Choosing the Best University for Architecture in Malaysia after SPM, O-Levels, UEC or A-Levels

How to Choose the Best Private University or IPTS for Architecture to Study in Malaysia after your SPM, O-Levels, STPM, A-Levels, UEC or Pre-University

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838

A university is like a coach. It equips you with knowledge, trains you and provides you with the necessary skills to win. If one chooses a lousy coach, then the knowledge and skills would be lousy as well. If one chooses the cheapest coach, then don't expect to learn much. Top universities for architecture in Malaysia would have the years of experience in teaching the course, qualified & experienced lecturers, top facilities, student support services, English-speaking student environment, multi-cultural student body, excellent internship programme and accreditation from both MQA and Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).

Architecture is a combination of creativity, history, sciences, and design. You will learn how to conceptualise and design buildings in relation to the economic, technical, environmental and social needs. Architecture strongly relates to built environment and urban planning disciplines such as civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, and property economics and management. Students should choose the best university in Malaysia to study architecture so that they can gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in their career.

Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services is a recruitment agent for top private universities in Malaysia and private colleges in Singapore providing information and counselling on courses and helping students to choose the right university. EduSpiral Consultant Services sets ourselves apart from other agents by providing personalised counseling based on facts and evidence so that our students are able to make the right choices after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM, A-Levels or Pre-University. We research on articles and information to help them make the right choices about choosing their university, career and course in architecture.

For more information contact 01111408838

Best Guide on Helping Students to Choose the Best Private University in Malaysia for Architecture

After chatting with EduSpiral online, I then met up with them at the university for a campus tour that helped me make a great decision about my future course.
Kenneth Pang, Architecture student at UCSI University

Students interested to pursue education in architecture must go for top private universities that are accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. Students interested in architecture must not be colour-blind, should be good academically in maths, physics, science and design. Just because you are interested in design doesn't mean that you would do well in architecture.

One needs a wide variety of skills & interests to be successful in architecture such as design, creativity, history, philosophy, maths, physics, buildings, etc. The Average passing rate is 9%~20% for the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 3 which means that the path to become a professional architect in Malaysia is not an easy one.

When choosing a university and college in Malaysia for your architecture course, it is important for students to visit the campus and see the facilities and feel the culture of the students to see if it fits you. The environment should be one where students speak mostly in English so that you can improve your English and communication skills.

Research has shown that graduates with a good command of the English language get 25% higher salaries in Malaysia with faster promotions. In addition, if you want to have the opportunity to work in Multi-National Companies (MNC) or work overseas, a strong command of the English language will be one of the key factors.

Talk to the lecturers and find out from the counselors there if the courses have been accredited by MQA and other external bodies like the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. The best universities and colleges in Malaysia have excellent facilities, years of experience running the programme, strong student support services, and experienced lecturers.

Don't choose a university just because someone told you that it is good. Ask why is it good? Don't choose

EduSpiral has more than 20 years of experience in counseling students on choosing the right courses

because a university is "famous" because it has put out a lot of advertisements.  Many Uncles and Aunties will give you their opinions. It is important to check out what they have said is true or not. Also, don't go to a university because your girlfriend or boyfriend or friends are going there. The university will play an important part in building your knowledge, skills and character to face the challenges of the working world. If you are weak, then you would not be able to perform well enough to earn a high salary.

Take time to find and talk to experienced and knowledgeable education counselors. Some of these counselors are very young and would not have gained enough experience or knowledge to be able to guide you well in this life changing decision. Or they may have other motives to push you to a particular university.

The best university for architecture in Malaysia will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular course, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment (not a party university) and excellent facilities that support your studies.

Top Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia for Architecture that Fits You

EduSpiral patiently answered my questions on whatsapp & then took me around the campus for a tour to help me make a better decision.
Jie Sheng, Architecture at UCSI University

• Is the architecture course popular at that university? Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
• Are the courses recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia?
• Are the courses accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
• Are the engineering degree programmes accredited or pending accreditation by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) or Board of Architects Malaysia (BAM)?
• Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
• Does the university have a strong internship or Co-Op programme?
• Do they have enough students to start a class?

  

  Architecture students at Taylor's University

•  How many students do they have studying that course at that university?
•  What is the duration of the course?
•  Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
• Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
•  Ask your friends who have studied there for their opinion. Ask your friends who are currently studying there as well.
• Entry requirements (Foreign branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
• How much money do I have to pay for the course and cost of living? Ask your parents. Note that you will need to have enough to pay the tuition fees as well as your cost of living. (tuition, hostel, food,

  

  Architecture students at Taylor's University

  transportation, etc.)
• What are the Financial assistance available at the university? (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
• Is the PTPTN loan available for the course at the university?
• How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the exam and other fees?
• How much is on-campus accommodation?
• How much is off-campus accommodation? Note that it might be cheaper to find off campus accommodation on your own with friends. Is the accommodations near eateries, banks, entertainment, public transportation, etc.?
• What is the student culture at the university? (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc) The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don't know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
• What is the make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
• What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
• Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)

Common Factors in Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia for Architecture

My mother found EduSpiral online & obtained all the necessary information for me to join the Architecture programme smoothly. Frederick Kwo, Architecture at UCSI University

Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia for architecture:

• What type of university do I like? (Large, medium, small, city, suburbs, or outer city) Some people like small universities where you get a community feel while others like large university campuses where they get to meet lots of people.
• The size of the university also matters to some people as some prefer a small and friendly university environment where you know everyone's names. Some may prefer a medium sized university where there are more students to interact with and more facilities to use like a bigger library, student centre, computer labs etc.
• In large universities you might feel lost but there will be more facilities like a football field, gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc. You just need to understand your personality and then choose the type of university that fits you.
• If you are a sports person, you might want to find one with a football field, basketball courts, gym or swimming pool.
• Safety at the university campus and community.
• Know yourself, if you like city life, don’t choose a university far away from the city even though the facilities are great. However, if you have a discipline problem in having too much fun, studying away from the city may be a good choice
• What are the facilities and resources offered at the university? – engineering labs, computer labs, computers, science labs, sports facilities, student centre, job placement centre, etc. Note – You should expect to get what you pay for.
• If you like sports, you may not want to choose a university without a basketball court or gym.
• Is it near public transportation? This is important if you do not have transportation.
• Note that you get what you pay for, if you pay for a Kancil don’t expect a Mercedes service. Nothing wrong with a Kancil, it’s just being realistic with your “purchase” however that does not mean that you should get lousy service from that college.

What will a Degree in Architecture Cost at a Top Private University in Malaysia?

Architecture students at Taylor's University

Obviously the course you choose and the university will all make a difference to how much the degree will cost in terms of tuition fees, and you should talk to your parents about how much they have set aside for your studies, as this will go a long way into funding your engineering study adventure.

As a general rule, and again, this depends on a lot of factors, you can expect a cost of around RM80,000 to RM120,000 total for the tuition fees for 3 years. You should be able to get help and advice on living arrangements from EduSpiral and the cost of living very much depends on which city you choose to study in. Most private universities in Malaysia will have on-campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation. It’s simply a case of looking into your options and your preferences.

What you will Study in the Architecture Degree Course at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

"My friend recommended EduSpiral to me and we met up at UCSI University for counseling & a tour. The architecture course is accredited & affordable. I am happy with my decision."
Vivi Tan, SMK Perimbun

Architecture is a mixture of practical and theoretical studies. It is important to understand the philosophy, history and culture in order to create stunning buildings.

Architecture major students in Malaysia will learn how to use design software to create models, drawings, prototypes and structures. You will learn how to use creative and rational inquiry to analyse and provide solutions to design problems, integrating emerging aesthetic, technical, social and ethical concerns.

Architecture degree students in Malaysia will apply advanced digital design tools to solve design problems and address sustainability issues. Students will spend long hours in research and project-based architectural design subjects to create aesthetically beautiful design pieces that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

To create these projects will require you to think logically on how the buildings function and are constructed, and then combine them with innovative & creative concepts.

Some of the design software that you will learn how to use are:

• Photoshop
• AutoCAD
• 3D Max

Entry Requirements to Study Architecture at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

EduSpiral took us on a tour of UCSI University's Architecture Gallery and the North Wing campus

Students after SPM or O-Levels may go for theFoundation in Natural & Built Environments or Foundation in Arts (Architecture) at top private universities in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year Architecture degree programme. If you are still not sure whether you want architecture or other courses, you may choose the Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science programme at premier private universities in Malaysia. 

Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. may enter directly into the Architecture Degree programme with relevant results at the best university in Malaysia.

Alternatively, with 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels including Maths, students may go for the 2.5-year Diploma in Architecture and then enter into Year 2 of the 3-year Architecture degree at top private universities in Malaysia that are accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).

Entry requirements for Engineering would vary from university to university. Students may contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to find out the exact entry requirements for architecture at top private universities in Malaysia.

Entry Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture at Taylor's University

Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies

Students after SPM or O-Levels may go for the Foundation in Natural & Built Environments for 1 year before continuing on to the architecture degree at Taylor's University. Students who are not sure of whether to pursue architecture yet may go for the Foundation in Arts instead where they have more choices for the degree.

The top rated Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture programme at Taylor's University is a pre-professional course that is accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) which exempts graduates from the LAM Part 1 Professional Examination.

Taylor’s University is an award-winning university for architecture and acknowledged as the best for architecture courses in Malaysia.

Architecture studio at Taylor's University

• Taylor's Foundation in Arts (FIA)
  Pass with min. CGPA 2.67
• Taylor’s Foundation in Natural & Built Environments (FNBE)
  Pass with min. CGPA 2.33
• Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
  Min. CGPA 2.67 in 3 subjects
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
  Pass with min. 5Bs including English and Mathematics
• A Levels
  Min. CDD excluding General Paper / General Studies in student’s first language
• South Australian Matriculation (SAM)/SACE International
  Min. ATAR 70
• Canadian Pre-University (CPU)
  Min. average of 65% in 6 subjects
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
  Min. 28 points in 6 subjects
• Other Qualifications
  Students with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Entry Requirements for the Architecture Degree Course at Top Private Universities in Malaysia Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia

UCSI University Architecture students' project

After SPM, students must possess a credit in Maths & any one Science subject in order to enter into the Foundation in Architecture at UCSI University. To enter the BSc (Hons) Architecture at UCSI University, students need to have the following qualifications:

• Foundation in Arts or Science Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum CGPA 2.0 including credit in Maths
• STPM Arts or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00 (or equivalent) Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
• A-Levels Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
• UEC Commerce or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -5 Credits (‘B’ grade) inclusive of Maths
• South Australian Matriculation (SAM) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree - Minimum average of 65% in 5 subjects inclusive of Maths
• Canadian Pre-U (CPU) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree – Minimum average of 65% in 6 subjects inclusive of Maths

Best Architecture Degree Programmes at Premier Private Universities in Malaysia with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Accreditation

Architecture students at Taylor's University

If you are interested in creating things, buildings and spaces, technology, art and design, a career in architecture may be for you. Basically, an architect is a person who creates the designs of buildings. They don't actually build them, that’s the job of the Civil Engineer. Architects role is like a project leader who works with different people to coordinate and get the building up on time within budget.

The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law and is regulated by the Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.

Another important body concerning architects is the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) who takes care of the well being of the architects including professional development from the lowest to the highest qualifications. They also organise functions and activities for their members.

Gallery of architecture students' work at UCSI University

Students after SPM or O-Levels interested to major in architecture can either go for the Diploma or the Foundation program in architecture in Malaysia.

Students can choose the Foundation in Arts at UCSI University or Foundation in Natural & Built Environments at Taylor's University

Upon successful completion of the 1-year Foundation, you will then enter into the undergraduate degree in architecture for another 3 years at UCSI University  or Taylor's University which is accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) equivalent to LAM Part 1.

Students after SPM or O-Levels taking the Diploma in Architectural Studies at top ranked UCSI University

EduSpiral took us on a tour of UCSI University's Architecture Gallery and the North Wing campus

will study for 2.5 years and then enter Year 2 of the architecture degree for another 2 years.

Students who have obtained the relevant results in STPM, UEC, A-Levels, CPU, SAM and other Pre-U Programmes can enter the architecture degree for 3 years. After completing the Bachelors in Architecture at a top private university in Malaysia, the next step is to go into an accredited Masters in Architecture degree equivalent to LAM Part 2 for another 2 years. Architecture Masters Degree Graduates in Malaysia will then work for 2 years and then sit for the LAM Part 3 exams and then to finally become an architect.

The whole process after SPM or O-Levels will take you at least 8 years to become a professional architect in Malaysia. Normally it will be longer than that.

What is the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and Becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia

EduSpiral patiently answered my questions on whatsapp & then took me around the campus for a tour to help me make a better decision.
Jie Sheng, Architecture at UCSI University

The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law. The regulating and governing body of the architecture profession in Malaysia is known as Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.

The other body that concerns the well being of architects themselves is Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia.

It functions as an association that takes care of its members, organize functions and manages the professional development of an architect from the lowest to highest qualification. Just like Bar exams for lawyers, architects also require certain level of qualification that is a standard worldwide.

The qualifications are known as LAM Part 1, 2 and 3. The equivalent of this is RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), AIA (American Institute of Architects) and RAIA (Royal Australian Institute of Architects).

Students after SPM or O-Levels will go for the Foundation program for one year first. After that, they will

EduSpiral took these students separately to tour the campus and provided course counseling to help them make the right choice. Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering), Yammie (Business), & Kenneth Pang (Architecture) at UCSI University's Orientation

go on to an Architecture degree that's accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 1. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will then go on to a Masters in Architecture that's accredited Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 2.

After graduating with Part 2, a person is known as an architect, and will be able to practice according to the job specification of an architect. This should be the minimum target of anyone pursuing this profession. Anything less is a waste of time.

These qualifications can be obtained in two ways:

• Obtaining a fully accredited degree (or equivalent) that carries Part 1 or 2 equivalent.
• Sitting for individual exams after obtaining a non-accredited degree for Part or 2.

Part 3 can only be obtained after practicing as an architect for a minimum of 2 years and fulfilling all the project requirements set by LAM.

Fulfilling these needs, the architect will then submit themselves to a series of interviews and exams to determine that they are capable and absolutely qualified. These exams are conducted by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM).

Average Salary for Architects in Malaysia

The average salary for architects in Malaysia is taken from Afterschool.my

• Fresh/Entry Level: RM 1.600 – RM 2,500
• Junior Executive: RM 2,200 – RM 3,400
• Senior Executive: RM 3,600 – RM 7,000
• Manager: RM 6,500 – RM 10,000
• Senior Manager: RM 7,500 – RM 13,500

Number of Registered Professional Architects in Malaysia

Architecture students at Taylor's University

At the 2014 Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia -Tan Sri Ar Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award prize-giving ceremony today, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said that the current ratio of architects in Malaysia is one to 17,257 people.

There is a shortage of architects in Malaysia due to the low passing rate in the final test which would enable them to become professional architects, which carries the title of Ar. There are only 1800 Registered Architects in Malaysia. The Average pass rate is 9%~20%

Total Registered at Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) as at Feb 2017 :-

Exhibition by the architecture students at Taylor's University

• Architects: 1861
• Graduate Architects: 1351
• Interior Designers: 519
• Building Draughtmen: 152
• APEC Architect: 29
• ASEAN Architect: 38
• Architectural Body Corporate: 245
• Architectural Partnership: 83
• Architectural Sole Proprietorship: 1063
• Multi Disciplinary Practices: 40
• Interior Design Body Corporate: 20
• Interior Design Partnership: 1
• Interior Design Sole Proprietorship: 24 

Talk to the Best Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Make the Right Choice in your Architecture Studies

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

Choosing a course to study after SPM or O-Levels is not is a process. It takes time & effort to research and gain information from talking to the right people. It's a process of trying to figure out yourself, your interests, passion and what you are good at so that you can choose what's best for you.

Students in Malaysia need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors in Malaysia to help you. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents' offices.  Talking to an experienced education advisor in Malaysia would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help

EduSpiral took these students separately to tour the campus and provided course counseling to help them make the right choice. Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering), Yammie (Business), & Kenneth Pang (Architecture) at UCSI University's Orientation

you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 years experience in counseling students. Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what they are good at.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the counselors at the private universities or agents' offices change every few years therefore they would not have the in-depth knowledge of the courses and the university that they are working at.

At EduSpiral Consultant Services, I have worked in the private higher education industry in Malaysia for more than 15 years advising students with facts and evidence on how to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you. To choose the best course that fits you, students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation.

The EduSpiral Career Assessment form is a simple form designed by us that gathers information from students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM or A-Levels in order to assess their aptitude helping us to determine the most suitable course and career progression.

EduSpiral Consultant Services - Your Online Education Advisor

EduSpiral Consultant Services is a full-service educational counseling & planning firm that guides students from across Malaysia to help them choose the right course and university.

I whatsapped EduSpiral to find out which university and course suited me. He took me for a campus tour & provided a lot of information which helped me to make the right choice.
Vivi Tan, Architecture at UCSI University

Highly experienced professional staff will talk to you and get to know you before giving advise on which course that will best fit you and your budget.  Established in 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services is an appointed representative for top reputable private colleges & universities in Malaysia.

EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.

These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable. EduSpiral provides in-depth information and counseling on their courses so that students are able to make the right choice.

If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.

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