Apply To Computer Science Courses
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Table of Contents
1. What Is Computer Science?
Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the algorithms that power software and how software interacts with hardware to the development and design of high-quality software.
Why it matters?
- It is foundational to all applications you will develop as we use software in almost every aspect of our daily lives.
- It provides a foundation for you to learn new programming languages or understand new technologies that emerge.
Here are 9 grounded advice when you take up a Computer Science Course:
Computer Science vs Software Engineering
In simple terms, Computer Science is about understanding technology and how it works. Software Engineering is about using that understanding to build software and solve real-world problems.
The differences do not mean one is better than the other.
In a Computer Science Course, you will also be exposed to programming languages and software development, amongst other things and can go deeper if you wish to further improve your skills.
With Software Engineering, you will also possess the foundation to learn the more theoretical areas that Computer Science covers.
2. Where To Study Computer Science In Malaysia?
Here are 10 best universities to study Computer Science courses in Malaysia.
- #1 Asia Pacific University (APU)
- #2 Multimedia University (MMU)
- #3 Monash University Malaysia
- #4 Taylor’s University
- #5 University Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- #6 Swinburne University of Technology Malaysia
- #7 Curtin University Malaysia
- #8 Universiti Tenaga Malaysia (UNITEN)
- #9 SEGI University
- #10 University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
- BONUS #1 — Universiti Malaya (UM)
- BONUS #2 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
3. Computer Science Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are 2 pathways one can consider to qualify for a career in the computing field.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Computer Science Degree
The more common pathway into a Computer Science course is through 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 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 Computer Science.
A Computer Science Degree takes 3 years to complete. Here are the general requirements to enter with qualifications from popular pre-university courses or a foundation course:
| Qualifications | General Requirements |
| A-Level | 2D |
| AUSMAT/SACE | ATAR 55 |
| CIMP | 50% |
| STPM | 2C |
| UEC | 5B |
| Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
| Diploma | CGPA 2.5 |
Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities. Generally, these qualifications also require you to have taken Mathematics and achieved the minimum results.
In total, this pathway generally takes 4 years to complete.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Computer Science Degree
There are many institutions in Malaysia that offer Diploma courses in Computer Science.
As an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 3 credits including Mathematics to enter Diploma.
A Diploma in Computer Science normally requires 2 to 2.5 years to complete depending on the university offering.
Upon completion of your Diploma course, you can embark on your career in the field as a software programmer, or back-end infrastructure engineer, front-end developer and more.
Or if you choose to pursue a Degree in Computer Science, you only need to study an additional 2 years instead of 3 years. You need to have a minimum of CGPA 2.0 for your Diploma to enrol into the Degree course.
4. What You Learn In A Computer Science Course
These are the subjects that you will be exposed to when taking an undergraduate Computer Science Course. Note, they may vary slightly from one university to another.
- 3D Computer Graphics and Animation
- Architecture and Operating Systems
- Big Data Analytics and Visualisation
- Computer Systems Low Level Technique
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Database Systems Development
- Discrete Mathematics and Functional Programming
- Distributed Systems and Security
- Enterprise Web Architectures
- Ethical Hacking
- Graphics and Computer Vision
- Integrated Computer Systems
- Internet Of Things
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Networking
- Mathematical Concepts for Computing
- Neural Networks And Genetic Algorithms
- Object Oriented Development with Java
- Operating Systems and Internetworking
- Programming Applications and Programming Languages
- Research Methods for Computing and Technology
- Robotics
- Security And Cryptography
- Software Engineering Theory and Practice
- System Development, Analysis, Design and Administration
- User Experience
- Virtualisation and Cloud Computing
- Web Applications and Programming
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying a Computer Science Course at different universities and different locations.
5. Why Should I Study Computer Science?
Computer Science Course is an increasingly popular study option due to its relevance in the new economy.
Here are more reasons why you should equip yourself with this skill:
- High Job Demand – New businesses are technology-driven and traditional enterprises are trying to digitize their operations. Either way, Computer Science graduates benefit.
- Government Support for AI & Big Data – Malaysia’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap encourages R&D in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovations – Computer science enables breakthroughs in AI, powering applications in healthcare, finance, and self-driving cars.
- Quantum Computing Advancements – This field allows researchers to push the limits of computation, solving problems traditional computers cannot. This will be the next leap forward you should not miss.
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6. RIASEC Compatibility To A Computer Science 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.
While the best traits for computer science can vary depending on the specific role, the following 3 RIASEC traits are generally advantageous:
INVESTIGATIVE
- You need to be analytical and curious in nature with a desire to get to the bottom of problems. If you have such an itch, you will fit right in to areas of science, research, and technical fields like computer science.
REALISTIC
- This involves enjoying working with tools and machines and engaging in some level of activity. Although computer science is not always physical, you are ‘’building’’ digital products.
CONVENTIONAL
- This trait describes individuals who are detail-oriented and enjoy structure and organisation. This fits nicely for computer science learning as you need to pay attention to algorithms and codes that you design, structure and organise.
7. Career Opportunities For Computer Science
Having a Computer Science qualification puts you in the forefront of new career opportunities as technology is always changing rapidly:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Software Development & Engineering | Software Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer, Game Developer |
| Data & Analytics | Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst |
| Cybersecurity | Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Security Engineer |
| Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | AI Engineer, NLP (Natural Language Processing) Specialist, Robotics Engineer |
| Web Development & Design | Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, Web Designer UI/UX Interface |
| Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure | Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer |
| Emerging Technologies | Blockchain Developer, IoT (Internet of Things) Specialist, AR/VR Developer |
| Research & Academia | Research Scientist, Computer Science Lecturer/Professor |
| Business & Consulting | Technical Consultant, Product Manager, IT Project Manager |
| Non-Traditional Roles | Tech Entrepreneur, Technology Writer, Technical Content Creator, EdTech Specialist |
Recommended Course Guides
Looking for other related courses? Here are various computer technology-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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