that members of the staff constantly improve their approach to ensure students get the best teaching and learning experience at UTP.
“We have external course examiners for quality assurance and to provide feedback,” she says, adding that both academic and industry representatives are also called to weigh in on the quality and relevance of its curriculum.
Supporting success
Through UTP’s Centre for Foundation Studies, students receive comprehensive support, by means of coaching on independent learning methods, courses in critical thinking skills, motivational sessions, time management tips, and access to counselling services, to provide students with the best outcomes.
UTP’s Academic deputy vice chancellor also actively engages with foundation students to provide insight into what to expect in their undergraduate programme.
Furthermore, a variety of sports, extracurricular activities, and competitions that range from mathematics and science to engineering design, further exposes students to the world of undergraduate studies.
UTP students’ success is attributed to UTP's academic excellence, state-of-the-art labs and multimedia facilities, a well-designed curriculum, and effective teaching and learning methods.
"These students will become future leaders, whether in organisations, countries, or families. That's why we embed traits like integrity, vision, courage and humility into their curriculum and co-curricular activities," Aliza says.
She also highlights that UTP’s undergraduate programmes are recognised for their industry-relevant curriculum content, complemented by a structured seven-month internship and global exchange programme, which significantly enhances the marketability of UTP graduates.
Additionally, UTP's 100% on-campus accommodation fosters a strong sense of community among foundation programme students, facilitating their participation in development programmes beyond the classroom, contributing to their safety and well-being.
For more information on UTP’s foundation programme, visit www.utp.edu.my
