How to Choose the Best Engineering Degree Course in Malaysia to Study after your SPM, O-Levels, STPM, A-Levels, UEC or Pre-University
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There are many types of engineering programmes that students can choose from. Find out about the different engineering disciplines available at top private universities in Malaysia, how your choice relates to your future career and what the best bets are if you want to keep your career options open.
Most top private universities in Malaysia offer a selection of engineering degrees. There are lots of different disciplines within engineering such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and chemical engineering etc. Most degrees are in one particular discipline so you’ll need to decide which one most appeals to you before you apply.
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Which Engineering Course is the Best for Me to Study in Malaysia?
Ignatius, Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University
Students should choose your engineering field by passion. Ask yourself, “What gets me excited? Projections may show a future demand in certain engineering fields, but do you want to work very hard for the next four years in order to get a job in an area you don’t really like?
Students should identify your true interests. Do you like tinkering with devices? Mechanical engineering or mechatronic engineering are good choices for you. Are you passionate about solving the energy crisis? Then you might consider petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering. And if you spend all your spare time writing code, computer science is an appropriate career path.
Choosing to study in an engineering field that you have passion in, will make you more likely to succeed as you would be willing to put in the hard work needed to be an expert in your field.
Don’t worry I know it is very difficult for you to give the answer so I am here to help you to know your interest in a particular engineering field of study. It’s very simple just give the answer of some question and then decide yourself that which branch do you like most or which branch suited to you according to your interest. We will discuss so that you can choose the best engineering field to study according to your interest.
There are a wide variety of specialisations, common types of engineering degree programmes in Malaysia include:
Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University
- Chemical Engineering Courses
- Petroleum Engineering Courses
- Civil Engineering Courses
- Electrical Engineering Courses
- Electronic Engineering Courses
- Mechanical Engineering Courses
- Mechatronics Engineering Courses
More specialist engineering degrees include:
- Aerospace engineering (making machines that fly – covers aircraft and spacecraft)
- Automotive engineering (deals with ground-based vehicles)
- Biomedical engineering (engineering in a medical context to develop better medical technologies)
Communications/telecoms/network engineering (covers communication networks for voice and data) - Manufacturing engineering (developing and improving manufacturing processes)
- Marine technology/naval architecture/ship science (engineering for water vessels and offshore structures)
- Computer systems engineering (covers computer hardware and software and communication networks – related to computer science and to electronics)
- Environmental Engineering Courses
- Industrial Engineering Courses
- Maritime Engineering Courses
- Manufacturing Engineering Courses
- Materials Engineering Courses
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Engineering Course that Fits You
Kian Yong, Mehcanical Engineering at UCSI University
- What are your SPM/O-Level results? Do you have strong credits in Physics, Maths and Science subjects?
- What are your Pre-University results such as STPM, A-Levels, UEC, SAM, CPU, etc?
- Do you like the Additional Maths, Physics and Chemistry subjects?
- What is your personality like? Are you creative, practical, organised, hands-on and process oriented?
- Do you like to come up with solutions to solve problems?
- What are your interests?
- Are you a hard working person? Able to focus on your studies?
- What is the salary for the engineering course of interest in Malaysia?
- What is the job demand or job prospects for the engineering course of interest in Malaysia?
Choosing Chemical Engineering to Study in Malaysia
Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the application of physical science (e.g., chemistry and physics), and life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology and biochemistry) with mathematics and economics, to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. Chemical engineers ensure the processes are operated safely, sustainably and economically when converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms.
Chemical Engineering applies the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry to discover and manufacture better plastics, paints, fuels, fibers, medicines, food and beverages, fertilizers, semiconductors, paper, and all other kinds of chemicals by carrying out chemical reactions and purifications. Chemical engineers work in a variety of settings including industry, laboratories, universities, consulting firms, engineering firms, law offices, and government agencies.
Choosing Petroleum Engineering to Study in Malaysia
Melvern, Engineering at UCSI University
Petroleum Engineers are highly sought after in Malaysia and throughout the world. Using a variety of chemical tests, rock samples and numerous measurements; this field is very critical when determining where exploration wells are located. Salaries for petroleum engineers are one of the highest in Malaysia.
Petroleum engineering is the exact study of how to initially locate and subsequently extract a variety of energy resources such as natural gas and oil from the earth’s surface. In simple terms, it is an engineering field that’s basically concerned with a wide range of activities which are generally related to the extraction and refining of fossil fuels.
Choosing Civil Engineering to Study in Malaysia
& helped guide me to choose the right university after my A-Levels.
Yao Seng, Civil Engineering, UCSI University
Civil Engineering is the art and science of designing the infrastructure of a modern civilized society. Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, airports, tunnels, water supply, sewage systems, dams and buildings.
It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering. Civil engineering takes place on all levels: in the public sector and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies.
Only an Ir/P.Eng. can sign and seal engineering documents that are engineering documents that are submitted to a public authority or for public and private clients. This is very important especially for Civil Engineers who needs to become a Professional Engineer in order to sign the blueprints.
If you study at a university that is not accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), you cannot practice as a Civil Engineer.
Choosing Electrical & Electronic Engineering to Study in Malaysia
Jun Chung, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University
The study of Electrical & Electronic Engineering can involve large amounts of power such as power and control engineering, large devices like power stations and electric vehicles or small amounts of power like computers, communications and information engineering and small devices including MP3 players, iPads and cell phones.
Electronics engineering deals with devices and systems that use small amounts of electrical energy to analyse, transmit and store information. Transmission of these electronic signals forms the basis of communications and the information technology industry, and includes the field of microelectronics and the use of silicon chip technology.
Electrical engineering is concerned with the basic forms of energy that run our world. Whether it’s gas, hydro, turbine, fuel cell, solar, geothermal, or wind energy, electrical engineers deal with distributing these energies from their sources to our homes, factories, offices, hospitals, and schools.
Electrical Engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of
Chong Keat, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. It now covers a range of subtopics including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications. Usually electrical engineering is considered to deal with the problems associated with large-scale electrical systems such as power transmission and motor control, whereas electronic engineering deals with the study of small-scale electronic systems including computers and integrated circuits
Electrical Engineering is one of the broadest and largest branch of the engineering profession. It covers new rapidly growing areas such as signal processing, artificial intelligence, fiber optic communications, and microcomputers as well as traditional areas such as circuits, controls, power, electromagnetics and instrumentation. Digital phones, personal computers and Global Positioning Systems are just a few of the high technology products that electrical engineers have developed.
Choosing Mechanical Engineering to Study in Malaysia
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
The mechanical engineering field requires understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, and structural analysis. Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motorized vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices and more.
Mechanical Engineering covers the design, development, analysis, control and testing of machines for converting energy from one form to another and for performing useful work. Students learn the fundamentals such as mechanics, thermodynamics heat transfer, electronic instrumentation and measurement, controls, and design. The field tends to attract students who enjoy activities involved with machines and other mechanical devices; can apply mathematical principles and basic principles of physics to projects; and who are able to direct projects.
Choosing Mechatronics Engineering to Study in Malaysia
Vincent Hoy, Graduated from Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mechatronics Engineering is an engineering discipline which deals with the convergence of electrical and mechanical systems. Such combined systems are known as electromechanical systems and have widespread adoption. Examples include automated manufacturing systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and various subsystems of aircraft and automobiles.
Mechatronic engineering is the combination of mechanical, electrical & electronic, robotics and computing. A Mechatronic Engineer designs smart machines that are aware of their surroundings and can make decisions. It is a new branch of the engineering field with very good job prospects.
The key element is the integration of these different areas into the design process from start to finish. Mechatronics engineers understand how to do this and enable the intelligent operation of mechanical systems. It also involves installing, operating and modifying mechanical and electronic equipment and in areas like manufacturing, aviation, robotics and defense.
Mechatronics engineers also have roles in project engineering where their cross disciplinary knowledge gives them an edge on mechanical or electrical engineers. Mechatronics engineers can work with electrical and mechanical systems together and solve problems that cross discipline boundaries. Their strength in IT, computer hardware and networking as well as software also helps them to be very versatile problem solvers.
Entry Requirements to Study Engineering in Malaysia
Chee Yuan, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students after SPM or O-Levels who are sure of choosing engineering for their degree studies may go for the Foundation in Engineering at top private universities in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 4-year Engineering degree programme.
If you are still not sure whether you want engineering or other science courses, you may choose the Foundation in Science programme at premier private universities in Malaysia. Students after the external Pre-University Programme such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. may enter directly into the Engineering Degree programme with relevant results at the best university in Malaysia.
Alternatively, with 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels including Maths and Science, students may go for the 2-year Diploma in Engineering and then enter into Year 2 of the 4-year Engineering degree at top private universities in Malaysia that are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Entry requirements for Engineering would vary from university to university. Students may contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to find out the exact entry requirements for engineering at top private universities in Malaysia.
What to Ask When Choosing the Right Engineering Course at the University Malaysia
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
- Is the engineering course popular at that university? Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Are the courses recognised and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
- Are the engineering degree programmes accredited or pending accreditation by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)?
- Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Does the university have a strong internship or Co-Op programme?
- Do they have enough students to start a class?
- How many students do they have studying that course at that university?
- What is the duration of the course?
- Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Ask your friends who have studied there for their opinion. Ask your friends who are currently studying there as well.
- Entry requirements (Foreign branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- How much money do I have to pay for the course and cost of living? Ask your parents. Note that you will need to have enough to pay the tuition fees as well as your cost of living. (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the exam and other fees?
- What is the student culture at the university? (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc) The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don’t know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
- What is the make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
- What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)