Imagine putting a lot of effort into a project and then seeing the finished product months or years later. Everyone in the general neighbourhood stops what they are doing to admire it and point it out. Then, what would you say? There’s a good possibility that if you were an architect, you’d claim, “I designed it!”
One of the most fulfilling experiences is seeing the results of your labour. You should definitely think about pursuing an architecture degree if you are a creative person who finds the way that structures impact people’s lives and emotions exciting and want to see the clear results of your efforts.
What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as opposed to construction-related skills. Architecture is a technique that satisfies both functional and expressive needs, serving both practical and artistic goals. These two ends can be distinguished from one another, but they cannot be separated, and their relative importance can vary significantly.
In order to achieve an end that is visually attractive, practically useful, and frequently artistic, architectural design is primarily driven by the holistically creative manipulation of mass, space, volume, texture, light, shadow, materials, programme, and realistic elements like cost, construction, and technology. This contrasts engineering design from architecture, which is typically motivated by the imaginative application of mathematical and scientific ideas.
What do you learn in Architecture?
These are potential areas of Architectural study:
- Architecture Design & History
- Building Construction & Material
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Design Fundamental
- Theories of Architecture & Design
Besides that, many courses also offer students design studio assignments where you will be required to come up with designs and plans for buildings and landscapes.
Skills Needed to Become An Architect
1. Strong Mathematical Ability
You must have a firm understanding of numerical concepts, especially in the areas of geometry and advanced algebra, because the entire concept of architecture is based on the laws and limitations of mathematics.
In architectural design, geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are all fundamental aspects. These mathematical formulae are used by architects to plan their blueprints or early sketch drawings. They also calculate the likelihood of problems that the building team will encounter as they realise the design goal in three dimensions.
2. Creativity
To be a good architect, you will need to be extremely creative as you will be spending your whole career constructing cutting-edge structures that push the bounds of visual appeal. The fundamental purpose of an architect is to be innovative and to achieve bold fresh concepts. You must continually innovate if you want your work to be recognisable and well-received.
3. Good Communication Skills
You will need to communicate with a large number of lawyers, constructors, surveyors, builders, governmental authorities, tradesmen, and structural engineers, each with specific interests and values. An overlooked but crucial element of the work is knowing how to communicate successfully with each individual and making sure that everyone’s requirements are fulfilled. It frequently determines whether a project is delivered successfully.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities
Few initiatives in history have ever been completely successful without some sort of incident. Large-scale construction initiatives are no different, as you might expect. Whether it be a legal matter or a material supply issue, when a design-related problem develops, you need to be highly adaptable to solve it swiftly and effectively. In either case, having a backup plan on hand is a crucial ability.
Career Options for Architecture Graduates
- 3D Visualiser
- Assistant Architecture
- CAD Technician
- Conceptualizer
- Construction Manager
- Design Consultant
- Landscape Architect
- Project Manager
- Technical Assistant
- Town Planner
General Pathway of Becoming an Architect in Malaysia
Step 1
After SPM/O-Levels, you are required to complete a Foundation, Diploma or Pre-University course (A-Levels, AUSMAT,IB Diploma, STPM,UEC).
Step 2
Apply for an Architecture degree, which will take 3 years to complete. Diploma students are automatically admitted to their 2nd year of study for an Architecture degree.
With an Architecture degree, you’ll be able to skip the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part 1 exam. You can only work as an Assistant Architect after earning your degree in Architecture.
Note: Make sure LAM will acknowledge your degree. You can take a LAM exam even if LAM does not recognise your degree for Part 1.
Step 3
LAM Part 2 certificate is necessary for becoming an Architect in Malaysia after earning your Architecture degree. After earning your Architecture degree, you can enrol for the 2-year Master of Architecture programme.
Step 4
LAM Part 3 certificate is required for Professional Architects having an “Ar” title. You must be in practise as Architect for at least 2 years and have completed all LAM mandated projects.
General Entry Requirements to Study Architecture in Malaysia
Below are the minimum requirements you would need to fulfil in order to be eligible to enter this programme in university:
i) Academic Entry Requirements
STPM | Minimum CGPA 2.00 |
A-Levels | Minimum 2Es |
Foundation | Minimum CGPA 2.00 |
Matriculation | Minimum CGPA 2.00 |
Diploma | Minimum CGPA 2.00 |
ii) English Language Entry Requirements
1119 (GCE-O) | Minimum Grade B |
IELTS | Minimum 6.0 |
MUET | Minimum Band 4 |
O-Level | Minimum Grade C |
TOEFL | Minimum 79 (Internet Based Test) |
UEC | Minimum B4 |
*Note: Requirements may vary among universities. Contact us for more details!
Top Private Universities to study Architecture
# 1 Taylor’s University
Located in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, Taylor’s University is a private institution of higher learning. In Malaysia, according to the QS World University Rankings, it is frequently recognised as the best private university.
In order to meet the growing enrollment, Taylor’s University built its Lakeside Campus in 2010. Syopz is a commercial building containing restaurants and stores on the campus’s grounds. The official student residence, U Residence, is also established there.
Taylor’s was given the Special Honour Award in 2011 in Category 3: Professional Awards in Landscape Design and Planning by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia. All three building categories—interior design, architecture, and landscape—were given to the Lakeside Campus.
Programme Offered | Major Electives offered include:
|
Intake | Jan, Mar, Aug |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) |
#2 SEGi University
In 1977, Systematic College in Kuala Lumpur’s business centre became SEGi University and Colleges (SEGi). Twenty thousand students are being served by SEGi throughout its five main campuses in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, and Sarawak.
The RISE platform is now available from SEGi. Working adults can enhance their credentials with SEGiRISE while still fitting work into their schedule.
Programme Offered | Major Electives offered include:
|
Intake | Feb, Apr, Jun, Sept, Nov |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) |
#3 First City University College
First City University College (formerly known as KBU International College) has a track record of producing highly employable graduates, prosperous business owners, and award winners thanks to its exceptional teaching and learning capabilities. It is made possible by a dedicated teaching staff with in-depth business knowledge, relationships with renowned overseas universities and reputable corporations, and particularly by courses given at competitive pricing.
With this new status, First City UC is now able to offer both its own internal degrees as well as dual award degrees with its cooperative international partners.
Programme Offered | Major Electives offered include:
|
Intake | Jun, Sept |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) |
#4 Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
Since its establishment in 1967 as a non-profit institution, MIA has educated and developed tens of thousands of creative people who have lent their talents to numerous sectors.
This institution has grown over the years, providing a variety of diploma courses in the areas of art, design, and music with thorough and well-designed course content.
At its own location in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, MIA offers courses in the fields of creative art and music. They place a greater emphasis on visual arts, such as painting and sketching, in comparison to other arts institutes in Malaysia.
Programme Offered | Major Electives offered include:
|
Intake | Jan |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) |
#5 UOW KDU
UOW Malaysia with its main campus located in Utropolis Glenmarie, Shah Alam, KDU University College (formerly KDU University College) is a private university college in Malaysia. UOW Malaysia KDU was one of the first private colleges in Malaysia to have its own purpose-built campus when it was established in 1983. It was a pioneer in Malaysian private education. KDU offers educational opportunities for students at the Certificate, Diploma, Degree, and Master’s levels.
KDU was one of the first private colleges in Malaysia to have its own purpose-built campus in Damansara Jaya. It was founded in 1983 and is considered a leader in Malaysian private education. The first group of students arrived at Kolej Damansara Utama (as it was once known) when it opened for enrollment and offered courses like the GCE A-Level and the American Credit Transfer programme. In collaboration with Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University), KDU launched the first overseas twinning programme in 1984, giving young Malaysians the chance to enrol in highly regarded programmes at a more reasonable price.
Programme Offered | Major Electives offered include:
|
Intake | Sept |
Duration | 3.5 years |
Indicative Fees (2022) |
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Brenda Wong
Simplicity is the best.