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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 smoothly.
Whether you have dreamt of building the next big tech start-up, or simply love solving computing issues, here is a guide to kickstart your Computer Science education in Malaysia.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about the course. It includes the best universities to study Computer Science in Malaysia and the possible career pathways in this field.
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is a discipline in computing that studies computational systems. This industry mainly deals with software instead of hardware.
It focuses on
- software design
- theory
- development
- application, and
- maintenance.
While the list summarizes what is within the bounds of Computer Science, this data-driven industry covers more areas than it may seem.
In short, Computer scientists are vital for
- catching problems
- seeking solutions through computing, and
- studying the performance of hardware and software.
They are also responsible for designing and developing applications and software for devices that serve specific purposes. They even play a role in ensuring the cybersecurity of our network systems and data.
Why Should You Study Computer Science in Malaysia?
You Enjoy Solving Problems
Computer Science can be challenging and exciting to those eager to solve problems and develop solutions. So, if your eyes light up when solving mathematical questions, or if you tend to immerse yourself in a complicated logical puzzle for long hours, then Computer Science may be for you!
As a Computer Science student, you will learn to use coding to solve problems.
Now that you are on board, 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. Thus, we need our IT departments, device aftercare service teams, and software developers to recommend suitable solutions to solve the problems we face.
More computer scientists are using technology to solve everyday problems, whether it is through apps or computing solutions for companies.
Lucrative Career Paths
The demand for Computer Science experts around the globe continues to rise. Computer Science graduates enjoy stable job security, as every industry needs people who have a knack for computing.
With such vast intricate job scopes, these experts will receive decent pay for their diligent efforts and technical skills. Moreover, the room for pay increases is also huge. The more experience you gather, the higher you will be compensated.
What Are the Computer Science Fields?
Computer Science courses typically let you choose a specialisation to focus on and master. As you progress through your education, 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)
If you are intrigued by ChatGPT or DeepAI, then all the more for you to study Computer Science in Malaysia. Artificial Intelligence is a field that 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. With visual computing and computer graphics, you will be trained to use of computers and special design software.
Among them include:
- OpenCV
- VisoSuite
- TensorFlow
Computer Security / Cybersecurity
People in the Cybersecurity industry deal with the protection and recovery of electronic data that could be harmed by criminal use, hacks, and damage.
Information Technology
Professionals in this field specialise in implementing and maintaining computing technology and networks for organisations and companies.
Information Systems
Information Systems experts are responsible for
- collecting
- storing
- processing, and
- distributing data and information
for organisations.
Software Engineering
This field focuses on developing and maintaining software systems.
What Are the Pathways to Study Computer Science in Malaysia?
For you to begin to study Computer Science, 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.
Then, you can take up a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
Alternatively, you may also choose to pursue a Diploma in Computer Science. This programme will take 2 to 2.5 years, during which 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 to study Computer Science in Malaysia look like?
Don’t miss this: Must Knows Before Choosing a Pre-U, Diploma or Degree
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 and cost RM 25,000 to complete. There after, you can enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
To qualify for a degree course in Computer Science, you will need to have SPM/O-Level qualification and complete one of the following pre-university programmes:
- 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 and cost you RM 18,000 to complete. Once you’ve completed your pre-university course, you can move on to the degree course.
Degree courses take 3 years to complete and cost you RM 60,000.
Diploma students who want to continue their studies can do so with a degree course, and they begin in Year 2.
Do note that getting a Master’s is not a must to get a Computer Science-related job. However, it is an option you can take after you have 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 in observing problems and figuring out solutions. There can be problems with the finer details, such as
- looking for an errant comma in a line of code; as well as
- the big picture questions: The act of 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 essential as a student. A solid knowledge of mathematics will become your advantage whenever you have problems and run formulas.
Moreover, understanding the logic in Mathematics will also help you have a better grasp of
- abstract languages
- algorithms
- data structures, and
- equations
that will seem complex to people who may not have strong mathematics skills.
Creativity and Innovative
While Computer Science sounded like a ‘logic over creativity’ field, that statement could not be further from the truth.
For one, you would have to be creative and innovative when seeking and coming up with solutions to solve problems. Let’s say you want to design the next most popular app that brings convenience to humanity. To achieve this, you will need a little ambition and an innovative spirit like the entrepreneurs of our society.
In other words, there is always room for creative artistic value in the Computer Science space. For those who are more drawn towards the design graphics and UI/UX design field, being creative is an attribute to have and nurture.
Top Universities to Study Computer Science 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.
To study Computer Science in Malaysia, here’s a list of University of Nottingham Malaysia courses for you to explore:
- Foundation in Science
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
APU is highly recognised as one of the Highest Rated Emerging Universities in Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education. In recent years, this renowned institution 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.
To study Computer Science in Malaysia, here’s a list of APU courses for you to explore:
- 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)
The next destination you can venture to study Computer Science in Malaysia is the Multimedia University. This established school has received Premier Digital Tech University status from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
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.
To study Computer Science in Malaysia, here’s a list of MMU courses for you to explore:
- 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 Industries 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 or the industry it is in, it will certainly have an IT support team. With this qualification, you can head into IT consultancies and IT service providers. From startups to big, established companies, the options are simply abundant.
While some Computer Science-related jobs depend on the specialisation of your degree, most courses of this study will provide you with a solid foundation to qualify for any entry-level jobs.
Popular Computer Science-Related Jobs To Explore
As briefly mentioned, a career in Computer Science means stable 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 pathways you can have with a career in Computer Science.
If you want to study Computer Science in Malaysia, 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 how, what, and where you can study Computer Science in Malaysia, feel free to reach out to us on WhatsApp or message us on our social media sites.
We will be happy to help you embark on your education journey!