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Table of Contents
This architecture course in Malaysia guide offers a clear roadmap for you as you explore your future in architecture. We outline 2 main study pathways: starting from SPM / O-Levels through a Foundation or Pre-University course, or choosing the Diploma route, both of which lead to a degree. You’ll also understand how to gain LAM (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia) accreditation through Parts I–III to become a professional architect.
1. What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, spanning from the smallest rooms to the biggest cities. Timeless and provoking designs of buildings give identity to their surroundings, making it one of the biggest charms of the discipline.
Why it matters?
- The study and advancement of architecture find ways to incorporate new engineering discoveries in materials or challenge the laws of physics to produce awe-inspiring structures and designs.
- Architecture enables buildings and constructs to suit the needs of inhabitants based on climate, environment, culture, and other functional requirements. In hot climates, architects devise new ways to improve ventilation and take advantage of wind directions.
Watch this highly viewed video of what you need to know before studying an Architecture Course.
2. Where To Study Architecture Courses In Malaysia?
Here are 8 best universities to study Architecture courses in Malaysia.
- #1 Taylor’s University
- #2 Asia Pacific University (APU)
- #3 SEGI University
- #4 UCSI University
- #5 TARUMT
- #6 City University
- #7 Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS)
- #8 Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL)
- BONUS #1 — University Malaya (UM)
- BONUS #2 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
3. Architecture Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are generally 2 pathways to becoming a qualified Accountant in Malaysia.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Architecture Degree
The most common pathway into Architecture is to enter a Pre-University course (A-Level, SACE, STPM) or a Foundation course offered by the university of your choice.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 5 credits including English and Mathematics to enter Pre-U or Foundation.
A Pre-University course or Foundation typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete and will qualify you to enter into a Degree in Architecture.
An Architecture Degree from a recognised university will take 3 years to complete. Here are the general requirements to enter from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 2D |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 60 |
| CIMP | 65% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5B |
| Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities. Generally, these qualifications also require you to have taken Mathematics/AddMaths and achieved the minimum results.
In total, this pathway takes 4 years to complete, not including your subsequent LAM Part II and LAM Part III exams. More on this in the Accreditation section below.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Architecture Degree
Another less common route is taking a Diploma pathway first.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 3 credits including Mathematics to enter a Diploma in Architecture.
A Diploma in Architecture will take between 2.5 to 3 years depending on the offering university.
If you choose to work after completing your diploma, you must take the LAM Part I accreditation exam before entering the workforce and continue to acquire your LAM Part II and LAM Part III while you start off as an assistant architect or a draughtsman.
Institutions that offer a Diploma in Architecture include:
Should you choose to progress from a Diploma to a Degree in Architecture, you need to study for another 2 years and meet the entry requirements of CGPA 2.0 for your Diploma.
4. Accreditation For Architecture In Malaysia
To qualify as a professional architect, you must be accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) by completing all LAM Part I, II, and II examinations. There are three levels:
| LAM Part I | Obtaining a fully accredited degree in architecture (approximately 3 years) will allow you to be exempted from the Part I professional exam. You can still sit for individual LAM Part I exams if you have an unaccredited architecture degree. |
| LAM Part II | To be a qualified architect, the minimum requirement is to have a LAM Part II qualification. To obtain this qualification, you need to study for another 2 years by signing up to a Master in Architecture course from a recognised university that provides an exemption for LAM Part II. You may also sign up for specialised LAM exam classes and take the exam yourself. Once completed, graduates will be referred to as Graduate Architects. |
| LAM Part III | To be recognised as a Professional Architect, you will need to obtain the LAM Part III qualification. Architects will need to practise for a minimum of 2 years and have fulfilled all the project requirements set by LAM. Successful candidates will carry the “Ar.” title in front of their names. |
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Want that shiny “Ar.” title after your name? Uni Enrol will guide you through the LAM parts so you hit the mark – book a free consult.
5. What You Learn In An Architecture Course
Based on the syllabus of Architecture Degrees offered by top private universities in Malaysia, here are key things you will learn:
- Anatomy of Space
- Architectural Application
- Architectural Investigation
- Architecture Heritage
- Architecture History, Theory and Cultural Influence
- Architecture Projects & Placement
- Architecture Software Application e.g. Auto CAD
- Architecture Theory: Built Environments
- Asian Architecture
- Basic Principles of Design
- Building Science
- Construction Technology and Materials
- Critical and Cultural Studies
- Critical Building Analysis
- Digital Design Processes
- Energy and Building
- Fundamental and New Design Techniques
- Light and Sound
- Materials and Tectonics
- Professional Architecture Office Practice
- Project Communication and Management
- Spatial and Visual Culture
- Structure and Surface
- Sustainable Design & Technology
- Theory and Form
- Visualising Design
6. Why Should I Study Architecture?
# 1 Gain New Skills
As the field is diverse, you will be able to acquire valuable skills such as design, physics, computer skills, and logical thinking.
These skills are sought after even outside the field of architecture.
In an Architecture course, you get to:
- Work in design studios that simulate real working environments.
- Use the latest design software and technology such as virtual or augmented reality.
- Engage in real projects via internship placements at architecture firms.
- Mingle with other professionals such as geologists, engineers and contractors.
#2 Well-Paid Career Path
Architects build and create the world in which we work, play, rest, and spend time with our loved ones.
Their expertise in making the buildings is well-received by society while being highly in demand and fairly compensated. There are no limitations to your earning potential as an architect when your work becomes well-known.
#3 Making An Impact
Architecture isn’t just about drafting your structures, you will also learn how the buildings you design impact and improve the lives of local communities, regions, and countries.
Architects also use their building designs to solve global problems. For example, they are the innovators who plan sustainable and eco-friendly buildings in design elements such as natural ventilation, the use of sustainable and cost-effective materials, and the recycling of energy and water within a building.
Here’s an eye-opening and grounded interview of 2 Malaysian architects who persevered in the industry and shared how much you can make as an architect in Malaysia. Check it out.
According to Indeed, a leading job platform website, the salary for architects in the main city of Kuala Lumpur averages at RM6,000 per month. Entry-level graduate architects typically draw between RM3,000 to RM4,000 while Principal Architects can easily draw RM15,000 per month and beyond. The sky’s the limit if you start your own architecture practice.
Good architects are a rare breed. According to LAM, there are only about 2,600 Registered Architects in Malaysia, which makes your skill and reputation exceptional if you gain enough experience and track record to become a Registered Architect.
As of August 2024, LAM also reported that there are about 2,800 Graduate Architects, as seen in the snapshot below. There are over 2,000 consultancy architecture practices, which more or less correspond to the number of architects in Malaysia. The great thing about an architect’s skill is that it is universal and your clients can come from anywhere in the world as exemplified by these top Malaysian architecture firms!
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7. Skills Required To Study Architecture Course
Architecture is a multidisciplinary field that requires both mastery in your left and right brain. Here are the skills you should hone to make you a successful architect!
Mathematical Skills
While architecture may seem like an art course, it requires you to work with the laws of physics, which is why mathematical calculations are involved.
But don’t worry, it will not be as complicated as some engineering fields but you do need to love mathematics to begin with.
Some of the math concepts include ratios, percentages, and basic trigonometry. You will also learn some accounting to compute the cost of materials and ensure the overall project is kept within budget.
Have An Analytical Mind
An Architecture course will challenge students to think analytically and consider different factors when designing and constructing a building.
For example, there may be differences in designing for buildings in Malaysia compared to Japan where you need to account for how a country with an all-year-round tropical climate versus a country with four seasons and also regular occurrences of earthquakes.
Creativity
Practicality aside, your lecturers may also evaluate your constructions based on your creativity.
Architecture courses introduce you to the developments of architecture throughout history and new innovations in modern times.
With the acceleration of artificial intelligence, it would not be a surprise that this technology will be used hand-in-hand with architectural design advancements.
8. RIASEC Compatibility For Architecture Course
The John Holland Theory of Career Choice states that in choosing a career, people will choose one similar to their personality to ensure job satisfaction, job performance, and career success. The test generates 6 different personality types:
- Realistic (R)
- Investigative (I)
- Artistic (A)
- Social (S)
- Enterprising (E)
- Conventional (C)
With the RIASEC Test, the 6 personalities can generate up to 720 combination possibilities to provide career compatibility. You can try the test yourself here.
The Top 3 best traits for someone who aims to study an Architecture Course would be:
ARTISTIC
- Architecture requires creativity to visualize and design buildings, spaces, and experiences. It requires strong spatial awareness and an eye for composition, form, and materials.
INVESTIGATIVE
- Architects need problem-solving skills as they work with structural integrity, materials, and sustainability. They also research environmental factors, building codes, and engineering principles. Computational design and parametric modeling require an analytical mindset.
REALISTIC
- Realistic trait lies in someone who likes hands-on work. Architecture isn’t just art. It’s about constructing functional, safe buildings through tasks like blueprint drafting, site analysis, and working with materials. Architects collaborate with engineers, builders, and urban planners, making technical knowledge crucial.
9. Career Opportunities In Architecture
Besides becoming an Architect, other paths can be considered. Here are some common and alternative career paths:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Traditional Architecture Careers | Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect, Interior Designer, Restoration Architect |
| Alternative & Specialized Careers | BIM Specialist, Construction Manager, Set Designer (Film/Theatre), Architectural Journalist, Real Estate Developer |
| Business & Entrepreneurship | Architecture Firm Owner, Real Estate Investment Analyst, Construction Tech Startup Founder, Sustainable Development Consultant |
Recommended Course Guides
Looking for other related courses? Here are various built environment-related course guides you should check out:
If you’re still not sure what to study, we have many other Course Guides that will provide more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!
We also took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!
About the Author:
Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.
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