Route to becoming a Professional Architect in Malaysia by Studying at Top Private Universities Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838
Students in Malaysia interested in Architecture should be prepared for a long road ahead to achieve the status of obtaining the title “Ar.” as a professional architect. Architecture is a combination of creativity, history, sciences, and design. You will learn how to conceptualise and design buildings in relation to the economic, technical, environmental and social needs. Students interested to pursue education in architecture should go for top private universities that are accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. Read on the article below on the education pathway at top private universities in Malaysia that would be best for you.
For more information contact 01111408838
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.
Study Architecture at Top Private Universities in Malaysia that’s Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia
Architecture strongly relates to built environment and urban planning disciplines such as civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, and property economics and management. If you are interested in creating things, buildings and spaces, technology, art and design, a career in architecture may be for you.
Basically, an architect is a person who creates the designs of buildings. They don’t actually build them, that’s the job of the Civil Engineer. Architects role is like a project leader who works with different people to coordinate and get the building up on time within budget.
The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law and is regulated by the Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.
Another important body concerning architects is the Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) who takes care of the well being of the architects including professional development from the lowest to the highest qualifications. They also organise functions and activities for their members.
Shortage of Professional Architects in Malaysia
At the 2014 Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia -Tan Sri Ar Chan Sau Lai Architecture Award prize-giving ceremony today, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said that the current ratio of architects in Malaysia is one to 17,257 people.
There is a shortage of architects in Malaysia due to the low passing rate in the final test which would enable them to become professional architects, which carries the title of Ar. As of today, there are 2173 Architects recorded by LAM (source: LAM registered architects) in Malaysia. The Average pass rate is 9%~20%
The Education Pathway to Become a Professional Architect in Malaysia
For students after SPM or O-Levels, they can choose the Foundation in Natural & Built Environments at Taylor’s University.
Upon successful completion of the 1-year Foundation, you will then enter into the undergraduate degree in architecture for another 3 years at Taylor’s University , both of which are accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) equivalent to LAM Part 1.
Students who have obtained the relevant results in STPM, UEC, A-Levels and other Pre-U Programmes can enter the architecture degree for 3 years.
After the Bachelors in Architecture, the next step is to go into an accredited Masters in Architecture degree equivalent to LAM Part 2 for another 2 years. Architecture Masters Degree Graduates in Malaysia will then work for 2 years and then sit for the LAM Part 3 exams and then to finally become an architect.
The whole process after SPM or O-Levels will take you at least 8 years to become a professional architect in Malaysia. Normally it will be longer than that.
Entry Requirements for Architecture Degree
After SPM or O-Levels, students must possess a credit in Maths & any one Science subject in order to enter into the Foundation in Architecture or Foundation in Natural & Built Environment.
To enter the Architecture degree course, students need to have the following qualifications:
- Foundation in Arts or Science Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum CGPA 2.0 including credit in Maths
- STPM Arts or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00 (or equivalent) Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
- A-Levels Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -Minimum Gred C for 2 subjects INCLUDING Maths
- UEC Commerce or Science Stream Entry Requirement for Architecture degree -5 Credits (‘B’ grade) inclusive of Maths
- South Australian Matriculation (SAM) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree – Minimum average of 65% in 5 subjects inclusive of Maths
- Canadian Pre-U (CPU) Entry Requirement for Architecture degree – Minimum average of 65% in 6 subjects inclusive of Maths
Pathway to Become a Professional Architect (Ir.) in Malaysia
The architecture profession in Malaysia is protected by law. The regulating and governing body of the architecture profession in Malaysia is known as Lembaga Akitek Negara (LAM). They govern the entire profession starting from the definition of an architect under the Malaysian Constitution, licensing, practice, acts and enactments as well as education.
The other body that concerns the well being of architects themselves is Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia.
It functions as an association that takes care of its members, organize functions and manages the professional development of an architect from the lowest to highest qualification. Just like Bar exams for lawyers, architects also require certain level of qualification that is a standard worldwide.
The qualifications are known as LAM Part 1, 2 and 3. The equivalent of this is RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), AIA (American Institute of Architects) and RAIA (Royal Australian Institute of Architects).
The diagram above shows the career path of an architect. After graduating with Part 2, a person is known as an architect, and will be able to practice according to the job specification of an architect. This should be the minimum target of anyone pursuing this profession. Anything less is a waste of time.
These qualifications can be obtained in two ways:
- Obtaining a fully accredited degree (or equivalent) that carries Part 1 or 2 equivalent.
- Sitting for individual exams after obtaining a non-accredited degree for Part or 2.
Part 3 can only be obtained after practicing as an architect for a minimum of 2 years and fulfilling all the project requirements set by LAM. The Average pass rate is 9%~20%.
Fulfilling these needs, the architect will then submit themselves to a series of interviews and exams to determine that they are capable and absolutely qualified. These exams are conducted by Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM).
Requirements for Registration as an Architect in Malaysia
- The applicant shall be a person who :
- is a registered Graduate Architect;
- has obtained the practical experience as prescribed by the Board; and
- has passed the Part III Professional Examination
- Application for registration must be submitted in the prescribed Registration Form together with the following:
- 2 copies of recent photographs
- Original Certificate of Registration as a registered Graduate Architect
- Corporate Membership certificate of PAM
- Copy of the Part III Professional Examination Certificate
- Registration fee for the amount of RM 500.00 with RM 100.00 for
- processing fee vide cheque / money order / bank draft in favour of ‘Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia’.
- All documents submitted must be certified as true copies by an Architect registered with the Board
What you will Study in the Architecture course in Malaysia
Architecture is a mixture of practical and theoretical studies. It is important to understand the philosophy, history and culture in order to create stunning buildings.
Architecture major students in Malaysia will learn how to use design software to create models, drawings, prototypes and structures. You will learn how to use creative and rational inquiry to analyse and provide solutions to design problems, integrating emerging aesthetic, technical, social and ethical concerns.
Architecture degree students in Malaysia will apply advanced digital design tools to solve design problems and address sustainability issues. Students will spend long hours in research and project-based architectural design subjects to create aesthetically beautiful design pieces that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
To create these projects will require you to think logically on how the buildings function and are constructed, and then combine them with innovative & creative concepts.
Some of the design software that you will learn how to use are:
- Photoshop
- AutoCAD
- 3D Max
Sample of Subjects that you will Study in an Architecture Degree Programme in Malaysia
- Architectural Design Studio
- Architecture Culture & History
- Building Materials
- Design Communication
- Building Construction
- Environmental Sustainable Design
- Building Science
- Computer Applications
- Asian Architecture
- Building Services
- Building Structures
- Building Technology
- Theories of Architecture & Urbanism
- Computer-aided Design
- Furniture Workshop
- Project Management
- Digital Architecture
- Architecture Site Planning
- Architecture Site Surveying & Coordination
What will your work as an Architecture Degree Graduate be in Malaysia?
Architecture Graduates in Malaysia 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.
Scope of work varies from an Assistant Architect, a Project Manager, an Interior Designer, Design Consultant, Project Executive, Design Research Assistant Free lance Designer, to an Academic Tutor.
Architecture Graduates in Malaysia may also venture into other fields of expertise such as:
- Furniture Design
- Lighting Design,
- Theme Park Design
- Retail Design
- Commercial Design
- Hospitality Design
- Healthcare Design
- Corporate Office Design
- Stage Design
- Exhibit Design
- Film & Television Set Design
- Environmental Design
- Museum Design
- Residential Design and Graphic Design.
The career opportunities in this field have a good record of graduate employment. Opportunities also exist in the other areas, including marketing, promotion, facility management and development.
Many large organisations in Malaysia, such as departmental stores hotels, resorts and property developers, also employ architects and architectural graduates as designers as well as managers and supervisors. Following experience with larger firms, graduates may start their own consulting business.
List of Recognised Architectural Programmes by the Board of Architects Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia)
Graduates who obtained the following qualifications in architecture from the universities/institutions listed here are eligible to register as Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia.
Graduates who obtained their Degrees in Architecture from programme/s other than the ones listed below will be required to appear for the LAM Part I and Part II Examination conducted by the Architectural Examination Council of the Board. A full set of learning portfolio and other relevant information has to be produced to the Architectural Examination Council Malaysia (for further detail see Part I and II Examination .
Graduates who obtained the qualifications in architecture from the relevant universities/institutions listed above or after passing the LAM Part I and II Examination are eligible to register as Graduate Architect with the Board of Architects Malaysia.
The Accreditation for local programmes and Validation for overseas programmes will be based on the Attributes, Knowledge and Skills Required in Architectural Study as stated in the Manual of Accreditation for Architecture Programme
Institutions | Period | Mode | Degree Awarded | Recognition | |
1. | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Faculty of Built Environment Karung Berkunci 791 80990 Johor Bahru Johor Darul Takzim |
3 yrs | FT | BSc. Arch. Effective Date : 1 July 2015 Expiry Date : 30 June 2020 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | M. Arch. Effective Date : 1 July 2015 Expiry Date : 30 June 2020 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
2. | Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pusat Pengajian Senibina (CoSA) Fakulti Senibina, Perancangan & Ukur UiTM Kampus Puncak Alam 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam Selangor |
4 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Hons) Architecture Effective Date : 1 August 2017 Expiry Date : 31 July 2020 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Master of Architecture Effective Date :1 August 2017 Expiry Date :31 July 2020 |
Part II | ||
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM – Perak) Fakulti Senibina, Perancangan & Ukur 32610 Bandar Baru Seri Iskandar Perak Darul Ridzuan |
4 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Hons) Architecture Effective Date : 6 October 2017 Expiry Date : 5 October 2022 |
Part I | |
FT : Full Time | |||||
3. | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Housing, Building & Planning 11800 Pulau Pinang |
3 yrs | FT | Sarjana Muda Sains Perumahan, Bangunan dan Perancangan (Kepujian) (Senibina) Effective Date : 19 September 2018 Expiry Date : 18 September 2023 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Sarjana Senibina Effective Date : 19 September 2018 Expiry Date : 18 September 2023 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
4. | University of Malaya (UM) Faculty of Built Environment Lembah Pantai 50603 Kuala Lumpur |
3 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Arch.) Effective Date : 13 June 2016 Expiry Date : 12 June 2021 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | M. Arch. Effective Date : 13 June 2016 Expiry Date : 12 June 2021 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
5. | International Islamic University Malaysia (UIA) Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design Jalan Gombak 53100 Kuala Lumpur |
3 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Arch. Studies) Effective Date : 1 December 2016 Expiry Date : 30 November 2021 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Masters of Architecture Effective Date : 30 August 2018 Expiry Date : 29 August 2023 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
6. | Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Department of Architecture Faculty of Design and Architecture 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan |
3 yrs | FT | Bacelor Sains Seni Bina Effective Date : 3 October 2018 Expiry Date : 2 October 2023 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Master Seni Bina Effective Date : 3 October 2018 Expiry Date : 2 October 2023 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
7. | Taylor’s University School of Architecture, Building & Design Taylor’s Lakeside Campus No. 1, Jalan Taylor’s 47500 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture Effective Date : September 2018 Expiry Date : 31 August 2021 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Master of Architecture Effective Date : 18 March 2018 Expiry Date : 31 August 2021 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
8. | UCSI University Kuala Lumpur No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading UCSI Heights, Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture Effective Date : 28 November 2018 Expiry Date : 27 November 2021 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Master of Architecture Effective Date : 07 August 2019 Expiry Date : 06 August 2022 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
9. | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fakulti Kejututeraan dan Alam Bina Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi Selangor Darul Ehsan |
3 yrs | FT | Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains Seni Bina Effective Date :17 July 2019 Expiry Date :16 July 2024 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Sarjana Seni Bina Effective Date : 31 October 2018 Expiry Date : 30 October 2021 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
10. | Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL) Taman Ilmu Ikram Jalan Serdang-Kajang Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur 43000 Kajang Selangor Darul Ehsan |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science (Architectural Studies) Effective Date :9 March 2017 Expiry Date :8 March 2022 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
11. | Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Fakulti Kejuruteraan dan Sains (FKS) Jalan Sg. Long, Bandar Sg. Long Cheras 43000 Kajang Selangor |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture Effective Date :21 July 2017 Expiry Date :20 July 2022 |
Part I |
2 yrs | FT | Master of Architecture Effective Date : 19 June 2019 Expiry Date : 18 June 2022 |
Part II | ||
FT : Full Time | |||||
12. | LimKokWing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Inovasi 1-1, Jalan Teknokrat 1/1 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor |
3 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Architectural Studies) Effective Date : 30 Januari 2019 Expiry Date : 29 Januari 2022 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
13. | City University Malaysia Faculty of Architecture & Built Environment Menara City U, No.8 Jln 51A/223 46100 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan |
3 yrs | FT | B. Sc. (Hons) (Architectural Design) Effective Date : 28 September 2016 Expiry Date : 27 September 2021 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
14. | Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (KUTAR) School of Architecture Faculty of Built Environment Jln Genting Klang, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science in Architecture Effective Date : 14 July 2017 Expiry Date : 13 July 2020 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
15. | Kolej Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (KUTS) Lot 868, Persiaran Brooke 96000 Sibu Sarawak |
3 yrs | FT | Bachelor of Science (Hons) In Architecture Effective Date : 18 October 2017 Expiry Date : 17 October 2022 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
16. | Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Bandar Baru Nilai 71800 Nilai Negeri Sembilan |
3 yrs | FT | Sarjana Muda Sains Senibina (Kepujian) Effective Date : 20 October 2017 Expiry Date : 19 October 2020 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time | |||||
17. | Politeknik Port Dickson KM 14, Jalan Pantai 71050 Si – Rusa Negeri Sembilan |
3 yrs | FT | Sarjana Muda Sains Perumahan, Bangunan dan Perancangan (Kepujian) (Senibina) Program Pesisir USM-KPM Effective Date : 28 September 2018 Expiry Date : 27 September 2021 |
Part I |
FT : Full Time |
What subject should i choose in stpm for architecture… I think to take sport science…now i 16..
Maths & Physics
Hi , how i can be an architect if i took ICT in high school ? and if i can what subject do i need to score in SPM .
ps , I din’t take any science course accept basic scince .
To enter into the Diploma you will need at least 3 credits in SPM including Maths. For Foundation, you will need 5 credits including Maths.
can i apply using my IGCSE Cambridge results with 7 credits including math?
Yes, you can
can i apply using IGCSE results for foundation level in architecture?
Yes, you will need at least 5Cs in O-Levels including Maths to enter into the Foundation programme
Can I do part 2 after completing my degree in interior architecture? If not what is the pathway? Do interior architecture demanding in Malaysia?
No, you will need to have a degree in architecture in order to continue to Part 2
can i just take the diploma in architecture instead of foundation?? is foundation required?
Yes, you can
what kinds of qualities must an architect possess?
Creative, artistic, good academically, hard working, good in maths and persistent.
i have only 2 credits in my spm without art subjects. but i am willing to study from the beginning for interior architecture. how can i begin ?
You will need to take a Certificate course for 1 year 4 months and then only join the Diploma in Interior Design. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Is it necessary for a an individual who wants to be a professional architecture to take masters in Architecture?Are those who completed their Bachelor of Architecture eligible for Part 3 professional examination?
I think the pathway is clearly stated in the article. If those with degrees can sit for Part 3, then it would have been stated.
what is the differences between architecture part 1 and part2?it is necessary to take part 2?what is the salary just for finishing part 1of architecture only?
If you read the article carefully, you would know the difference. If you want to become a professional architect you need Part 1 to 3.
can you send me the actual pathway of architecture in malaysia like which part,require years and qualification?
I think what I have written here is quite clear so I don’t know what you mean
Can I have some information about this career (via email) ?? thank you
Please email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for the details.
What are the other best universities in Malaysia for Architecture?
UCSI University, LIMKOKWING University and Taylors University
how is the salary for an professional architect in malaysia who has the license and has completed part III ?
There is no published statistic for this information that I know of.
are there any scholarship or loan for diploma in architecture?
Scholarship depends on the university. PTPN Loan, you can get RM8000 a year.
Am interested in Drama and language . Where can I pursue such course ?Singapore / ? Malaysia
For the degree in English and Communication, you can consider UCSI University while for the Diploma in Entertainment Arts, you can consider KDU University College. For more details, you can email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your full name and mobile number.
is architecture a popular job in malaysia?Highly demand in Malaysia?
Yes, it is in demand but it is a long pathway.
I have emailed you some information on architecture, please check your email. Are you interested in Product Design?
Can u send again the information about architecture ? i don receive the email! I think i interested in Product Design about album for singer!
Like I said, please check your JUNK email folder, it will be there. Music album designs are designed by Graphic Designers and not products designers. Product Designers design stuff like chairs, tables, lamps, gadgets, etc.