UTAR’s solid base
UNIVERSITI Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) foundation programmes are benchmarked against STPM and A-levels, and offer the shortest path for qualified students to progress to undergraduate studies within a year.
With a flexible course structure, students may complete their foundation studies to their desired pace of up to two years.
UTAR foundation programmes are offered by UTAR’s Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS). Students can progress from foundation studies to over 110 undergraduate programmes and also postgraduate programmes in UTAR.
“UTAR’s foundation programmes incorporate an integrated curriculum that promotes and prioritises the holistic development of students,” said director of CFS Sungai Long Campus Melissa Stefanie Netto.
Director of CFS Kampar Campus Tan Lee Siew agreed, “The qualified and committed teaching staff, the availability and incorporation of online learning environments and well-equipped facilities as a whole, provides students with a more effective and conducive learning environment.”
UTAR foundation programmes emphasise hands-on practices, presentation skills and English language proficiency to equip students with competency skills for academic and professional endeavours. English classes are conducted every week, consisting of two to three hours of lecture and one hour of tutorial for foundation students.
“The English classes have taught me well in all aspects of communication such as grammar, syntax and pronunciation,” said UTAR Financial Economics undergraduate Hiew Mei Teng who previously did her Foundation in Arts.
“My proficiency in using the language has improved tremendously under the guidance of my well qualified, dedicated and experienced English lecturers,” she added.
To become a premier research university, UTAR has invested adequately in cutting-edge science and computer labs to facilitate academic and research activities.
The science labs are for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. CFS promotes peer learning; with Mathematics Clinic and study groups being regular features of CFS Sungai Long and Kampar campuses.
“I was exposed to sound theoretical knowl- edge, critical thinking skills and the latest research techniques and technology,” said Biomedical Science and former foundation student Lee Keat Teng.
UTAR promotes excellence by offering loans and scholarships to academically deserving students. Students with 7As and above in their SPM examination will be automatically considered for the tuition fee scholarship from the UTAR Education Foundation for UTAR foundation programmes. They are required to maintain their academic performance to continue receiving this scholarship for their undergraduate studies.
CFS also encourages students’ growth with continuous outdoor activities to help students adapt better to university life.
UTAR students can also seek for counselling services from the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) at their campus. Every Foundation Studies student are also assigned an academic advisor to offer proper guidance and advice throughout studies.
Such arrangements aim to promote students’ intellectual, emotional and career development – also to educate them on coping strategies for life’s challenges.
Talks are also held to reach out to students on topics ranging from environmental causes, industrial experiences, even humanitarian issues, from local and international speakers.
To complement UTAR’s commitment in education and research excellence, UTAR was awarded Tier-5 (Excellent) status in the 2011 and 2013 Rating System for Malaysia Higher Education Institution (Setara ’11 and Setara ’13), Tier-5 Excellent in Discipline-Based Rating System (D-Setara) for Engineering as well as Tier-4 (Very Good) in D-Setara for Health Sciences.
UTAR is reputed as one of the fastest growing private higher education institutions in the country since its inception in 2002.
From only 411 students, the university’s enrolment has now reached 26,000 students, with campuses located in Kampar, Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor.
UTAR has graduated over 48,000 students since its inaugural convocation in 2005.
The university currently offers more than 110 academic programmes from foundation studies to bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees.
The Open Day will be held on March 11, 12, 25 and 26, April 8 and 9 and May 6 and 7 (Saturday and Sunday), from 9am to 5pm, at UTAR Kampar Campus in Perak and UTAR Sungai Long Campus in Bandar Sungai Long.
UTAR is also having its extended counselling hours at both campuses daily, from 9am to 5pm (except for public holidays).
For details, visit www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468 8888 (Kampar Campus), 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).