The rapid growth of computer science has allowed technology to reach deep into the foundations of our society.
As a result, we need tech-savvy people to keep everything around us running.
No matter if you dream of building the next big tech startup, or simply love solving computing issues, here is a guide to Computer Science courses in Malaysia to jumpstart your education.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about the course, the best universities in Malaysia to study Computer Science, and what Computer Science career paths are out there.
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is a discipline in computing that studies computational systems, which mostly deals with software instead of hardware.
It focuses on software design, theory, development, application, and maintenance.
While the bounds of Computer Science are narrowed down in that sense, it covers more areas than it may seem.
Computer scientists catch problems, seek solutions through computing, and study the performance of hardware and software.
They design and develop applications and software for devices that serve specific purposes.
They also ensure the cybersecurity of our network systems and data.
Why Should You Study Computer Science?
You Enjoy Solving Problems
Computer Science can be challenging and exciting to those eager to solve problems and develop solutions.
If your eyes light up when solving mathematical questions and can immerse yourself in a complicated logical puzzle for hours, Computer Science may be for you!
As a Computer Science student, you will learn the many ways you can use coding to solve problems.
Be prepared to put your problem-solving skills to use.
Contribute to Society
Computer scientists are natural problem-solvers.
Computing language is foreign and confusing to those who did not master it, which is why we need our IT departments, device aftercare service teams, and software developers.
More computer scientists are using technology to solve everyday problems, whether it is through apps or computing solutions for companies.
Lucrative Career Paths
As the demand for Computer Science experts continues to rise, so too will the pay.
The room for pay increases is also huge, as you will be highly compensated the more experience you have.
Furthermore, Computer Science graduates enjoy great job security, as computing skills are needed in every industry.
What Are the Computer Science Fields?
Computer Science courses typically let you choose a specialisation to focus on and master, though they will also provide modules that cover the other Computer Science fields to ensure your knowledge is more well-rounded.
Algorithms and Data Structures
This field studies computing methods and algorithms to understand their computational properties, which contributes to writing more efficient computer programmes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This field involves learning intelligent machines that can mimic human behaviours, logic, and skills to solve problems.
Computer Graphics and Visual Computing
This field focuses on developing 2D and 3D visual content through the use of computers and special design software.
Computer Security / Cybersecurity
This field deals with the protection and recovery of electronic data from criminal use, hacks, and damage.
Information Technology
This field specialises in implementing and maintaining computing technology and networks for organisations and companies.
Information Systems
This field deals with collecting, storing, processing, and distributing data and information for organisations.
Software Engineering
This field focuses on developing and maintaining software systems.
What Are the Popular Computer Science Pathways?
You can choose to study Foundation in Science / Computing for 1 year or a Pre-University (A-Level, SACE, STPM, etc.) course for 1 – 2 years after completing SPM or equivalent qualification.
You can then take up a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
Alternatively, you may also choose to pursue a Diploma in Computer Science which will take 2 to 2.5 years, where you’ll be able to move towards entering the job market immediately, or move to a Computer Science bachelor’s degree after that.
So what does your pathway look like?
Diploma in Computer Science
To qualify for a diploma course, you only need to have:
- SPM / O-Level: min. 3 credits, including a pass in Bahasa Melayu and History.
Diploma courses usually take between 2 to 2.5 years to complete and cost from RM 25,000.
You can enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
For degree courses, you will need to have SPM/O-Level qualification and the following pre-university course:
- STPM: min. 2Cs including Mathematics and credit in SPM Mathematics or equivalent
- A-level: min. 2 passes and credit in SPM Mathematics or equivalent
- UEC: min. 5Bs including Mathematics and English
- SACE: ATAR of 55
- Relevant Foundation: min. CGPA 2.00 and credit in SPM Mathematics or equivalent
- Relevant Diploma: min. CGPA 2.00 and credit in SPM Mathematics or equivalent
A pre-university course can take up to 2 years to complete and cost from RM 18,000.
Once you’ve completed your pre-university course, you can then move on to the degree course.
Degree courses take 3 years to complete and cost from RM 60,000.
Diploma students who want to continue their studies can do so with a degree course and they begin in Year 2.
Note that getting a Master’s is not a necessity to get a Computer Science-related job, but it is an option you can take after you completed your Bachelor’s Degree or worked a few years in the industry.
What Are the Skills Required in Computer Science?
Analytical Mind
As mentioned, the core of Computer Science is to solve problems.
To achieve this, a Computer Science student would have to be analytical and detailed-oriented observing problems and figuring out solutions.
There can be problems in the finer details, such as looking for an errant comma in a line of code; as well as the big picture questions, such as finding out the best method to boost a company’s efficiency.
Mathematics
General requirements to enter a Computer Science course may tell you that Mathematics skills are important.
Strong knowledge of mathematics will support you to solve problems and run formulas.
Understanding the logic in Mathematics will also help you have a better grasp of abstract languages, algorithms, data structures, and equations that will seem complicated to people who may not have strong mathematics skills.
Creativity and Innovative
While Computer Science sounds like a “logic over creativity” field, that could not be farther from the truth.
You would have to be creative and innovative when seeking and coming up with solutions to solve problems.
Maybe you want to design the next most popular app that brings convenience to humanity.
To achieve this, you will need a little ambition and innovative spirit like the entrepreneurs of our society.
In other ways, there is room for creative artistic value in the Computer Science space too.
For those who are more drawn towards the design graphics and UI/UX design field, creativity skills are a strong tool to have.
Top Computer Science Universities in Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is ranked 103 in the world (18 in the UK) out of more than 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
Students have the opportunity to spend one or both semesters of the second year of study in the UK, paying only the Malaysia Campus tuition fee.
Computer science courses offered:
- Foundation in Science
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
APU is also recognised as one of the Highest Rated Emerging Universities in Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education, and has received 5 Stars by QS for Teaching, Employability, Facilities and Inclusiveness.
APU partners with innovative accelerators such as GrowthX academy and Supercharger to expose students to real-life case studies.
Computer science courses offered:
- Foundation Programme (Computing & Technology Pathway) – Computer Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) Intelligent Systems
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a specialism in Data Analytics
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Cyber Security)
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a specialism in Digital Forensics
Multimedia University (MMU)
Multimedia University was awarded the Premier Digital Tech University status by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Students will have the opportunity to experience the best and latest technologies from MMU collaborations with major ICT players such as ZTE, Huawei, Nokia, Intel, Microsoft, Cisco and Motorola.
Computer science courses offered:
- Foundation in Information Technology (Computer Science)
- Foundation in Information Technology (Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons.)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons.) (Artificial Intelligence)
Things You Need to Know About Computer Science Career
Wide Range of Industry to Choose From
Once you obtain your Computer Science degree, you can have a fruitful career in IT teams in organisations and companies across different industries.
No matter the size of the company, it will surely have an IT support team.
You can also head into IT consultancies and IT service providers, from startups to big, established companies, the options are simply abundant.
While certain jobs in Computer Science depend on the specialisation of your degree, most Computer Science courses will provide you with a solid foundation to go into any entry-level job.
Popular Computer Science-Related Jobs
As briefly mentioned, a career in Computer Science means great job security with great pay.
According to Payscale, a computer programmer’s monthly base salary can start from a modest RM 3,000.
While other jobs in the computing industry may differ, this example provides a great insight into the potential you can have in a career in Computer Science.
Here are Computer Science-related job postings on JobStreet for further examples:
- Software Engineer
- Software Engineer (Customer Service)
- Software Engineer (.NET)
- Programmer
- Software Developer
If you have further questions about Computer Science courses, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp or message us on our social media sites.
We’ll be happy to assist you.