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A Top Rated Architecture Diploma for Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels at Malaysia’s Top Ranked UCSI University

From laying your design foundations in the first year to strengthening your analytical and conceptual thought processes by the third year, UCSI’s Diploma in Architectural Studies is a design-cum-technological programme that adopts a unique project-based learning approach, to develop you into an investigative design innovator equipped with a knowledge of the latest building technologies. You will also engage in real-life community-based research projects and spend at least six months apprenticed to architectural firms. By the end of the programme, you will emerge with a solid portfolio and foundational knowledge in architectural design.

Are you interested in a career as an architectural technologist or draftsperson? Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels can go for the architecture diploma at top ranked UCSI University before entering into Year 2 of the Architecture degree for another 2 years. The Architecture degree at UCSI University is recognised by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) and accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) as Part 1. The Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University combines the latest computer technology and manual drawing skills, working with architects to turn design concepts into the documents to construct a building. It is also accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Intakes for the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University are in January, May and October of each year. The course duration is 2.5 Years / 7 semesters which is inclusive of a 6-month Industry Internship.

In addition, this programme received a 100% graduate employability score in the Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability 2020. (Source: ge.mohe.gov.my/)

A Diploma in Architectural Studies will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and produce construction drawings for both residential and commercial buildings. To become a professional Architect in Malaysia will take Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels a minimum 8-9 years of study and work. It will probably take longer than that to become a professional architect in Malaysia.

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Programme Information, Entry Requirements, Education Pathway and Recognition for Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

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Vivi Tan, Architecture at UCSI University

The Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University is a 3-year program, designed to provide the necessary technical knowledge and the required practical skill for individuals who wish to join the industry’s work force at an early stage.

The building industry is in need of competent support groups who are knowledgeable in their field to fill positions as technical draftsperson, CADD draftsperson, site supervisors and material-supplier specialist to name a few.

In response to this demand, the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University offers a well-rounded and integrated range of courses to prepare graduates to enter the working environment, or to pursue their studies act the higher level of the Architecture Degree programs.

Upon completion of the 2.5 year Diploma, graduates can continue on to the BSc (Hons) Architecture entering into Year 2 at UCSI University.

The program also emphasises on the latest industry input for each graduate. Students are required to undergo Industry Experience programme under Co-operative Placement Scheme with a minimum duration of 12 weeks, to learn and familiarize themselves with the working environment of the building and construction industry.

The School of Architecture and Built Environment at UCSI University understands that all those who study and work in the ﬁeld of architecture need a framework for aesthetics and a functional appreciation for buildings and context.

This can only be achieved via a thorough grounding in the design process, building sciences and technologies allied to an understanding of the important social, cultural, artistic, and historical factors which inﬂuence architecture. This philosophy underpins every teaching and research programme delivered at the School.

The architecture programme develops both academic understanding and practical skills required for careers in the professional ﬁeld. Graduates will be equipped for careers in the broad ﬁeld of design in the built environment sector.

Education Pathway

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Hock Wei, Architecture at UCSI University

With any 3 credits in SPM including Maths & Science and a Pass in BM & Sejarah, you can go for the Diploma in Architecture at a top private university in Malaysia. For students with IGCSE/O-Levels, you will need at least 3 credits including Maths and Science to enter the Diploma.

After the 2.5 or 3-year diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the Degree at the same university or college if the degree course is offered. There is no need to perform exemptions if you continue on to degree at the same university.

If not, you can transfer your diploma credits into another university to enter into Year 2 of the degree for another 2 years depending on the exemptions.

It will take about one to three weeks for the university to perform the exemption evaluation.

To perform exemptions, you will need to submit the following documents to the university of interest for exemption evaluation:

Transcripts for the subjects taken
Course outline for all subjects taken
Letter of Completion or Diploma Certificate
Copy of SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels certificate

Entry Requirements for Diploma in Architectural Studies Course at UCSI University

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Kenneth Pang, Architecture student at UCSI University

SPMV/SPM/‘O’ Levels
(Arts/Science stream)
Pass SPM with minimum 3 Credits (grade ‘C’ for O-level) inclusive of Maths
SKM / SKK
Pass SKM/SKK level 3 in related field
AND *Pass SPM with min 1 credit and pass Maths
OR Pass SPM with min 1 credit and pass ‘program pengukuhan matematik’
Community College
(Level 3, MQF)
1. Pass Community College Certificate (Level 3 MQF) in the related field AND
*Pass SPM with min 1 credit and pass Maths OR
Pass SPM with min 1 credit and pass ‘program pengukuhan matematik’
OR
2. Pass Community College Certificate (Level 3 MQF) with CGPA 2.0 in the related field AND
*Pass SPM with min 1 credit and pass Maths
STPM (Arts/Science)
Pass with minimum ‘C’ grade (CGPA 2.0) for 1 subject AND credit in Maths in SPM or equivalent
STAM
Pass with (Magbul grade) AND credit in Maths in SPM or equivalent
UEC
(Commerce/Science stream)
Pass with minimum grade ‘B’ for 3 credits inclusive of Maths
A-Level
Minimum Grade ‘D’ for 1 subject AND credit in Maths in ‘O’-Level
SAM
Minimum average of 50% in 5 subjects inclusive of Maths
CPU
Minimum average of 50% in 6 subjects inclusive of Maths
Other qualifications deemed equivalent to SPM/O-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency
Minimum average of 50% inclusive of 50% for Maths

AND

*Art Requirement:
All applicants must pass Art Education/ Engineering Drawing/ related subject at SPM/O-Level / equivalent

Pass Portfolio Review in replacement of art subject if applicable.

The general rule applies to both local and foreign applicants.

Recognition

Upon successfully completing the Diploma programme, students will gain:

Direct entry into Year 2 (semester 3) of Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture, UCSI University

PTPTN Loan for Diploma in Architecture Course in Malaysia

Please note that there is no PTPTN Loan for Foundation. For the Diploma you can apply for the PTPTN Loan

Programme Details for the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

UCSI University Architecture students' project — UCSI University Architecture students’ project

Students are required to complete approximately 40 credits comprising seven compulsory core courses, one elective course, and a project. The project is research-based and is carried out over two semesters.

The project work must have research potential in an area of study interest relevant to the field of energy and power. It may also be carried out at the university or as part of an industry project. The project will be assessed by a panel of examiners at the end of the programme.

Assessments vary from the list below depending on the course:

Project critique session
In-class assignment
Coursework
Written examination
Site investigation/survey
Portfolio review
Workshop participation

Year 1 Subjects for the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

UCSI University architecture students are taught by qualified & experienced lecturers

Technical Mathematics
Building Construction & Science
Intro to Design principles
Architecture Drawing I
Introduction to Structure
English Communication
Architecture Design Studio I
Architecture Drawing II
Building Construction & Materials
Architecture History I
Architectural digital Media I (MPU-U2)
Introduction to Writing & Research
Architectural digital Media II

Year 2 Subjects for the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

Furniture Workshop
Community Architecture
Architecture Design Studio II
Architecture Drawing III
Building Construction I
Architecture History II
Services
Architecture design Studio III
Building Construction II
Professional Practice
Structure
Working Drawing

Year 3 Subjects for the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

Industry Experience

Why Study the Diploma instead of Foundation?

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Jie Sheng, Architecture at UCSI University

If you are sure of what course you want to study for your degree, you can just go straight into the Diploma course. The Diploma in Architecture subjects are more specific to the course, therefore, will prepare you better to handle the degree programme.

If you are not sure of what you want to study in the degree, go for Foundation because you have one year to decide on what to take for your degree. You can apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma while there is no loan for the Foundation.

In the diploma you will study subjects related to your course while in the Foundation, you will study general subjects mostly unrelated to your course.

SPM (5 relevant credits) – Foundation (1 year) – Degree (3 years)
SPM (3 relevant credits) – Diploma (2 or 2.5 years) – enter degree Year 2 (3 years)

Career Opportunities for Graduates of the Diploma in Architectural Studies at UCSI University

UCSI University architecture students' projects on display at the Gallery — UCSI University architecture students’ projects on display at the Gallery

This post graduate degree programme is an excellent preparation for a life-long professional career in the sector of power and energy.

The Architecture programmes develop both the academic understanding and practical skills required for careers in the professional field. Graduates will be able to gain professional working experience in an Architectural Firm, Interior Architectural Firm, Developer Firm, Construction Firm, Supplier & Manufacturer Firm and Educational Institution.

Graduates with Diploma possess technical skill knowledge crucial to the existence of the built environment as a whole.

Graduates can opt for work force in the technical support designation such as Draftsperson, 3-D Visualiser, Industry Resource Supplier, Site Supervisor or advance their studies in the Architecture Degree program. Opportunities also exist in the other areas, including marketing, promotion, facility management and development.

Many large organisations, such as departmental stores hotels, resorts and property developers, also employ architectural graduates as designers as well as managers and supervisors in their architectural and design team.