Top Diploma Programmes to Study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 3Cs

What are the Top Diploma Programmes with High Job Demand & Salary to Study at in Malaysia at First City University College?

Students who have just completed their IGCSE/O-Levels or SPM with 3 to 4 credits may not be able to take Pre-University (Pre-U) Programmes like Foundation, A-Levels, AUSMAT, SACEi, CIMP, etc. However, they are still able to continue their studies by choosing a Diploma Programme. The Diploma pathway is often misunderstood as a lesser quality programme because of its lower entry requirements. But this is not so as it is just another pathway and different type of programme for students after IGCSE/O-Levels and SPM.

The Diploma is more practical and can be used to find a job upon completion. The subjects are more focused to the course and students will need to know which career pathway they want to pursue. Choosing the right course that has future job demand and salary is important for every high school student and in light of this,  First City University College is ideal as they offer diploma programmes with excellent employability after graduation. In addition, the Diploma programmes lead to top rated degree programmes that’s recognised and accredited.

First City UC highly employable Diploma programmes are offered in the following faculties:

• Faculty of Business, Hospitality & Communication
• Faculty of Design & Built Environment
• Faculty of Engineering & Computing

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Top Reasons to Study your Diploma Course at First City University College after High School

When choosing the right course to study in Malaysia, one important criteria that students should look at is the job demand. Choosing to study a course that has future potential high job demand and salary would ensure that you have a higher chance of a successful career that would support your lifestyle goals.

This is valid as we are facing inflation and the rapid rise of cost of living. In addition, advancements in technology is replacing many jobs and job functions. Therefore, it is imperative for students to plan their future carefully by choosing the right course that would enable them to obtain a stable job when they graduate.

Students can be assured that their future is secure when they choose to study at First City UC because all their courses have high job demand in the future. The curriculum is developed to equip students with knowledge and skills

Below is the list of the highly employable courses at First City UC:

• Diploma in Business Administration
• Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Diploma in Mass Communication
• Diploma in Graphic Design
• Diploma in Interior Design
• Diploma in Electronic Engineering
• Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
• Diploma in Information Technology (IT)

What are the Entry Requirements?

Entry requirements for Diploma courses are at least 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in the relevant subjects.

What is the Duration of the Diploma Programmes?

Diploma programmes will take 2 years to 2 years 4 months to complete depending on which course you choose.

Is the PTPTN Loan available for Diploma Programmes?

Yes, the PTPTN Loan is available for diploma students at First City UC. Students will be briefed during Orientation on the application process.

Overview of the Top Diploma Programmes Offered at First City University College

Diploma in Business Course at First City UC

In today’s ever-changing world, banking and finance graduates are highly sought-after in a cross-section of Malaysia’s industries where each offer a variety of job opportunities.

The Financial sector stands as one of the largest sectors in Malaysia with more than 300,000 people employed. This sector is made up by professionals in the Accounting, Banking, Economics, Finance, Insurance and Statistics and Taxation sub-sectors.

Moreover, marketing professionals are always needed as almost every medium and large company will need them to promote their products to increase profits. Well trained and experienced marketers are one of the highest paid professionals in Malaysia.

Students interested in business may go for the Diploma in Business Administration, and upon completion they will enter into Year 2 of the UK Dual Award business programmes below:

• BA (Hons) Business Management
• BA (Hons) Marketing
• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance 

Diploma in Mass Communication Course at First City UC

As of 2020, 83% of the Malaysian population uses the internet, with ​​70% of them frequenting social networking apps, and 61% on shopping apps. Data from LinkedIn shows an astounding increase of 48% for more digital marketers and content creators. Digital marketing has become crucial for brands to reach these prospective customers, thus making roles under this industry highly demanded.

Existing jobs like content creators are now being taken to the next level and being given new dimensions by technology to reach a wider audience through multiple channels and platforms. Bloggers, podcasters, and YouTubers are in demand as companies look to create both tactical and strategic content that will help their customers make sense of the new and rapidly changing environment.

Students who have a strong command of the English language, are creative, and enjoy practical hands-on learning will love the Diploma in Mass Communication at First City UC. Students have access to first rate facilities and experienced lecturers. Graduates may find a job in Public Relations, Marketing Communications, Social Media Specialist, Communications, Digital Marketing or they can continue into Year 2 of the Mass Communication degree.

• BA (Honours) Mass Communication

Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Course at First City UC

As the world begins to open up to travel after the pandemic, there is a huge demand for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. This is an ideal time to pursue a Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management at First City UC and enter the workforce immediately with a job guaranteed.

Over six decades, global tourism has experienced steady growth and has been seen as a powerful vehicle for economic benefit and job creation. In 2018, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that the tourism industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors contributing 10.4 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and creating more than 319 million jobs globally.

While in Malaysia, in the same year, the Department of Statistics revealed that employment in the tourism industry grew by 4.9 percent (3.5 million people), contributing to 23.5 percent of total employment. These statistics provide a clear indication that the tourism industry holds promising prospects for those who intend to venture into this career path.

As long as there is interest to explore places, be it physically or virtually, the promise of securing a job in this sector will always be available. Traditional and current, tourism career options range from working in hotels or resorts, cruise ships, adventure sports centers or even as tour guides leading activities and historical trips.

The Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management is great for students who are not academically inclined and prefer a practical course. Students who enjoy interacting with people and helping them will do well in this diploma. You can find a job after completion or continue on to the BBA Hospitality Management.

Design & Built Environment Diploma Courses at First City UC

Designers are more in-demand now with the rise of social media. Creative Content Creators are highly sought after by companies who can position their brands in front of their competitors.

In addition, Malaysians are becoming more affluent and possess the desire to stay in homes that are well designed as well as eat or shop in places with ambience.

Creative and artistic students have 2 choices from the award-winning First City UC:

• Diploma in Graphic Design
• Diploma in Interior Design

First City UC have extensive experience and facilities for their creative students. Upon completing the Diploma in Graphic Design, students may go for the BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

Diploma in Interior Design graduates have 2 highly sought after degree programmes to choose from. Furthermore, the Interior Architect degree is accredited by the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM).

• BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
• BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design

Engineering Diploma Courses at First City UC

In order for the country to become a developed nation, the engineer to population ratio must be 1:100. For Malaysia, with a population of 32 million, the number of engineers should be 300,000.

Surprisingly, based on the Education Ministry’s statistics from 1997 to 2020, the average number of engineers produced per year by the local institutions of higher learning, excluding graduates from international universities is about 16,000.

The cumulative total of all engineers produced from 1997 to 2020 is estimated to be about 400,000. The number of engineers may be currently surplus for Malaysia.

Unfortunately, the reality is that only 35% of the graduate engineers (GE) registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). BEM is owned by the Malaysian government to administer the registration of PE. Although according to Malaysia’s law through the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015), all practising engineers must be registered with the BEM as GE to work as an engineer legally.

According to the statistic published by BEM in February 2020, only 10% out of 142,000 registered Graduate Engineer (GE) successfully obtained the certification as Professional Engineer, which is less than 4% of all engineers in Malaysia.

Students who excel in Mathematics and Science may go for the 2-year engineering diploma programmes at First City UC. Students may choose from the Diploma in Electronic Engineering, Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon completion of the Diploma, students will enter into Year 2 of the relevant engineering degree programmes at First City UC which are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).

• Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with Honours
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours

Diploma in Information Technology Course at First City UC

Computing or IT professionals are one of the highest paid in Malaysia. In addition, Job demand for Information Technology professionals in Malaysia and globally is high.

Malaysian Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) projects that by 2025, the IT industry will require one million specialised working professionals as the industry is experiencing a rampant growth.

Many of the fastest growing jobs and predicted future ones are driven by technology development, increased Internet connectivity, rapid globalisation and new business demands.

Tech skills are required in jobs across industries in different roles and functions and this is expected to create demand for tech-based or tech-related jobs.

First City UC has had many years of experience offering the computing courses and students who desire an exciting and fulfilling career may go for the Diploma in Information Technology. Graduates can enter the IT industry or continue on into the highly employable UK Dual Award computing degree programmes:

• Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons)
• Bachelor of Computer Science ( Intelligent Systems) (Hons)
• Bachelor of Information Systems (Honours) in Business Management
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking & Security) (Hons)

INDUSTRY RELEVANT PROGRAMMES, EMPLOYABLE GRADUATES AND SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS

First City UC has a broad range of industry relevant Programmes to ensure graduate employability. Our students’ education and training are supported by the following:

• State-of-the art laboratories, workshops, studios and IT Centre
• Strong links and collaborations with Industry, Trade Associations and Professional Bodies for student internship placements
• Conducive eco-friendly purpose-built campus with student accommodation
• Public exhibition of students’ work at 1Utama Shopping Centre

Quality Education and International Recognition for First City UC Degree Programmes

This is attested by collaboration with the following foreign higher education institutions:

• The Anglia Ruskin University, UK:
  • With a student population of 39,400, it is one of the largest universities in East England with multiple awards to its name.
• Teesside University, UK:
  • With a rich history of over 85 years in the field of tertiary education, this institution has had students from 100 nations passing through its doors.
• Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, Switzerland:
  • This institution is ranked 13th in the world in 2021 by QS World University Rankings for Hospitality & Leisure Management. It also ranks top ten for “Employer Reputation”.

Excellent Tertiary Education in Malaysia at First City University College

The main objective of First City UC is to provide higher education opportunities to young Malaysians and foreign nationals in a wide range of academic and professional fields such as Engineering, Computing/ICT/Software Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism, Business and Art & Design. Quality education is the hallmark of First City UC with the intended outcome of producing highly employable graduates in a knowledge-based economy.

In line with First City University College’s mission of providing Quality Education and achieving a high level of employability of its graduates, the University College collaborates with established universities in the United Kingdom to offer 3+0 degree programmes, as well as professional bodies and established examination bodies.

Quality education at First City University College is further underpinned by the university college’s compliance with the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the constant monitoring carried out by the College’s very own Quality Assurance Department and FCUC’s foreign university partners.

From EduSpiral’s experience, FCUC offers very affordable certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes that are supported by excellent facilities. Their fees are inexpensive compared even to some shoplot colleges! Students are definitely getting more than their worth at First City UC.

First City University College provides a safe off-campus accommodation which is just across the road. Deserving students can apply for the scholarships as well.

Study at the Affordable First City University College

First City University College (First City UC) is a private higher education institution established in 1990 by the First Nationwide Group, First City University College has a purpose-designed, fully equipped campus with sports and recreational facilities, and located on a 13-acre site within Bandar Utama, owner and developer of the 1000 acres fully integrated township/commercial district of Bandar Utama. It was formerly known as KBU International College until it was upgraded to University College status in 2015.

There is ample studio space, up-to-date computer hardware and software, print studios, workshops, photo labs, and a range of other equipment to facilitate students in their projects. First City University College has everything an art & design student needs to equip him/her with the skill sets required of a professional designer.

Sports and recreational amenities will include indoor basketball court, futsal court and also, dance and drama studio. The new hostel will be able to accommodate over 900 students.

Students at First City University College will, therefore, receive a holistic education. The main objective of FCUC is to provide higher education opportunities to young Malaysians and foreign nationals in a wide range of academic and professional fields such as Engineering, Computing/ICT/Software Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism, Business andArt & Design. Quality education is the hallmark of FCUC with the intended outcome of producing highly employable graduates in a knowledge-based economy.

In line with First City University College’s mission of providing Quality Education and achieving a high level of employability of its graduates, the University College collaborates with established universities in the United Kingdom to offer 3+0 degree programmes, as well as professional bodies and established examination bodies.

Quality education at First City UC is further underpinned by the university college’s compliance with the requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the constant monitoring carried out by the College’s very own Quality Assurance Department and FCUC’s foreign university partners.

From EduSpiral’s experience, FCUC offers very affordable certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes that are supported by excellent facilities. Their fees are inexpensive compared even to some shoplot colleges! Students are definitely getting more than their worth at First City UC.

First City University College provides a safe off-campus accommodation which is just across the road. Deserving students can apply for the scholarships as well.

Excellent Facilities at First City University College

First City University College campus has a built up area of 250,000 sq.ft. and has a comprehensive range of facilities for students.

There are seven Engineering Laboratories, which are well-equipped to meet the stringent requirements of First City University College’s Partner Universities and The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The engineering laboratories include the Digital Power & Control Laboratory, the Microprocessor & Electronic CAD Laboratory, Mechatronics Laboratory and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Laboratory. The Computer Centre maintains the campus-wide network based on the Windows platform. In the E-Info Lab, students enjoy high speed access to the Internet and its resources.

Wireless connection to the campus network has been installed and implemented. The Centre also houses the Multimedia Laboratory, Macintosh Laboratory and CAD Laboratory. There are two digital language labs equipped with 50 microcomputers installed with CD-ROM based programme-ware for English learning.

State-of-the-art Video Conference facilities allow students to follow lecturers from First City University College foreign partner universities in UK for some programme modules.The Art & Design facilities include the Print Studio, Art & Design Studios, Photography Studio and 3D Design Studio. The Hospitality & Tourism facilities include a training restaurant, mock hotel room, food production lab and commercial kitchen. Students attend lectures in spacious lecture rooms and lecture theatres.

The University College has a well-stocked and ISO certified Library. It provides seats for 260 users. The Library is well-equipped with individual study spaces and discussion rooms. It has a wide range of books, reports, periodicals, and company annual reports, covering all disciplines of study in the College. A fully-equipped multimedia room is available for students to use the CD-ROMs and other non-print materials in the Library.

With increasing student population, we work towards fulfilling our mission to provide the best teaching and learning facilities, we embarked on a Phase II campus expansion. The new 350,000 square feet new building – almost twice the size of and located adjacently to the current premise – houses additional lecture rooms, studios, seminar rooms, workshops, state-of-the-art laboratories, an IT Centre, a library and a MBA Centre.

Faculty of Design and Built Environment moved to its new home in the academic block which features the White Canvas Gallery to showcase its students’ projects and portfolios. The other two faculties – Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences and Faculty of Engineering & Computing operate in the existing premise. The Creative Stove, a shop where Design students’ handmade products and artworks are put on sale also found their new home in the new environment.

ECO-FRIENDLY URBAN CAMPUS

• A variety of trees and vegetation providing shaded areas for relaxation
• Green buildings with lush indoor soft-scaped areas, naturally lit and ventilated corridors and generous common areas for relaxation and interaction
• Rainwater harvested for air-conditioners, irrigation system for plants and general cleaning

CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY

This campus is designed and managed with safety and security in mind. The following up-to-date safety and security equipment and systems are used:

• CCTV security surveillance system
• Smart card to access facilities: laboratories, library, IT Centre and indoor carparks
• 24/7 security check, patrols by Bandar Utama Auxilary Police Force
• Student accommodation with live-in wardens

State-of-the-art facilities for the whole campus include:

Engineering

• Digital Power & Control Laboratory
• Microprocessor & Electronic CAD Laboratory
• Mechatronics Laboratory
• Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Laboratory

IT Centre

• E-Info Lab
• Multimedia Laboratory
• Macintosh Laboratory
• CAD Laboratory

Design

• Print Studio
• Design Studios
• Photography Studio
• 3D Printing Studio
• Drawing Studio
• Wood Workshop

Hospitality & Tourism Management

• Training Restaurant & Kitchen
• Mock Hotel Room
• Front Desk Counter

Other learning facilities

• Spacious lecture rooms and theatres
• State-of-the-art video conference facilities
• ISO-certified library
• Multimedia room
• MBA Centre

Common Facilities at First City University College

• Lecture Hall
• Counselling Area
• Student Services Department
• Main Hall
• Cafeteria
• Lecture Rooms
• Indoor Car Park
• Reception Area
• Lobby
• Library

Sports And Recreational Facilities at First City University College

• Multi-Purpose Hall
• Badminton Courts
• Football Field
• Basketball Court
• Volleyball Court
• Music Room
• TV Lounge
• Table Tennis
• Taekwondo
• Student Lounge