The Foundation Programme (Architecture & Design Route) is specially designed for students who wish to pursue careers in architecture, industrial design, animation, visual effects, digital advertising, creative media, and other design-related disciplines. The programme develops creative thinking, artistic ability, technical drawing skills, communication, problem-solving, and digital design competencies while preparing students for undergraduate study.

Students receive practical exposure through studio-based learning, drawing exercises, design projects, digital photography, research activities, and portfolio development. The programme also helps students strengthen leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and academic skills required for university success. Upon successful completion, students can progress directly into a variety of Architecture and Design degree programmes at APU.

Subjects / Topics Offered or Programme Structure

Semester 1 (Common Modules)

• English for Academic Purpose
• Communication Skills
• Personal Development & Study Methods
• Essentials of Web Applications
• Mathematics

Semester 2

• Fundamentals of Drawing
• Life Drawing
• Design Studies
• Public Speaking in English
• Major Project 1

Semester 3

• Academic Research Skills
• Introduction to Digital Photography
• Major Project 2
• Co-Curricular Studies

Students also choose one elective:

• History of Design and Media
• Introduction to Architecture and Built Environment

Disciplines or Specialisations Offered

After successful completion, students can progress into undergraduate programmes including:

Primary Pathways

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising

Alternative Progression Pathways

• Computing & Technology
• Interactive Media & Immersive Technology
• Computer Games Development
• Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies
• Business & Management
• International Relations
• Media, Communication & Psychology

Highlights

• Ranked among the Top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech University.
• One-year Foundation programme.
• Creative studio-based learning environment.
• Practical training in drawing, design, photography, and portfolio development.
• Academic mentoring throughout the programme.
• Development of leadership, communication, teamwork, and creative thinking skills.
• Modern design studios and creative learning facilities.
• Direct progression into Architecture, Industrial Design, Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Advertising degrees.
• Students from over 130 countries.
• More than 90,000 APU graduates and alumni worldwide.

Career Outcomes

As this is a Foundation programme, it prepares students for undergraduate study rather than direct employment.

Upon progressing to a bachelor's degree, graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Architect
• Architectural Designer
• Interior Designer
• Urban Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Product Designer
• Visual Effects Artist
• Animator
• Digital Advertising Specialist
• Creative Director
• Graphic Designer
• Multimedia Designer
• Concept Artist
• Creative Consultant
• Design Entrepreneur.

Latest Updates or Special Requirement (if any)

• Current published intakes include 24 September 2026 and 20 November 2026, with an additional 2 July 2026 intake available in the latest programme information.
• The programme includes specialised studio modules such as Fundamentals of Drawing, Life Drawing, Design Studies, Digital Photography, and two Major Projects.
• Students benefit from dedicated academic mentoring throughout the Foundation programme.
• Students intending to progress into Architecture and Design degree programmes should prepare a portfolio, as portfolio assessment may be required for admission into certain bachelor's programmes.

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass (Student Visa) before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport.
• Official APU Offer Letter.
• Acceptance of the admission offer.
• Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency (where applicable).
• Medical examination before and/or after arrival, as required by Malaysian authorities.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Valid medical insurance.
• Payment of Student Pass and visa processing fees.