What You Need to Know About Studying Diploma in Interior Design (Interior Architecture) in Malaysia
Study Interior Design in Malaysia
All You Need to Know About Studying the Diploma in Interior Design or Interior Architecture in Malaysia
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The Diploma in Interior Design programme is designed to prepare students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels to create functional and dynamic interior spaces, public places, homes or offices. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the ability to create both the aesthetic and technical aspects required for professional interior design practice.
Throughout the diploma program, students will learn to develop creative and innovative design abilities by working on individual projects which deal with the theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of interior design. Students will be exposed to complex problem of modern environments in the context of style, taste, culture and humanity. At the end of the Diploma in Interior Design program, students will be able to meet the challenges and demands of the design profession in an effective manner.
When choosing a college or university for interior design in Malaysia, it is important to look at their reputation, awards won, lecturers’ experience, facilities and accreditation. Looking at these criteria will help you to choose the best college or university in Malaysia that suits you.
You may also be interested to read:
- 3 Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for Interior Design (Interior Architecture) Degree Courses
- Malaysia’s Top Private Universities Offering Interior Design Architecture Degree Courses Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia
- Top 4 Universities in Malaysia for Interior Architecture Design Courses
- Study at a Top University in Malaysia for Interior Design (Interior Architecture)
- Choose to Study at the Best Colleges & Universities in Malaysia for Interior Design or Interior Architecture Diploma
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What You Need to Know About Studying the Diploma in Interior Design (Interior Architecture) at Private Universities in Malaysia
Zi En, Interior Design at First City University College
Top Private Colleges and Universities in Malaysia offer the Diploma in Interior Design which is a 2.5-year course including the internship. It is a highly practical course for creative students after high school who are sure of pursuing a career in interior design. The course should be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). A top private university or college offering the Diploma in Interior Design programme will prepare you well for the degree programme. Upon completion of the Diploma, you will enter into Year 2 of the Interior Architecture & Design degree.
Students wanting to work in Malaysia as professional interior designers or interior architects must have at least a degree in interior design or interior architecture from an accredited university. The degree needs to be recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). Study at top private universities whose interior architecture and design degree programmes are accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).
Which are the Top Private Universities & Colleges Offering the Diploma in Interior Design?
Kenneth, Interior Design at Taylor’s University
Students should choose reputable private colleges who have offered the Diploma in Interior Design for many years and have a proven track record. Winning awards in interior design competitions would be one way to gauge the quality of the programme. In order to win the award, the lecturers and students would need to have achieved a high level of capability.
Facilities play an important role in interior design education and students should look for universities that have computing labs with the relevant software, woodwork workshop, materials lab, 3D Printer, and design studios.
The following top private universities and colleges below are some of the best universities and colleges for the Diploma in Interior Design course in Malaysia:
- Taylor’s College
- First City University College
- Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
- Saito University College
How long is the Diploma in Interior Design Course?
The Diploma in Interior Design programme is 2.5 years in duration that includes the internship.
What you will study in a Diploma in Interior Design or Interior Architecture in Malaysia?
Below are a sample of the subjects that you would study in a Diploma in Interior Design (Interior Architecture) at top universities or colleges in Malaysia.
Wei Siong, Diploma in Interior Design at First City University College
- Interior Design Studio
- Design Communication
- Interior Design Technology
- Computer-Aided Design
- Architecture History
- Working Drawings
- Architectural Graphics
- Design History
- English for Academic Writing
- Colour Studies
- Building Material Studies
- Photography & Digital Imaging
- Temporary Structure Design
- Introduction to Visual Culture
- Tender and Contract Documentation
- Art & Design Fundamentals
- Construction Drawing
How many Subjects are there in a Diploma in Interior Design Course at a Private University in Malaysia?
Students will take 30-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. In addition, there will be an internship at the end of the course.
Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Students are required by the government to take about 3-4 MPU subjects during their diploma studies. You will need a Minimum of 90 Credits or 30 subjects to Graduate.
How is the Assessment for Diploma in Interior Design Courses?
Zhi Yih, Interior Design at First City University College
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Methods of Delivery
- Lectures
- Lab work
- Tutorials
- Field visits (e.g. business organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, government-related corporations, etc.)
- Scenario-based learning
- Guest lecture series (prominent speakers from the industry and academic institutions)
- Interactive learning
Can I change to another private university for the degree course?
After completing your diploma in interior design, you can continue on to Year 2 of the related degree if your college or university offers it or you can transfer the diploma credits to another private university in Malaysia or even overseas to Australia or UK.
What are the Entry Requirements for Diploma in Interior Design Courses at Private Universities in Malaysia?
Kezhan, Diploma in Interior Design at First City University College
The minimum entry requirement for the diploma in interior design programme is one of the following:
- SPM Certificate with three credits in any subject and passes in BM and Sejarah
- Senior Middle Three UEC with 3Bs
- IGCSE/’O’ Levels certificate or equivalent with three credits in any subject
Students who do not fulfill the entry requirements listed above can still enter into a Certificate in Design course before continuing on with their diploma.
Minimum entry requirements for the Certificate in Design will be as follows:
- SPM Certificate with at least one credit
- IGCSE/’O’ Levels certificate or equivalent with at least one credit.
What is the Education Pathway to Becoming a Professional Interior Designer or Interior Architect in Malaysia
Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in interior architecture can consider going for the 2.5-year Diploma in Interior Architecture or Interior Design with 3 credits.You may check the Entry Requirements for the Diploma by clicking on this link. Upon completion of the diploma, students can enter into Year 2 of the Interior Design or Interior Architecture degree for another 2 years.
If you are still unsure of what to study, then you can go for the 1-year Foundation in Arts , Foundation in Design or Foundation in Natural and Built Environment with 5 credits and then enter into the 3.5-year Interior Architecture degree at top private universities in Malaysia.
Students with the necessary 3 credits in SPM can apply for the PTPTN Loan for their Diploma. There is also no PTPTN loan for Foundation studies. PTPTN Loan is also available for the degree course.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for the Diploma in Interior Design Courses?
Zhi Yih, Interior Design at First City University College
Yes, students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma in interior design courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)
Students whose parents are under Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) may get the full PTPTN Loan amount RM14,030 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 13,600 (Arts-related Diploma). This is the total loan amount for the whole course.
Students whose parents’ combined income is not more than RM8,000 but not under BR1M will get RM10,520 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 10,200 (Arts-related Diploma).
Finally, students whose parents’ combined income is more than RM8,000 will get RM7,010 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 6,800 (Arts-related Diploma).
The details of the loan level are as below:
| No | Level | Description of Eligibility |
| 1 | Maximum | Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recipient of BR1M |
| 2 | 75% from maximum loan amount | Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
| 3 | 50% from maximum loan amount | Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester. Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.
PTPTN Loan Amount
| PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS | JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT* | ||
| MAKSIMUM(RM) | 75%(RM) | 50%(RM) | |
| Diploma in Business | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for the Diploma in Interior Design Course?
Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.
Do I need to Study an Interior Design Degree that’s Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)?
Students wanting to work in Malaysia as professional interior designers or interior architects must have at least a degree in interior design or interior architecture from an accredited university. The degree needs to be recognised by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). Study at top private universities whose interior architecture and design degree programmes are accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).
An Interior Design (Interior Architecture) degree programme is a pre-professional programme that provides a recognised qualification in Interior Architecture, which is necessary in the journey to become a Registered Interior Designer in Malaysia.
What is the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)?
THE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS MALAYSIA IS A STATUTORY AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARCHITECTS ACT 1967
The functions of the Board are provided under the Section 4(1) of the aforesaid Act which includes the following :
- Registration of Architects, Graduate Architects, Interior Designers, Graduate Interior Designers, Building Draughtsmen, Inspector of Works and Architectural Technologists;
- Registration of Architectural Consultancy Practices and Interior Design Consultancy Practices;
Regulation of their conduct and ethics; - Conducting examinations for admission to the profession;
- Accreditation of architectural programmes;
- Development and Promotion of the profession;
- Representing the architectural profession in any matter at local and international levels.
Which are the Private Universities & Colleges offering the Interior Design (Interior Architecture) Degree Course Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
Kenneth, Interior Design at Taylor’s University
The universities below have full campuses and excellent interior design facilities such as wood workshops, 3D Printers, design studios, art galleries and more. In addition, they have won numerous awards in the prestigious interior design competitions as listed above.
Furthermore, their degree programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as well as meeting the requirements of accreditation by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) in order for graduates to practice as professional interior designers or interior architects in Malaysia.
Choose to Study at Private Universities in Malaysia that has Won Awards in Interior Design (Interior Architecture)
Awards are an indication of the quality of the interior design programme at the university or college. Having won many awards in interior design competitions would show that the students have gained excellent knowledge and skills from their experienced lecturers in the university or college.
When choosing a top university or college in Malaysia for interior design (interior architecture), you can check to see if they have won any of the following awards:
- Nippon Paint Young Designer Awards (NPYDA)
- Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers’ (MIID) Malaysian Interior Design Awards (MIDA)
- Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) Furniture Design Competition
- Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Architectural Students Workshop
What can you work as with a Diploma in Interior Design?
- Design Assistant
- Draftsperson
- Furniture Designer
- Site Supervisor
- 3-D Visualiser
- Graphic Designer
- In-house Designer
- Facility Manager
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIPLOMA IN INTERIOR DESIGN GRADUATES IN MALAYSIA
- Interior Design Companies
- Architectural Firms
- Theatre and Stage Design Studios
- Production Design Companies
- Furniture Design Companies
- Lighting Design Houses
What do Interior Designers do?
Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College
An interior designer can undertake projects that include arranging the basic layout of spaces within a building as well as projects that require an understanding of technical issues such as acoustics, lighting, temperature, etc.
Although an interior designer may create the layout of a space, they may not build the space without having their designs stamped for approval by an architect, which is why many interior designers also complete school to become architects as well. An interior designer may wish to specialize in a particular type of interior design in order to develop technical knowledge specific to that area.
Types of interior design include residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, universal design, exhibition design, spatial branding, etc. The interior designer is responsible for the interior design, decoration, and functionality of a client’s space, whether the space is commercial, industrial, or residential.
Many people do not know that interior design does not deal purely with design factors but that interior designers need to possess good organizational skills. The Interior designer is like a project manager as he or she will work closely with architects and clients to determine the structure of a space, the needs of the occupants, and the style that best suits both. There is an emphasis on planning, functional design, and effective use of space.
An interior designer can undertake projects that include arranging the basic layout of spaces within a building as well as projects that require an understanding of technical issues such as acoustics, lighting, temperature, etc.Although an interior designer may create the layout of a space, they may not build the space without having their designs stamped for approval by an architect, which is why many interior designers also complete school to become architects as well.
An interior designer may wish to specialize in a particular type of interior design in order to develop technical knowledge specific to that area. Types of interior design include residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, universal design, exhibition design, spatial branding, etc.
The position is a combination of engineer and artist, and it takes a unique type of mind to handle both of those concepts well. Interior designers have to be good with more than color, fabric, and furniture; interior designers should have a strong knowledge of the different types of materials and their functionality, possess budgeting skills, able to communicate well, and coordinate the ordering, installation, and maintenance of all objects that define a space.
Interior designers need to gain a broad knowledge such as electrical capacity, safety, and construction. This broader range of required knowledge is what makes them different from interior decorators. Interior designers have to be able to work with contractors and clients alike, planning and implementing all aesthetic and functional decisions, from faucet handles to miles of carpeting —and all this usually must be done within a fixed budget. Interior designers are hired for their expertise in a variety of styles and approaches, not merely their design concepts.
Therefore, they have to be able to balance their own tastes and their clients’ tastes—and be willing to put their clients’ tastes first. This requirement can be frustrating at first for many who enter the profession. Interior designers are often asked to begin their planning before construction of a space is finished; this means that they must be good at scheduling and comfortable reading blueprints.
This element of the job comes as a surprise to many new interior designers, who expect to have less of an administrative and technical role and more of a role in influencing the overall feel and appearance of a space. Those who thrive in the industry say this ability to balance the practical with the aesthetic is crucial to being a successful interior designer. Interior design is hard work, but those who do it well find the work very satisfying.
