The General Studies modules, also known as Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU), are a mandatory qualification for all Malaysian and international undergraduate students enrolled at higher education institutions in Malaysia, including the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM).
Successful completion and passing of MPU modules is required before students can be awarded an undergraduate or honours degree. This requirement is in accordance with Section 41(5) of the Private Higher Education Institutions Act 1996, and has been enforced by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia since 1 September 2013.
The MPU programme aims to:
- Foster a spirit of nation-building by deepening students’ understanding of Malaysia’s history, culture, and society.
- Strengthen students’ humanities knowledge and its practical applications.
- Develop essential soft skills, including teamwork, interpersonal communication, and leadership, to better prepare students for their future careers and personal growth.
Students will be taking MPU modules as part of their academic roadmap upon registration at UoRM. The MPU requirement applies only to undergraduate students and is not applicable to students enrolled in Foundation, Master’s or Doctoral programmes.
July Intake Opportunity
We are pleased to offer a July intake for students who wish to begin or accelerate their MPU studies:
- New students enrolling in undergraduate programmes may complete up to four MPU modules during this intake.
- Current UoRM undergraduate students may also take MPU modules during the August–September summer break.
Key Dates (July 2025 Intake):
Freshers Day: 29 July & 1 August 2025
Teaching & Learning Period: 4 August – 19 September 2025
MPU Module Structure
The MPU has two module structures, one after 2023/24 and the old 2022/23 structure, depending on intake. the 2023/24 onwards is more relevant.
Academic Year 2023/24 onwards
| Category | Modules – Malaysian student | Modules – International students |
| U1: Appreciation of philosophy, values and history |
1. Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban |
1. Malay Language Communication 2 2. Philosophy and Current Issues |
| U2: Mastery of soft skills | Bahasa Kebangsaan A* or Graduate Success Attributes |
Graduate Success Attributes |
| U3: Broadening of knowledge about Malaysia | Environment and Natural Resources in Malaysia | Environment and Natural Resources in Malaysia |
| U4: Competencies in managing communities practically, community service and co- curricular activities | Integrity and Anti-Corruption | Integrity and Anti-Corruption |
* This module is compulsory for students who do not have credit (C or above) in the Bahasa Melayu subject in SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia/Malaysian Certificate of Examination).
Academic Year 2022/23
| Category | Modules – Malaysian student | Modules – International students |
| U1: Appreciation of philosophy, values and history |
1. Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban |
1. Malay Language Communication 2 2. Philosophy and Current Issues |
| U2: Mastery of soft skills | Bahasa Kebangsaan A* | N/A |
| U3: Broadening of knowledge about Malaysia | Environment and Natural Resources in Malaysia | Environment and Natural Resources in Malaysia |
| U4: Competencies in managing communities practically, community service and co- curricular activities | Co-curriculum | Co-curriculum |
