Best Pathway for Architecture at Top Universities Accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)

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

EduSpiral patiently answered my questions on whatsapp & then took me around the campus for a tour to help me make a better decision. Jie Sheng, Architecture at UCSI University

EduSpiral patiently answered my questions on whatsapp & then took me around the campus for a tour to help me make a better decision.
Jie Sheng, Architecture at UCSI University

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

EduSpiral met me and my father at the university to advise us on the course as well as take us around. He helped me to understand what the course is about & the best way for it.

EduSpiral met me and my father at the university to advise us on the course as well as take us around. He helped me to understand what the course is about & the best way for it.
Hock Wei, Architecture at UCSI University

For students after SPM or O-Levels, they can choose the Foundation in Arts at UCSI University or 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 UCSI University  or Taylor’s University , both of which are accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) equivalent to LAM Part 1.

Alternatively, students after SPM or O-Levels taking the Diploma in Architectural Studies at top ranked UCSI University will study for 2.5 years and then enter Year 2 of the architecture degree for another 2 years.

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

Architecture students at Taylor's University

Architecture students at Taylor’s University

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

  1. 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
  2. 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’.
  3. 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

"My friend recommended EduSpiral to me and we met up at UCSI University for counseling & a tour. The architecture course is accredited & affordable. I am happy with my decision." Vivi Tan, SMK Perimbun

“My friend recommended EduSpiral to me and we met up at UCSI University for counseling & a tour. The architecture course is accredited & affordable. I am happy with my decision.”
Vivi Tan, SMK Perimbun

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?

EduSpiral met me and my father at the university to advise us on the course as well as take us around. He helped me to understand what the course is about & the best way for it.

EduSpiral met me and my father at the university to advise us on the course as well as take us around. He helped me to understand what the course is about & the best way for it.
Hock Wei, Architecture at UCSI University

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

 

35 replies »

  1. 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 .

    Reply

  4. Can I do part 2 after completing my degree in interior architecture? If not what is the pathway? Do interior architecture demanding in Malaysia?

    Reply

  7. 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 ?

    Reply

  8. 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?

    Reply

  9. 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?

    Reply

Write your comment or question & our experts will reply you soon

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.