Approval Code: (KA 6303; 08 / 2010)

Architecture is the art of designing the human built environment. Buildings are one of the most visible productions of man, and vary greatly in design, function, and construction implementation across the globe. The vision that Architects conceive is projected onto society and the built environment in which they practice. These conceptions and ideas will inadvertently have profound effects on the built environment, and consequently on the people who interact with that environment. Architecture is, therefore, an art form, the learning of which requires professional practice, personal artistic development and technical knowledge of building. The constant dialogue between society and the architect is what produces architecture - as a product and as well as a discipline.

The Department of Architecture at the School of Architecture, Management & Surveying understands that all those who study and work in the field of architecture need a framework of aesthetic and functional appreciation of buildings and the context in which buildings are designed and made. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Architectural Technology at UCSI is a 3-year program, open for aesthetically-sensitive and creative candidates. The program offers a thorough grounding in design processes, building science and technology allied with an understanding of the important social, cultural, artistic, historical, political and economic factors, which influence architecture. This philosophy underpins all of the teaching and research programs delivered in the program.

The program also emphasizes on latest industry input to each graduate. Students are required to undergo an industrial training programme under Co-operative Placement Scheme in the fifth semester of the final year to learn and familiarize themselves with the working environment of the building and construction industry.

A distinction (A1 or A2) in SPM / UEC English, MUET Band 5, or a score of 213 (Computer based) / 550 (Written based) in TOEFL, or Band 5.5 in IELTS, or UCSI English Foundation or equivalent. If English Language requirements are not fulfilled, additional English module(s) must be taken at UCSI.

The Architectural Technology programmes develop both academic understanding and practical skills required for careers in the professional field. Graduates will be able to gain professional working experience in an Architectural Firm, Interior Architectural Firm, Developer Firm, Construction Firm, Supplier & Manufacturer Firm and Educational Institution. Creative and well-trained individuals who are able to use their architectural knowledge to solve problems in this fields are the key to future progress and these are the professionals who are valuable to the built industry.

Graduates who wish to enter the workforce at this level are equipped for careers in the broad field of design in the built environment. Scope of work varies from an Assistant Architect, a Project Manager, an Interior Designer, Design Consultant, Project Executive, Design Research Assistant Free lance Designer, to an Academic Tutor. Graduates may also venture into other fields of expertise such as Furniture Design, Lighting Design, Theme Park Design, Retail Design, Commercial Design, Hospitality Design, Healthcare Design, Corporate Office Design, Stage Design, Exhibit Design, Film & Television Set Design, Environmental Design, Museum Design, Residential Design and Graphic Design. The career opportunities in this field has a good record of graduate employment. Opportunities also exist in the other areas, including marketing, promotion, facility management and development. Many large organisations, such as departmental stores hotels, resorts and property developers, also employ architects and architectural graduates as designers as well as managers and supervisors. Following experience with larger firms, graduates may start their own consulting business.

Graduates may also continue on to a professional and recognized Bachelor of Architecture programme, which upon completion and further post-graduate working experience, will allow the candidates to sit for professional examinations and become qualified professional architects.

The first degree of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology will be accredited by the Council of Architectural Education Malaysia (CAEM) which is formed by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM). Upon the successful accreditation of the course of study, the programme will then be recognized as carrying a PAM / LAM Part 1 qualification. Upon recognition of the Part 1 qualification, students will then have to successfully complete a 2-year professional Bachelor of Architecture programme with a Part 2 qualification from a LAM recognized institution of study for them to fulfill the education component of professional qualification procedures. Two years of professional post-graduate experience will allow the graduate to sit for the professional examination before being permitted to be registered and to legally practice as a professional architect.

You may become a qualified professional architect by successfully completing the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology degree offered by UCSI which is based on ‘A’ Level or STPM results or cross over from the Diploma in Architectural Studies programme. This will then be followed by a professional and recognized Bachelor in Architecture programme.

These qualifications, together with approved professional experience and the passing of appropriate professional examinations will allow you to become registered and to legally call yourself a professional architect.