Industry-Based Design Programmes at First City University College, Malaysia

First City UC Design Students Get Hands-on Practical Experience on What Industry Requires

WHEN it comes to preparing students to be industry-ready, nothing beats getting a hands-on experience where students can apply what they have learned and get a feel of actual working life.

The experiences gained from such an experience prepares students to be workplace-ready and able to adapt seamlessly to working life when they graduate.

With this in mind, industry-based projects are embedded into the curriculum at First City University College  (First City UC). With this, students get to apply their knowledge and skills to actual industrial needs identified by the industry partners themselves. Such projects create valuable experiences for the students and stand them in good stead to build a successful career in the future.

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

First City UC Industry-Based Approach Produces Job Ready Graduates

The Faculty of Design and Built Environment (FDBE) of First City UC has been constantly establishing partnerships and collaborations with many industry players for industry-based projects to be adopted. This is to ensure FDBE students are industry-ready before graduation.

A recent collaboration between First City UC’s FDBE and Avante Hotel is an example of how students are prepared to be industry-ready before graduation.

The recent collaboration with Avanté Hotel in Bandar Utama City Centre, Petaling Jaya saw students from two programmes – Diploma in Graphic Design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Graphic Design, participate in a cake packaging and videography competition organised by the hotel.

The cake packaging competition was organised in conjunction with Mother’s Day, this year. For the videography competition, students were required to produce a video showcasing the 610-room luxurious hotel with all its facilities including the pillarless Grand Ballroom and the 13 conference/meeting rooms, saltwater infinity pool, spa and wading pool, Kiddies Club, SkyDeck, Chek’s Coffee House and others.

The industry partner congratulated the participating students and commended their creativity in coming up with industry-standard designs. They were particularly impressed with the students’ packaging designs and indicated that some designs would be adopted for use not only for Mother’s Day campaign but throughout the year.

In another recent collaboration with Bandar Utama Development Sdn Bhd, students from FDBE’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Interior Architecture and Design programme participated in the 9BU Roundabout Design Competition. The competition required participants to design a structure for a roundabout strategically located in the BU9 residential area.

Judges for this community-inspired project were Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) vice president Assoc Prof Dr Nor Atiah Ismail and representatives from BU9 Condominium Residents Association. ILAM members and public universities were also invited to participate in the competition.

Year Two student in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Interior Architecture and Design programme at First City UC, Tan Jia Xin won the Grand Prize and walked away with an RM5,000 cash prize.

These two recent collaborations by FDBE are good examples of how industry-based projects could prepare students to be industry-ready before graduation.

Industry-Based Approach Produced Many Design Award-Winners throughout the Years

Partnering with the industry has helped First City UC design students to understand its needs and through their innovation won them hundreds of awards throughout the years. For example, Frankie Ong – BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design – won the Silver Award in the 15th Annual International Design Awards 2020, Los Angeles, USA while Reven Oh Gein Heir & Beh Wei Herng – BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design – won the Gold Award in the International Furniture Design Innovation (IFDI) 2020.

In the International Design Awards 2019 (IDA), Teh Wei Jie – BA (Hons) Interior Architecture degree won the GOLD AWARD for the Interior Design Student Category.

These are just some examples of how First City UC has produced top design students using this approach.

First City UC Faculty of Design and Built Environment (FDBE) Programmes

FDBE currently offers programmes in Art and Design (Foundation), Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing, Furniture and Product Design, Interior Architecture and Design and Design Management (Postgraduate).

• Foundation in Art & Design 
• Diploma in Graphic Design
• Diploma in Interior Design
• BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
• BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design
• BA (Hons) in Fashion Marketing

Top Design Programmes for Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels may go for the Foundation in Art and Design or into the Graphic Design or Interior Design Diploma Programmes.

Those who are sure of pursuing their studies in interior design or graphic design may choose the diploma pathway as the course is more in-depth and practical. You will only need at least 3Cs in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels to enter.

On the other hand, students who are unsure of which design programme that would fit them could go for the 1-year Foundation in Art & Design and study a variety of fundamental design subjects that will help prepare you for any design programme at degree level.

Foundation in Art and Design

The Foundation in Art and Design programme provides a comprehensive Art and Design education which exposes students to practical studio work, research, and the creation of 2D and 3D designs. The programme develops students’ skills in conceptual thinking, visual analysis, fundamental drawing, color studies and critical writing.

This 1-year programme aims to introduce students to a wide range of activities in Art and Design education. Students will gain beneficial experience in both theoretical and hands-on practical studio work and be equipped for higher level programmes. They will also develop creativity, visual awareness and the ability to be critically selective.

The programme cultivates an analytical and critical approach to visual research. Students will be familiar with contemporary theories and practices in Art and Design with regards to historical and social contexts. They are encouraged to participate in problem-solving activities to nurture creative, intellectual and critical awareness which will in turn foster their ability to observe, select and interpret visual forms in a man-made or natural environment.

Diploma in Graphic Design

Students with a keen interest in computers and design will find the Diploma in Graphic Design Programme as being the best of both worlds.

The programme aims to introduce students to basic research and analysis of information and equip them with the ability to evaluate ideas and deliver critical judgement.

Students are encouraged to develop personal visual skills and vision through exciting and challenging hands-on practical multimedia projects such as producing designs for corporate identity, packaging, publication, social media, web, video, mobile app, motion graphic, animation, illustration, photography, and, advertising and branding. using a collection of essential computer software.

The 7-semester programme strives to deliver industry-ready graduates and future trendsetters in the design industry as they are equipped with creative, technical and vocational skills.

Diploma in Interior Design

Meanwhile, students with passion in designing specific and focused spaces would find the Diploma in Interior Design programme especially enticing.

The programme emphasizes the fusion of conceptual thinking and practical interior design skills. It provides students with a better understanding of the structure of a building interior as well as its mechanics. Students will navigate their studies through various modern computer applications and design software.

Students enrolled in the programme will develop problem-solving skills as the programme incorporates a variety of disciplines from psychology, sociology, history, management and business practices. Students will graduate from this programme industry-ready and become future game changers.

Graduates from the Diploma in Graphic Design programme have the liberty to explore career opportunities in creative direction, illustration, editorial work, social media, exhibition and production, graphic and print publication, packaging and branding, and identity design. Meanwhile, graduates from the Diploma in Interior Design programme possess a high chance of

being employed by architectural firms, theatre and stage design studios, as well as interior, furniture, production, and lighting design companies.

First City University College frequently organizes design showcases, seminars and exhibitions which attract industry partners who often offer students employment on the spot. Final semester students enrolled in the Diploma design programmes have an opportunity to present their design projects in the annual Diploma Graduation Showcase. The showcase is a great platform for students to display their talents, capabilities and strengths to potential employers as their projects will be exhibited during the showcase.

The enhancement of technology has resulted in a shift in design technology. It is rapidly evolving and changing, moving away from conventional design approaches. The Faculty keeps up with this rapid pace by offering modern equipment such as laser cutters, vacuum forming machines, and a 3D printer, which is located at the 3D printing studio. Other state-of-the-art facilities offered at the University College’s urban campus include a wood workshop, white canvas gallery, a drawing studio, a photography studio and, a Macintosh and PC lab.

Intakes

First City UC’s September & October intakes are now in progress. Students who register now will enjoy an attractive tuition fee waiver for Foundation, Diploma and Degree programmes (terms and conditions apply).

• Foundation & Bachelor’s Degree Programmes: 12 September 2022, Monday
• Diploma Programmes: 17 October 2022, Monday

Scholarships and Rebates

Design Studios & Workshops at First City UC