Apply To Software Engineering Courses
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Table of Contents
1. What Is Software Engineering?
Software Engineering can be considered as a branch of Computer Science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications.
In a Software Engineering Course, you learn to use engineering principles of programming languages to build software applications for end users and solve real-world problems.
Why it matters?
- The world and many economic transactions are moving online and into the digital space. Applications with good user experience and safe for transacting are increasingly crucial.
- Almost all businesses depend on Software Engineers or Programmers (whether in-house or outsourced) to develop digital products or enable potential customers to engage with their businesses.
Here’s a relatable video about what a Software Engineer does:
2. Software Engineering vs Computer Science
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.
Want to know more about Computer Science?
Click the link below to learn more about this field and courses available.
3. Where To Study Software Engineering Courses In Malaysia?
Here are 10 best universities to study Software Engineering courses in Malaysia.
- #1 Asia Pacific University (APU)
- #2 Multimedia University (MMU)
- #3 Monash University Malaysia
- #4 University Tenaga Malaysia (UNITEN)
- #5 Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
- #6 Taylor’s University
- #7 Swinburne University Of Technology Malaysia
- #8 Curtin University Malaysia
- #9 UCSI University
- #10 Xiamen University Malaysia
- BONUS #1 — Universiti Malaya (UM)
- BONUS #2 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
4. Software Engineering Course Pathways & Entry Requirements
There are 2 pathways one can consider when studying a Software Engineering Course.
Pathway 1: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Pre-University/Foundation ➔ Software Engineering Degree
It is highly recommended to start the pathway for Software Engineering studies by entering 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 Software Engineering.
A Software Engineering Degree will take 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 |
Note: Actual minimum requirements will differ between different universities.
In total, this pathway generally takes 4 years to complete.
Pathway 2: SPM/O-Levels ➔ Diploma ➔ Software Engineering Degree
This pathway is uncommon as very few institutions offer a Diploma in Software Engineering. Thus it is advisable to go with Pathway 1.
Nevertheless, as an SPM / O-Level leaver, the entry requirement is 3 credits including Mathematics to enter a Diploma in Software Engineering and takes about 2 years to complete.
Continuing into a Degree course from Diploma, you’ll only need to study for 2 years to complete with a minimum entry requirement of CGPA 2.0 for your Diploma.
5. Accreditation For Software Engineering In Malaysia
There is no formal governing body that requires Software Engineering graduates to register with.
Nevertheless, most Software Engineering Degree courses offered by reputable universities are recognised by these local and international organisations:
- Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB)
- International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
- International Requirement Engineering Board (IREB)
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying a Software Engineering Course at different universities and different locations.
6. What You Learn In A Software Engineering Course
You will be learning a lot of hands-on computing knowledge. A Software Engineering Course is generally quite project intensive. You will be exposed to a lot of software prototyping and even encouraged to join hackathons.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Architecture
- Computing Mathematics
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Design Methods and Patterns
- Developing Applications on Cloud
- Discrete Mathematics
- Distributed Systems and Parallel Computing
- Enterprise Systems
- Graphic Programming
- HCI & User Experience
- Innovation Process
- Integrated Computer Systems
- Intelligent Systems
- Introduction to Databases
- Introduction to Networking
- Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
- Investigations in Software Engineering
- Mathematical Concepts for Computing
- Development with Java
- Professional Practices and Information Security
- Programming for Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Python Programming
- Software Architecture
- Software Quality Engineering
- Software Testing & Quality Assurance
- System Development Methods
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Systems Software and Computing Concepts
- Theory of Computation
- Web Design and Development
7. Why Should I Study Software Engineering?
If you have a big interest in programming and are comfortable working in front of a computer for long hours, Software Engineering Course should be high on your study list!
- Overall High Demand For Software Engineers – Technology is always changing at a rapid pace. Even Software Engineers need to keep up with the latest developments. But that in itself presents new opportunities constantly.
- Opportunities For Cloud Computing Specialists – With businesses migrating to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, software engineers with cloud expertise are highly sought after.
- FinTech And Digital Payment Systems – The rapid adoption of e-wallets and blockchain technology in Malaysia creates opportunities for Software Engineers in financial technology.
- Rise Of Artificial Intelligence – The AI renaissance is an obvious reason why those who study Software Engineering or Computer Science will be at the forefront of developments in this space.
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8. RIASEC Compatibility To A Software Engineering 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 following 3 RIASEC traits are generally advantageous for someone considering a Software Engineering Course:
INVESTIGATIVE
- Investigative personalities are analytical, curious, and enjoy solving complex problems. This trait is crucial for software engineers as they frequently engage in tasks that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, such as debugging code, developing algorithms and translating a business idea into a digital product.
REALISTIC
- The Realistic trait encompasses a preference for hands-on work, attention to detail and practical problem-solving. This trait is a perfect match for this field.
CONVENTIONAL
- Conventional individuals thrive in structured environments where they can follow clear guidelines and procedures. In Software Engineering, adhering to coding standards, documentation practices, and project management methodologies is essential for ensuring quality and consistency in software products.
9. Career Opportunities For Software Engineering
Just like Computer Science, being at the tip of the spear of technology developments, you have loads of opportunities:
| Areas of Opportunity | Types of Roles |
| Core Software Development Roles | Software Developer/Engineer, Full-Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer, Game Developer |
| Data and Artificial Intelligence | Data Scientist/Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer |
| Web and Cloud Technologies | Web Developer, Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, UI/UX Designer |
| Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity Engineer, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst |
| Project and Product Management | Software Project Manager, Product Manager, Business Analyst |
| Quality Assurance and Testing | Software Tester, QA Engineer, Automation Engineer, Performance Tester |
| Specialised Technical Roles | Embedded Systems Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Engineer |
| Consulting and Entrepreneurship | Technical Consultant, Freelance Developer, Startup Founder |
| Research and Academia | Research Scientist, Lecturer/Professor |
| Non-Traditional Paths | Technical Writer, Tech Evangelist |
Recommended Course Guides
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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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