Data Analytics, Data Science or sometime known as Big Data is everywhere. It lies in your gadgets counting your footsteps, in the number of sales for a sneaker shop, the amount of students who pass an examination, your personalised viewing recommendation on Netflix, and so much more. Taking these situations into consideration, data analytics is present anywhere and everywhere. However, data on its own does not benefit the community at large. That’s where Data Analytics comes in.
In this article, we provided for you everything you need to know about studying Data Analytics/Data Science including recommended university for Data Analytics/Data Science in Malaysia.
What is Data Analytics?
Data Analytics is all the steps involved in analysing data and drawing out insights. This includes collecting, transforming, organising, raw data and then, drawing conclusions, making predictions, outlining smart decisions.
Data Analytics helps in gaining actionable insights, making informed decisions and predicting future trends and actions through data instead of guesswork, intuition, or as some people would say, vibes. As such, Data Analytics is crucial in order for businesses and corporations to thrive and succeed.
Within an organisation, Data Analytics is significant in most departments, including marketing, finance, and sales, in order to determine insights and understanding of their audience, clientele, industry, trends, patterns, and the company itself. From there, improvements and strategies can be made.
Some would equate the work of a Data Analyst with that of a translator because Data Analysts are capable of translating and communicating incomprehensible numbers and raw data to a more common language to their team.
Do take note that Data Analytics and Data Analysis are different. Data Analytics is a broader category which encompasses the subcategory and field of Data Analysis. Apart from Data Analytics, Data Analytics can include Data Science and Data Engineering.
Jobs with Data Analytics
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- IT Risk Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Software Tool Developer
- Data Innovation Manager
- Machine Learning Scientist
- Business Process Engineer
- Data Visualisation Developer
- Business Intelligence Developer
Key Attributes for a Data Analyst
A Data Analyst should have the attribute of curiosity to derive meaningful and insightful questions when exploring large amounts of datasets. From the questions, they can uncover patterns, gain insights, and act accordingly.
- Analytical
A Data Analyst typically would deal with problem-solving by extracting information from data programs as part of their job responsibilities. Having Analytical skills would greatly benefit their success in the Data Analytics field.
- Resourceful
A Data Analyst should be resourceful to ensure that they are always learning new skills and keeping up with advancements in the field, as well as finding new and diverse ways of tackling issues relating to Data Analytics.
- Perseverance
Analysing data and finding solutions can be challenging and time-consuming. With the perseverance attribute, Data Analysts can stay on track with their tasks without compromising progress.
- Aptitude for Mathematics
Typically, before becoming a Data Analyst, you would need to study in programmes which include programming or computing, together with Mathematics. That’s why, an aptitude for Mathematics is an advantageous trait.
How to become a Data Analyst in Malaysia
After completion of relevant examinations which are equivalent to SPM, students should enrol in a pre-university or diploma programme that qualifies them to a Bachelor Degree in Data Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or any other relevant study area. For more information on which programmes which allows you to enrol in these undergraduate degrees, reach out to us!
After completion or during your Bachelor Degree, you can join internship programmes to gain professional experience and build credentials. After graduating with a with a degree from a university for Data Science in Malaysia, you can look for entry-level roles for Data Analysts.
You also have the option to take a Master Degree in areas such as Data Science to boost your credentials and expertise.
After several years of work experience you can take on roles such as a Senior Data Analyst or work in managerial positions in the professional field of Data Analytics.
General entry requirements to study at university for Data Science in Malaysia
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA of 2.00 (Credit in SPM Maths) |
Diploma | CGPA 2.50 (Computing & ICT-Related) |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 (Credit in SPM Maths and Science or SPM Additional Mathematics / Maths and STEM Subject) |
UEC | 5 Credits (B6) (including Additional Mathematics) |
A-Levels | 8 |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Average of 60% in 5 Subjects |
IB Diploma | 24 points |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3.5 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Best University for Data Science and Data Analytics in Malaysia
Following are the best university for Data Science in Malaysia that you can consider to study:
1. Monash University
Monash University Malaysia is an internationally accredited university, comparable to its Australian equivalent. Graduates will have the chance to engage with students from all over the world in an inclusive campus community, expanding global and cultural horizons. Monash University in Malaysia is a cost-effective option with an Australian academic distinction.
In Monash University’s Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science programme, students will have the chance to partake in the Data Analytics and Visualisation study area among many related areas. Students will also have practical capstone projects as well as an industry attachment alongside their comprehensive curriculum meant to ensure graduates are knowledgeable and skilled in their profession of the Data Analytics field.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, July, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 133,920 International Students: RM 152,640 |
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. Asia Pacific University
The Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation, or commonly known APU, is an award-winning higher institution in Malaysia which advocates for integrating technology, innovation, and creativity into their curriculum with hopes of contributing to shaping skilled, versatile, and employable graduates.
APU has also been named as the Premier Digital Tech University by MDEC, where digital technology courses offered by the institution are meant to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and abilities for the industry. The BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Specialism in Data Analytics offered at APU is designed to ensure students graduate with impeccable industry-relevant skills.
Programme Offered | BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Specialism in Data Analytics |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | March, July, September, November |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 98,300 International Students: RM 99,500 (USD 22,610) |
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. INTI International College
A prominent private higher education provider in Malaysia, INTI International College, located in Subang, offers its students individualised education tailored to their particular industry and field, including courses in Computer Science and Information Technology.
The Computing and Information Technology faculty of INTI collaborates with notable companies in the digital technology space, including IBM and cisco. Through these agreements, INTI graduates can gain an additional advantage for their job aspirations, differentiating themselves as professional candidates when they enter the digital technology or Data Analytics field.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Computer Science (3+0) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | March, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 86,900 International Students: RM 86,900 |
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. UCSI University
UCSI University, which has a long history of excellence in teaching and learning, is rapidly becoming known for its contributions to research and innovation in higher education. Since its founding, the university has distinguished itself with a proven track record of delivering top-notch education with over 150 programmes.
UCSI’s Institute of Computer Science and Digital Innovation (ICSDI) was founded with the goals of advancing innovation through technology and ensuring that its graduates are prepared to face a variety of difficulties not only today, but also in the future. The Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science with Honours at UCSI has an enriching syllabus aimed to equip graduates with knowledge and principles based around real-world data science problems.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science with Honours |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 73,330 International Students: RM 83,540 |
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. HELP University
HELP University, founded in 1986, is a notable tertiary education provider in Malaysia with two campus locations in the Klang Valley area. HELP prides itself as a pioneer for twinning programmes in Malaysia, offering a broad range of courses and programmes which have opportunities for transfer as well as industry linkages with named companies.
Following the demand for Data Analysts in businesses, HELP has structured their Bachelor go Information Technology (Hons) Data Analytics programme to develop graduates who are skilled in understanding the needs of an enterprise and managing solutions which are data driven. Students will learn the latest data analytics methods and tools, including fundamental and advanced statistical and mathematical principles, and support or develop the technological platforms of an enterprise to achieve competitive advantage.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Data Analytics |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, August, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 76,450 International Students: RM 76,450 |
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!
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.