Top 10 Design Courses to Study in Malaysia
Top 10 Design Courses to Study in Malaysia
Which Design Course is Best to Study in Malaysia?
Design is all around us; physical spaces, virtual spaces, videos, movies, illustrations, graphics, fashion and photographs all influence our mood, feelings and decision-making. With the advancement of technology, it has changed the way we design and how. From Graphic Design for magazines and newspapers, it has now evolved and expanded to the Metaverse.
Job demand for designers have now increased due to the demand for creative content. This is good news for those who love to draw as you can build a successful career with your skill.
In addition, Malaysia’s private universities recognise the diversity within the creative industry and allow students to develop strong creative skills while exploring their own desired disciplines.
Creative students in Malaysia have many choices for their design course. There are many types of design courses like graphic design, multimedia design, animation, interior design, fashion design and more. Some design courses are similar while others are totally different. The design courses also vary in terms of popularity and in job demand. The type of design course that you choose could determine how successful you can be in a career in the creative industry.
You may also be interested to read the following articles:
- Job Demand for Creative Designers in Malaysia
- Top 5 Private Universities in Malaysia for Foundation in Design Course
- Top 10 Design Colleges & Universities in Malaysia
- Top Design Diploma & Degree Courses from the Best Universities in Malaysia
- Top 10 Best Courses to Study at University in Malaysia
- Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary
Which are the Top Creative Design Courses that has High Job Demand in Malaysia?
Eric Lau, Graduated from Graphic Design at First City University College
The rapid rate of digitalization — for example, the shift to online retail due to lockdowns — has opened up new roles in e-commerce with companies rushing to place creative ads on the various social media platforms. Those trends, in turn, have led businesses to implement new digital technologies, resulting in a surge in demand for creative designers especially in the digital area. As companies battle to maintain brand dominance, creative firms and in-house departments are taking on additional projects, more qualified and trained creative talent are needed .
One of the main aims for education is to obtain a job with high demand and stable salary. The creative design industry tend to be a challenging career for Malaysian students to choose as some parents are not sure of the stability of a job in this field. This is understandable as creative designers put in long work hours and salaries may not be very high.
Malaysia’s rapidly maturing digital creative industry, which includes animation, movies, and video games, is proving to be a significant growth driver to the nation.
In addition, a total of 35,000 jobs will be made available in the arts and creative industry through an allocation of RM100 million under the Pemulih programme announced by the Prime in June 2021.
There are many types of designers and roles that they do in a job. The demand for designers in Malaysia will depend on which type of design you specialise in. For example, the demand for a graphic or multimedia designer will be different for an illustrator or performing artist.
Top 10 Design Courses to Study in Malaysia
Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College
Studying design is challenging but rewarding, and a degree will take 3 years to complete. Design degree courses equip you with an ideal combination of both practical and theoretical skills. The majority of design graduates specialise in a specific area – for example 2D or 3D-design, product or web design, fashion or textiles, or photography – but there are courses that give a broad overview of the whole process. Compared to other professions, designers work with their hands and that is practised from the very beginning of their studies during university.
- Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)
- Game Design
- 3D Animation
- Visual Effects
- Multimedia Design
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Product Design or Industrial Design
- Film, Broadcasting & Cinematic Arts
- Fashion Design
There are many types of design courses and each university and college will offer various types of design courses. They won’t offer all the design courses therefore, students should know which field of design that they want to study, then you are able to choose the best university for that course.
Students who are not sure which course or university may fill up the Enquiry Form and we will guide you to choose the right one.
Brief Description of the Top 10 Design Courses
Zi En, Interior Design at First City University College
- Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
- AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual. AR users can control their presence in the real world; VR users are controlled by the system. VR requires a headset device, but AR can be accessed with a smartphone. AR enhances both the virtual and real world while VR only enhances a fictional reality.
- Game Design
- Game design sits under the broader field of video game development and refers to the use of creativity and design to develop a game for entertainment or educational purposes. It involves creating compelling stories, characters, goals, rules, and challenges that drive interactions with other characters, users, or objects.
- Animation Design
- Animation design is the act of creating visual effects and animations for a variety of multimedia, including video games, videos, and digital assets like websites and apps. These effects and animations can be 2D or 3D (CGI) and range from a simple loading icon that indicates something is happening behind the scenes to a full-scale animated video.
- Visual Effects
- VFX is a way to add visual elements to moving media that does not happen during live-action filming. Filmmakers use VFX software to add computer-generated imagery (CGI) and other effects.
- Multimedia Design
- Multimedia design is the art of integrating different media, including text, images, audio and video to communicate with an audience. A multimedia designer creates digital art and interactive content for video games, web content, commercials, TV, and film. As a multimedia designer, you develop special effects using audio, video, graphics, and other electronic media
- Interior Design
- Interior design is defined as the professional and comprehensive practice of creating an interior environment that addresses, protects, and responds to human need(s). It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics.
- Graphic Design
- Graphic design is a craft where professionals create visual content to communicate messages. By applying visual hierarchy and page layout techniques, designers use typography and pictures to meet users’ specific needs and focus on the logic of displaying elements in interactive designs to optimize the user experience.
- Product Design
- Product design is the process of creating new products for sale businesses to its customers. It involves the generation and development of ideas through a systematic process that leads to the creation of innovative products. Thus, it is a major aspect of new product development.
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Design (ID) is the professional practice of designing products, devices, objects, and services used by millions of people around the world every day. Industrial designers typically focus on the physical appearance, functionality, and manufacturability of a product, though they are often involved in far more during a development cycle. All of this ultimately extends to the overall lasting value and experience a product or service provides for end-users.
- Film & TV Production
- Film and TV production comprehensively covers all aspects of the practical and theoretical aspects of filmmaking, including, Directing, Camera work and Lighting, Producing, Editing, Scriptwriting, Film Analysis and Visual Literacy.
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Designing is really a form of art that is dedicated to the creation of clothing and other accessories that form part of someone’s lifestyle. Modern fashion designing can be further divided into two broad categories: ready to wear and haute couture.
What is the Education Pathway into a Design Course at a Private University in Malaysia?
Tan, Design graduate from First City University College
Students with SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels qualifications may consider going directly for the Foundation in Design courses or a more general Foundation in Arts course before continuing on to the degree. The subjects in the Foundation course are general and would give you some time to decide which design course to choose for your degree such as multimedia design, graphic design, interior design, fashion design or animation.
If you are sure of which area of design you want to specialise in, then you may go for the diploma course for 2 years before entering into Year 2 of the related design degree course. Courses available for you to choose from would be diploma in graphic design, diploma in multimedia design, diploma in interior design, diploma in fashion design, etc.
Some universities would require you to submit a portfolio of your design work for evaluation for entry if you did not take a design subject in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels.
Option 1 – Foundation in Design
Post-secondary school students who love design but are not sure of which design specialisation yet can choose the Foundation in Design. You will learn different types of design courses as well as the fundamentals of design.
Option 1 – Design diploma
Students who are sure of which area of design course that they want to specialise in should go for the diploma. You will study design subjects that are specific to the specialisation which would suit your interest and help to develop an in-depth understanding. It is more practical and has an internship.
Option 3 – Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science
Students who are still not sure of which course to study for their degree programme can go for the Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science depending on which stream you are from and how wide you want your choices to be. However, there are no design subjects in these Foundation programmes and you may have to take an extra semester of design subjects before you can enter into Year 1 of the Design degree.
Option 4 – External Pre-University Programme
This pathway would be similar to those taking Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science. You would be totally unsure of which degree programme that you want to study. You may want an internationally recognised Pre-University Programme and plan to study overseas. External Pre-University programmes like the A-Levels, AUSMAT, SACEi, CPU, MUFY, etc are more expensive, academic in nature and challenging. Those who know that they want to study a design degree would normally not choose this pathway as it is more academic.
How to Choose the Best Private University or College to Study Design in Malaysia
Kenneth, Interior Design at Taylor’s University
The best private universities and colleges in Malaysia have excellent facilities, years of experience running the graphic design programme, strong student support services, internships and experienced lecturers.
They are also accredited by MQA and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. The best private university or college in Malaysia will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular courses, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment (not a party university), internships, good mix of international & local students, extra-curricular activities and good facilities. The SETARA ranking is a guide for students to assess the quality of a private university in Malaysia.
When choosing a university and college in Malaysia, 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. Talk to the lecturers and find out from the counselors there about the courses and check if the courses have been accredited by MQA.
The environment should be one where students speak mostly in English so that you can improve your English and communication skills. If you are weak in English and choose a cheap university where the students speak mainly in Mandarin, it will be difficult for you to improve your English.
Star newspaper has reported that graduates with good English earn 25% higher salary and get faster promotion. The Ministry of Education reported that there were more than 70,000 public university jobless graduates and one of the main reasons was poor command of the English language. The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever. Remember the best university doesn’t mean it is the best university for you. The best university is one that fits your career goals, your personality and can push you to a higher level of success.
Common Factors in Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia to Study
Chin Xien & Zhi Yih, Interior Design at First City University College
Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia:
- Diploma and degrees offered
- Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Accreditation by MQA and other relevant professional bodies in Malaysia
- Type of programme (local degree, 3+0 UK or Australian degree, 4+0 American degree, degree transfer programme, etc)
- Entry requirements (Branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- Location of the university
- Size of the student population
- Student culture (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc)
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
- Costs (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- Financial assistance (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
- Campus resources (labs, libraries, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)
- Internship and co-op programs
- Class size (Small class size for personal attention)
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Safety (campus, community)
- Make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
- Extra-curricular activities (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Housing options (on-campus, off-campus apartments)
- Student support services
- Intake dates
Talk to the Best Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Make the Right Choice in your Studies
Jia Jin, Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University
Choosing a course to study after SPM is not a science, it is a process. 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 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 20 years advising students with facts and evidence on how to choose the right course after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels. 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.
Still not sure of where to study?
Kin Fen, Design student at Saito College
WhatsApp me at 01111408838 to find out more. I have more than 20 years experience working at top private universities and having counselled thousands of students, I will be able to guide you through your confusion and questions to help you make the right choice.
I will take you to visit the universities and colleges to talk to the lecturers as well as tour the campuses. Check out the design facilities and the work of their students. Explain to you about the design courses and the costs of studying.
Send me a message now to make an appointment that will change your life!
