ARCHITECTURE
HEAD OF PROGRAMME’S MESSAGE
“Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.” – Le Corbusier
Welcome to the Architecture Programme at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). As the first Accredited Architecture Programme in Borneo, recognized by the Council of Architectural Accreditation and Education Malaysia, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) for both the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture (Part I) and Master of Architecture (Part II), we are proud to be the pioneers in architectural education in Borneo.
Our programme is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Borneo, embracing sustainability, creativity, and advanced technologies to respond to the demands of an evolving built environment. Our programme strive for excellence and are driven by a commitment to continuous improvement.
The UTS campus itself stands as a testament to this philosophy, designed to embody the “Rainforest” of Borneo. Its innovative architecture integrates advanced construction techniques and green technology, responding to the local climate while promoting sustainability. This living laboratory offers our students firsthand exposure to critical design potentials, enabling them to explore forward-thinking social, cultural, and environmental solutions.
Our programme structure fosters a comprehensive architectural education, blending communication skills, cultural understanding, technological innovation, environmental strategies, management, practice, and law. Guided by our experienced lecturers with industry expertise and diverse research backgrounds, students gain the skills to navigate the complexities of the field.
Our lecturers actively engage in collaborations with institutions from Kalimantan, Brunei, Taiwan, and China, driving joint projects and research that tackle local and global challenges. Community engagement remains a cornerstone of our curriculum, nurturing students’ soft skills and social awareness while increasing their employability. Our students are exposured and encouraged to partake in local and international competitions which allows them to benchmark their talents and excel on global platforms.
Our mission is to nurture passionate graduates of exceptional quality, grounding them in strong ethical values, and empowering them to become future leaders of the architectural industry, ready to adapt and thrive in a rapidly globalizing world.
Here at UTS, we invite you to explore, innovate, and be inspired as we continue building a better tomorrow, together.
AARON CHEW WEI-LI
Head of Programme, Architecture
School of Built Environment
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
[N/581/6/0051] [5/19] [MQA/FA4450]
APPROVAL CODE | N/581/6/0051; 5/19 |
ACCREDITATION CODE | MQA/FA4450 |
QUALIFICATION | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture |
COURSE DURATION | 3 years |
INTAKES | February, September |
CAMPUS | Sibu, Sarawak |
University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) offers Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture programme to produce creative and innovative architect graduates who will serve the needs of the local and global community. It is the first part of the professional programme which prepares students to understand both theoretical and hands-on skills in order to formulate proposals in the pursuance of improving built environment. Compulsory internship will train students real architectural experiences, nurture their management, communication skills and provide platform to apply design and theoretical skills. Students are required to complete 120 credits hours (inclusive of internship) in three (3) years.
ACCREDITATION
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture has received MQA recognition and Full Accreditation from the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM Part I).
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) / Board of Architects Malaysia
Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA)
OUR VISION
To be a global technical university is one that achieves worldwide recognition, maintains global relevance and acceptability, attracts international talent for teaching, draws students from around the world, and fosters strong global partnerships
OUR MISSION
To provide Global Technical Education through Strategic Collaboration and Smart Partnership
PROGRAMME AIM
The programme aims to produce alumni with strong architectural background, capable to fulfil their professional demands in highly competitive market with confidence, outstanding ethical and moral values.
PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEOs)
- Graduates will be able to apply the understanding of construction, materials, services, historical, cultural and regulatory application in architectural design.
- Graduates will be able to translate design that comply to the requirements of the local authorities and produce technical drawings with appropriate architectural communication skills.
- Graduates will be able to display good work ethics, work independently and collaborate in team to fulfil the demand of architectural practice.
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)
At the end of the programme, students should be able to attain the following learning outcomes:
- Ability to acquire and apply knowledge of historical and cultural context, legislation, technology and environment in architectural design.
- Ability to produce design using related or relevant architectural communication skills.
- Ability to solve problems through creative and innovative architectural design strategies that are responsive to societal and environmental needs.
- Ability to apply soft skills in multi-disciplinary networking.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership and professional responsibility when working in team.
- Ability to apply entrepreneurial skills for effective architectural practice.
- Ability to show good ethical behaviour architectural profession.
- Ability to develop self-learning skills and value the importance of continuous learning.
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1
Design Studio 1
Architectural Graphic
Principles of Design
History and Theory of
Architecture 1
Environmental Science
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
Design Studio 2
Building Services 1
Building Technology 1
Computer Aided Drafting
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 3
Design Studio 3
Building Technology 2
History and Theory of
Architecture 2
*Elective Subject
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 4
Design Studio 4
Building Services 2
Working Drawings
*Elective Subject
YEAR 2, JULY SHORT SEMESTER
Measured Drawing
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
- Design Studio 2
- Building Services 1
- Environmental Science
- History and Theory of
- Architecture 1
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
- Design Studio 2
- Building Services 1
- Environmental Science
- History and Theory of
- Architecture 1
YEAR 3, SEMESTER 5
Design Studio 5
Building Technology 3
Environmental Design
History and Theory of
Architecture 3
Tropical Studies
YEAR 3, SEMESTER 6
Comprehensive Design
Project
Architectural Practice
*Elective Subject
- Pass STPM /A-Level with full pass in two (2) subjects and SPM/O-level pass in Mathematics; or
- Pass UEC with five (5) Grade B’s including Mathematics; or
- Pass Matriculation / Pre-U / Foundation from recognised institutions with minimum CGPA 2.0 and Pass SPM / O-level equivalent with a minimum of pass in Mathematics; or
- Pass Diploma in related fields from recognised institutions with minimum CGPA 2.0; or
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government; and
- SPM/O-level pass in Visual Arts / Pass UTS Portfolio Assessment / Interview
CAREER PROSPECTS
When you’ve successfully completed this degree programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:
- Assistant Architect
- Design Consultant
- Interior Designer
- 3D Visualiser
- Graphic Illustrator
- Research Assistant
- Academic Tutor
FAQs
This depends on your interest. Do you always find yourself with a pencil or pen in hand, constantly doodling, drawing and sketching? Have you always been fascinated with buildings design around your home town? If so, perhaps you might want to consider a course in Architecture!
The first-year design studio curriculum will help you develop skills in all kinds of media from sketching to constructing your designs in the computer. You will be amazed at how much you will learn in one year!
The following aspect of architectural knowledge and skills are integrated in the architectural education programme: Design, Technology and Environment, Cultural Context, Communication and Management Practice and Law.
All architecture programme will have design studio projects, requiring you to present concepts, drawings and models to support your design work. The Design Studio is the backbone of the curriculum. It’s intense and fun! Your studio master will both challenge you and guide you to develop your skills in design thinking.
The most common items to include in a portfolio interview are graphic images (freehand drawings, paintings, etc.) and photographs of material constructions you have made (furniture, sculpture, etc.). Not only that, we would love to hear about your hobby too! Not to forget your general knowledge on architecture and current issues.
In Malaysia, two-tier architectural education programme is being practiced. The first tier is the undergraduate programme equivalent to LAM Part 1 Examination while the second tier is the post graduate programme equivalent to LAM Part 2 Examination.
You need a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from LAM Part 1 accredited programme before you can apply for Master’s programme.
Yes. Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Architecture programme is accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia as equivalent to its professional Part I qualification. Graduates may opt to pursue UCTS’s Master of Architecture (leading to LAM Part II qualification) or work in the architecture or built environment industry.
B.Sc. in Architecture is a pre-professional architecture degree (LAM Part 1). You are required to complete a professional degree, Master in Architecture (LAM Part ll )before being able to sit for the Architect Registration Exam (LAM Part lll) and become an Architect.
Career options that you can consider as a graduate of an Architecture degree:
- Project Architect
- Design Architect
- Resident Architect
- Conservator
- Project Manager
- Urban Designer
- Architectural Model Specialist
- Architectural Structure Specialist
- 3D Visualiser
- Graphic Illustrator
- Interior Designer
- Academician
- Researcher
Master of Architecture
[N/581/7/0106] [06/23][MQA/PA 9736]
APPROVAL CODE | N/581/7/0106; 06/23 |
ACCREDITATION CODE | MQA/PA 9736 |
QUALIFICATION | Master of Architecture |
COURSE DURATION | 2 years |
INTAKES | September |
CAMPUS | Sibu, Sarawak |
The Master of Architecture is a 2 year full-time professional Master’s programme that centres on the advanced study of Architecture. It is equivalent to Part II of the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Professional Examination.
It takes on an integrated approach to learning Architecture and adopts the teaching philosophy of “innovation and creative problem solving”.
It aims to develop talented and skilled Architects that meets demands of construction industry as well as complies with the objectives of the Council of Architectural Accreditation and Education Malaysia (CAAEM) under the Board of Architect Malaysia.
Students will undertake a range of advanced and research-based studio projects supported by knowledge and application of technology and environment, cultural context, management practice and law.
OUR VISION
To be a global technical university is one that achieves worldwide recognition, maintains global relevance and acceptability, attracts international talent for teaching, draws students from around the world, and fosters strong global partnerships
OUR MISSION
To provide Global Technical Education through Strategic Collaboration and Smart Partnership
PROGRAMME AIM
Master in Architecture is designed to produce talented and skilled human capital that meets the demands of construction industry as well as complies with the objectives of the Council of Architectural Accreditation and Education Malaysia (CAAEM) under the Board of Architects Malaysia.
PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEOs)
- Graduates will be able to apply architectural knowledge and skills in professional practice;
- Graduates will be able to apply their abilities in architectural communication and collaborative skills with multi-disciplinary teams in the construction industry;
- Graduates will be able to interpret current architectural issues and apply appropriate solutions.
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)
At the end of the programme, students should be able to attain the following learning outcomes:
- Ability to develop ideas through creative and innovative problem solving approach to produce architectural design of suitable complexity and scale that meets functionality, aesthetics and local Acts;
- Ability to interpret and analyse design requirements from design brief into functional design;
- Ability to apply and integrate knowledge of architectural theories with respect to technology, environment, socioeconomic, socio-cultural, urban design and planning principles in architecture;
- Ability to communicate design through advanced architectural presentation;
- Ability to work in a team and demonstrate understanding of inputs of other relevant professions within the building industry;
- Ability to demonstrate awareness of cost implication in design options;
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism and leadership within the framework of architectural practice in the building industry.
COURSE STRUCTURE
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1
- Advanced Design Studio 1
- Urban Design
- Architectural Concept
- and Philosophy
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1
Advanced Design Studio 1
Design and Research Methods
Urban Design
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
Advanced Design Studio 2
Architectural Technology
Dissertation 1
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 1
Design Thesis 1
Dissertation 2
Project Development
YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2
Design Thesis 2
Construction Law
and Contract
Elective*
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
- Design Studio 2
- Building Services 1
- Environmental Science
- History and Theory of
Entry Requirement
a) A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from LAM Part I accredited programme with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent qualifications as accepted by the University Senate; AND
b) Successful interview and portfolio assessment; AND
c) Minimum of SIX (6) months of working experience in architectural firm, recognize organisation related to architectural field or practice in the construction industry with a proof of employment letter; AND
d) Notwithstanding the minimum CGPAs mentioned in a) the School may, at its decision, consider applicants with less than the minimum as qualified for entry on the basis of a good pass at the interview and portfolio assessment sated in b).
CAREER PROSPECTS
When you’ve successfully completed this master programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:
- Project Architect
- Design Architect
- Resident Architect
- Conservator
- Project Manager
- Urban Designer
- Architectural Structure Specialist
- Interior Designer
- Property Developer
- Academician
- Researcher
- Building Information Model Specialist