Are you someone who’s interested in livable, functional, safe, and aesthetic spaces? Perhaps you want to simply turn your Sims, Animal Crossing, or Minecraft designs into reality? Well, you can consider Interior Architecture as a study option. Keep reading to find out universities to study Degree in Interior Architecture in Malaysia.
What is Interior Architecture?
Interior Architecture centres on interior spaces of buildings. Interior Architecture is where art and science are blended to design, create, restore, adapt, buildings and structural spaces. Interior Architecture differs from Interior Design. A simple difference between the two is that Interior Design focuses more on aesthetics, which is not always the case for Interior Architecture. You can read our article on the difference between Interior Design and Interior Architecture here.
Professionals of the Interior Architecture field, usually Interior Architects, are involved in the process of designing and building interiors for safety, functionality and aesthetics. Interior Architects would take into consideration proper plumbing, electrical system setups, lighting, furnishings, down to minute details of the space to ensure that the space is habitable, safe, sustainable, functional, and connected together seamlessly.
Skills Required for Interior Architecture
- Creative
Having the skill of being creative is crucial in bringing a client’s vision to life and helps with finding innovative ways to design and work with an interior space. Creativity ensures the interior space is aesthetic, functional, safe, and approved of.
- Detail Oriented
Being detail oriented ensures tasks are carried out meticulously. These tasks can range from selection of materials, optimising spatial arrangements, choosing colour palettes. Attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the design is considered resulting in the durability of the design and client satisfaction.
- Resourceful
The trait of being resourceful is advantageous in ensuring the efficiency of carrying out a project. Resourcefulness benefits in networking with suppliers, finding cost-effective solutions, and adapting in the dynamic field of Interior Architecture.
- Professionalism
Professionalism is necessary in ensuring safety regulations and protocol for buildings are observed. This skill is also favourable for clear communication and liaising with clients and team as well as preserving that relationship.
- Well-Informed
As a way of staying relevant, having fresh ideas, producing high quality projects, and keeping up with the dynamic industry of Interior Architecture, the skills of being well-informed would deem fit. This would also include staying informed about new softwares you can utilise to create your designs.
Career Options for Interior Architecture
- Interior Designer
- Interior Architect
- Conceptualiser
- Event & Exhibition Designer
- Film, TV, Stage, Set & Theatre Designer
- In-House Designer
- Interior Model Specialist
- Environmental & Theme Park Design
- Interior Photographer
- Visualiser (2D & 3D)
General Pathway for Interior Designers in Malaysia
First, complete an SPM or equivalent examination which qualifies you into a pre-university programme or a diploma programme.
Second, pass a pre-university or diploma programme which qualifies you into an accredited Interior Architecture Bachelor Degree or other relevant undergraduate programme. Note that some of the undergraduate programmes might require a portfolio review.
Third, register with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and pass the Interior Design Licensure Examination to professionally practise as an Interior Designer in Malaysia.
General Requirements to study Interior Architecture in Malaysia
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CC with CGPA 2.00 |
UEC | Pass with Min. 5Bs |
A-Levels | 2 Principal Passes |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 55 |
IB Diploma | 26 in 6 Subjects |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 4.0 |
MUET | Band 1 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to study Interior Architecture in Malaysia
1. Taylor’s University
Taylor University prides itself in being acknowledged as an education institution that offers top-notch faculty, innovative teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the educational experience for its students. Taylor’s University is also one of the most well-known private universities in Southeast Asia and Malaysia with consistent place in top rankings.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture programme by Taylor’s is accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) ensuring a comprehensive curriculum for those wanting to pursue a profession in the Interior Architecture field. Taylor’s University has linkage with named corporations such as Veritas and EcoWorld. Students will also have industry exposure through professional practice.
Programme Offered | The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture |
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | February, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 121,010 International Students: USD 31,349 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. INTI International University & College
INTI International University and College is committed to providing its graduates with an education that will enable them to foster their potential and pursue their passions. This is achieved through appropriate and conducive learning environments that are equipped with the necessary equipment and facilities. INTI also has an extensive range of partnerships with international education institutions and industries.
The Bachelor of Art (Honours) Interior Architecture & Design 3.5+0 Programme by INTI collaborates with Sheffield Hallam University, UK, providing enriching education designed to encourage risk-taking and inventive problem-solving approaches. The programme is accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and imbues a compulsory industry placement.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Art (Honours) Interior Architecture & Design 3.5+0 |
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | April, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 88,688 International Students: RM 88,688 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. UCSI University
UCSI University started out as a computer training institute and has since grown into one of Malaysia’s private higher education institutes providing transformative education to nurture professionalism, integrity, grit, and passion, to its graduates. UCSI also offers a broad range of credentials through collaborations with prestigious universities throughout the globe.
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture programme by UCSI University is structured to groom graduates who thrive in the Interior Architecture field. With full accreditations from Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, engaging community projects, and industrial placements, graduates will learn to adapt to the dynamic field of Interior Architecture thus keeping up to speed with clients’ expectations.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture |
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | January, July |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 75,464 International Students: RM 90,800 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOW) aims to become a preeminent worldwide education supplier, offering students life-changing opportunities via contemporary curriculum and individualised instruction. Aside from the focus on education, they also believe in providing a positive university experience to their graduates through dozens of extracurricular activities and clubs.
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture by UOW emphasises on understanding of efficient design processes and the creative aspect of built environment design as well as many other notions of the Interior Architecture field. The programme included practical training, hands-on projects, and the opportunity for a two-week mobility programme.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture |
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | January, March, May, July, September, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 70,945 International Students: RM 82,460 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Malaysian Institute of Art
Malaysian Institute of Art, abbreviated as MIA, was initially a non-profit organisation dedicated to training and cultivating creative professionals in various scenes of Malaysia. Now, MIA has grown into a learning institution meant to provide affordable and quality creative art education to continue the progress of the creative arts industry in Malaysia.
The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design programme by MIA is an industry-aligned Interior Architecture course with accreditations from Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). The programme allows for students to work closely with industry professionals for exposure in various aspects of Interior Architecture together with an embedded industrial training course. Also, take note that the programme is only offered to local students.
Programme Offered | BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design |
Duration | 3.5 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 60,828 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.