Foundation Program

A foundation program is normally a pre – university course designed to bridge the gap for students between secondary school and undergraduate studies. The programs gives the students a level of academic preparation to qualify the students to get into undergraduate studies. The aim of this initiative is to provide a Foundation Program Suited to national and non-national students in UAE who wish progress into Higher Education but do not have the appropriate credentials of High School Certificate (Minimum of 60% required for direct entry to Higher Education). Along with its components of English Language, Arabic Languages and Mathematics, the Foundation Program will also prepare students for success in Higher Education through tuition in Information Technology and General Study Skills (Personal Professional Development).

Program

The major goal is to develop the students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success in higher education. The UMS is committed to achieve this goal through providing a program that

• Enhances lifelong learning.
• Embraces an integrative learning approach.
• Ensures an interactive learning experience.
• Promotes personal accountability, social responsibility, and integrity.
• Embraces diversity and tolerance for different points of view.
• Build and enhance the students’ knowledge and skills necessary to join any higher education institute.

Foundation Program Structure and course specification

The Foundation Program courses are developed by UMS based on the goals and learning outcomes specified by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) thus providing the students with the perfect academic stepping stone into undergraduate level studies. This program comprises five core component subjects:

• English language 5 contact hours per week.
• Mathematics 3 contact hours per week.
• General study skills 3 contact hours per week.
• Information Technology 3 contact hours per week.
• Communications skills in Arabic language 4 contact hours per week.

The Foundation Program courses are taught in one semester (all FP courses are non-credit bearing courses) if the student did not pass the course then he/she could register the course in the next semester.