Diploma and foundation – know the difference
THERE are many preuniversity programmes available in Malaysia and among them are diploma programmes and foundation programmes. Although both these pre-university programmes are an entry requirement to a degree, each has salient differences that need to be considered carefully. Use all tools at your disposal, such as websites (for example, www.afterschool. my), university counsellors, as well as educational magazines such as Study Malaysia.
Duration
When it comes to duration, a foundation programme is a fast route to obtaining a degree. The programme takes one year to complete whereas a diploma can take two years. Foundation programmes are also easy because students sit for examinations at the end of each semester, allowing them to focus on subjects and take exams piecemeal. After they have completed the foundation programme, students can proceed with a degree programme.
Getting a job
Diploma programmes are time-effective and perfect for those who want to spend less time and money on their education. With their concentrated classes and practical skills, a diploma can be a good option for those who want to be trained and qualified for a particular business or trade.
This is because a diploma is much like a degree except that its level and syllabus only cover the first year of university studies. A diploma is perfect for students who want to take up studies in the field of design (fashion, multimedia, interior or graphics), culinary arts, nursing, radiography and medical imaging.
Content focus
Foundation programmes serve as a stepping stone to undergraduate courses and help students adapt to university life. The content in foundation programmes is focused and is designed to help increase academic knowledge, study skills as well as improve English language competency.
The content of diploma programmes focuses on skills development and the use of technologies and computer programmes that are relevant to a student’s chosen field. These programmes are also suited to those who need to improve their mathematics skills because most diploma programmes cover subjects such as accounting, mathematics and finance.
Flexibility and recognition
Sometimes called “feeder programmes”, foundation programmes are designed specifically for degree programmes offered by the same university.
They are most suited for students who already know the course they want to take and university they want to attend.
Students planning to pursue the fields of medicine, pharmacy or dentistry should consider foundation programmes (foundation in science programmes) because these help them save time and money.
The limitation of foundation programmes is that they might not be recognised by other universities or colleges.
Scholarships
If you are strapped for cash, a diploma holder is more likely to find scholarship grants compared to a student who has completed a foundation programme. This is because foundation programmes are not always recognised by other institutions.
One formula for success is to enjoy and be interested in the subjects that you are taking. Do not choose a subject just because it sounds interesting. Take time to find out more about the subject and then decide if it is one that matches your learning skills.
For example, a student with good reading skills will most likely enjoy subjects that require independent reading. Science, history and literature are some examples of subjects that require this skill. Taking up a subject you enjoy increases your confidence and in doing so, increases your probability of obtaining a good grade in your examinations.
Choose subjects that fit your career plans
You need to have a clear idea about what you want to study at university. Once you have selected a course and a university that you are keen on, you will need to check the university’s website to find out the course’s subject requirements. You can then plan which subjects to take according to your interests and career plans.
It has long been assumed that certain subjects are more highly regarded by universities than others. It is therefore important to identify the subjects that are highly regarded and those that are not.
Traditional subjects such as mathematics, geography, history, pure sciences, English and classical and modern foreign languages are often the subjects of choice while theatre studies, design and technology, drama, art and design, and media studies are examples of less popular subjects.