BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE WITH HONOURS

1.1 Overview

The Department of Architecture has offered the Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours programme, Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM, since May 2000. It is a professional degree programme equivalent to the professional qualification of the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) Part I. The programme takes 3 ½   years (7 semesters) or 125 credit hours to graduate and is offered as a full-time programme.

This programme provides an integrated curriculum to produce semi-professional human resources in architecture to support the development of the nation’s construction industry. Studio teaching is a key component of the curriculum. Students can integrate various skills and knowledge from other courses into their architectural designs through studio-based learning.

1.2 Programme Recognition

This professional program is accredited by the Majlis Akreditasi dan Pendidikan Senibina (MAPS) Malaysia, also known as the Council of Architectural Accreditation and Education Malaysia (CAAEM) under the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM Part I). The program is also listed in the Malaysian Qualification Register (MQR) of the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).

1.3 Career Prospects

Graduates of this program get career opportunities as assistant architects in government agencies (e.g.local authorities), private architectural consulting firms, construction companies and real estate developers. Many graduates continue their studies to the Master of Architecture programme (see Section 6) to qualify themselves as Graduate Architects (LAM Part 2) or other related postgraduate programmes. Graduates also have the opportunities to venture into interior design, writing, graphic design, and model-making, to name a few.

1.4 Programme Educational Objectives

To produce assistant architects who are:

• highly knowledgeable in theoretical and practical aspects and competitive to support the architecture field of the nation
• creative, critical thinking and innovative in designing sustainable buildings;
• ethical, integrity and professional in handling architectural projects and able to work in a team; and
• skilled and knowledgeable to continue studies to the Master of Architecture level (LAM Part 2).

1.5 Special Programme Admission Requirements

Besides meeting the University General Admission Requirements, candidates must meet the following Special Programme Admission Requirements:

 
STPM Candidates

Obtained at least Grade B- (NGMP 2.67) at STPM level in one (1) subject not including General Studies subject; AND

Obtained at least Band 2.0 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for examination starting Session 1 year 2021 or Band 2 for examination until the year 2020; AND

Passed the interview conducted by the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM.

* Priority is given to candidates who took Visual Arts subject at the STPM level.

Matriculation / Foundation Candidates

Obtained at least Grade B- (NGMP 2.67) at Matriculation / Foundation level in one (1) subject; AND

Obtained at least Band 2.0 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for examination starting Session 1 year 2021 or Band 2 for examination until the year 2020; AND

Passed the interview conducted by the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM.

* Priority is given to candidates who passed Pendidikan Seni Visual or Reka Cipta at the SPM level.

Diploma/Equivalent Candidates

Have a Diploma in Architecture or other related fields from University, Polytechnic or public institution recognised by the UPM Senate; OR

Have one (1) Diploma from any of the following institutions approved by the UPM Senate:

• Diploma in Architecture from Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM);
• Diploma in Architecture from Kolej Universiti Geomatika.

AND

Obtained at least Band 2.0 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for examination starting Session 1 year 2021 or Band 2 for examination until the year 2020; AND

Passed the interview conducted by the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM.

* Priority is given to candidates who passed Pendidikan Seni Visual or Reka Cipta at the SPM level.

 
1.6 Study Scheme

Total Credits to Graduate: 125 credit hours
Study Duration: 7 semesters (3 ½ years)

Year 1, Semester 1

Year 1, Semester 2

 Year 2, Semester 1

Year 2, Semester 2

 Year 3, Semester 1

Year 3, Semester 2

 Year 4, Semester 1

 
1.7 Synopsis of Core Courses

ARC3000: Architectural Studio 1 (5 credits)

This course covers the introduction and application of basic design elements and principles for two- and three-dimensional objects as well as basic issues related to sustainability in design process. Verbal and visual communication skills are emphasised.

ARC3001: Architectural Studio 2 (5 credits)

This course covers the application of basic design process in architecture, ergonomic studies and spatial arrangements of interior and exterior space. Sun shading, daylighting and natural ventilation aspects in design process are emphasised.

ARC3013: Architectural Studio 3 (6 credits)

This course covers the design process of a two storey residential building and a semi-public small-scaled building as well as the consideration of basic structure, building materials, construction, solar shading and natural ventilation. Communication skill is also emphasised.)

ARC3014: Architectural Studio 4 (6 credits)

This course covers designing buildings with specific use, with multiple spaces which incorporate building technologies, site planning and planning for formal and informal public spaces. Environmental factors such as passive design strategies, daylighting design and noise control are emphasised.

ARC3015: Architectural Studio 5 (6 credits)

This course covers the application of environmental issues, which influence the building design process with emphasis on passive design strategy. Emphasis is on the design of an urban and suburban context.

ARC3016: Architectural Studio 6 (6 credits)

This course covers the design of a building which integrates energy-efficient design strategy within a socio-cultural context and disabled-friendly design. Conforming to building codes related to building technology through a comprehensive design project is emphasised.

ARC3103: Architectural Graphics (3 credits)

This course covers the basic knowledge of architectural drawing skills and presentation, which include drawings of building forms, landscapes, and architectural objects. The use of various drawing media and techniques is emphasised.

ARC3110: Architectural Communications (2 credits)

This course covers the presentation techniques in architectural projects through verbal and visual communication either individually or in groups with graphics, models and audio-visual aids.

ARC3121: Computer-Aided Drawing (3 credits)

This course covers skills in documenting two- and three-dimensional technical drawings through manual drawings technique and using computer graphics software. Managing technical drawings and preparation of portfolio is also emphasised.

ARC3211: Early Civilization Architecture (3 credits)

This course covers the history, expression and theory of architecture in the Middle East, Western Europe and Asia from 3200BC to the18th century. The evolution of architectural thoughts and style in the context of its social, political, economic and cultural environment is emphasised. History, function, owners, architects, style, siting, materials, construction and contextual environment of buildings are discussed.

ARC3212: Modern Architecture (3 credits)

This course covers the history and theory of Western and South East Asian architecture from mid-18th to 20th century that laid the foundations of modern architecture. Design analysis which uses a specific language based on the principles and elements of architecture and interior design is emphasised. Skills in critical analysis and the preparation of short analytical texts are developed.

ARC3321: Material and Building Construction (3 credits)

This course covers aspects in building construction system including structures, building envelopes, materials and methods of construction. Emphasis is given on wood, masonry, concrete and glass.

ARC3322: Material and Building Construction Technology (3 credits)

This course covers various new construction materials and construction methods from conventional system to the latest high technology industrialised building system. Emphasis is given to new materials including steel, composite materials, plastic and fabrics.

ARC3421: Construction Structural Concept (3 credits)

This course covers the basic structural principles, types of loads, tensile analysis, structural system, types of structural building materials and structural forms used in building design. Analysis and assessment of the structural system behaviour are emphasised.)

ARC3422: Construction Structural System (3 credits)

This course covers analysis of structural behavior and sizing calculation of structure for reinforced concrete and steel used for a construction. Application and design of buiding structure is emphasised.

ARC3521: Building Services (3 credits)

This course covers basic concepts of water supply, drainage, sanitation, sewerage, disposal and fire fighting system in designing a building. Compliance with Uniform Building By-Law in designing a building is emphasised.

ARC3522: Advanced Building Services (3 credits)

This course covers basic concepts of electrical supply system and telecommunication, air conditioning and ventilation, and vertical and horizontal transportation systems in designing a building. Compliance with Uniform Building By-Law is emphasised.

ARC3600: Environmental Physics 1 (2 credits)

This course covers the criteria of thermal comfort, sun shading, air ventilation system and indoor air quality. Emphasis will be given to passive environmental design in designing building.

ARC3601: Environmental Physics 2 (2 credits)

This course covers the exposure to basic theories of day lighting, artificial lighting and acoustic design. Emphasis is given to day lighting application in building design and energy saving.

ARC3811: Architectural Practice (3 credits)

This course covers the function, role, responsibilities and ethics of a professional architect based on the Architects Act 1967. It covers the relationship between professional architects with other related professionals in the construction industry and business operation for an architectural firm.

ARC4640: Humanitarian Architecture (2 credits)

This course covers analysis of diverse issues in humanitarian architecture such as emergency, recycling, war, education etc. to build for a more resilient community. Solutions through case study and the application of humanitarian related assistance in architecture are explored.

ARC4702: Theory of Urban Planning (3 credits)

This course covers the evolution, theories, aspects and process of urban planning. It also emphasises the impact of planning on human beings, townscape and environment. Planning and sustainable urban development theories and issues are also discussed.

ARC4901: Industrial Training (12 credits)

This course provides exposure to real working environment in industries/ organisations. Training includes application of theoretical and practical aspects that have been studied with current practices in the workplace. Problem solving and communication skills are also emphasised.

ARC4902: Topical Study (2 credits)

This course covers analysis of selected issues in architectural design. It includes the evaluation of working documents and discussions with professionals involved.

ARC4903: Integrated Design (2 credits)

This course covers the integration of architectural design, structure and building services. Emphasis is given on the procedure and process in preparing a comprehensive report of the architecture studio project.

1.8 Fee Structure

Average cost per student per year: RM 25,207
Annual tuition fees: Approx. RM 4,400
Government subsidy to student per year: Approx. RM 20,700  

1.9 Contact Us

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Fakri Zaky Ja’afar
Head of Department
Department of Architecture
Faculty of Design and Architecture
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603-9769 4052
Email: zakyjaafar@upm.edu.my

Ar. Nik Fazlysham Nik Mat
BArch Programme Coordinator
Tel: +603-9769 4033
Email: fazlysham@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 19/02/2024 [hasmahmi]