Hi everyone. I'm a recent form 6 graduate and a STPM 2017 candidate. I just received my STPM results three days prior. I was a science student and scored an overall CGPA above 3.00. But here's the thing - I have no wish to proceed with science stream any further. I wish to switch to the arts, and I originally wanted to take up Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at UM. But I only found out recently that since last year, the ministry of higher ed (?) had implemented this rule that science stream students are no longer allowed to switch streams in university, due to not having a proper foundation for the arts programmes (with the exceptions of Music, Dance and the Performing Arts - these are different sets of art programmes and a different case altogether) at STPM level. I messaged UM the other day and they told me the same thing, and the only courses which allow both science and arts students to apply at UM are Economics, Business and Accounting only. I'm not sure about the other universities but I feel it is similar. Online applications for local uni started yesterday, and turns out the options given at UPU online (when choosing our desired courses and university) is based from the stream we took for STPM. Lucky thing, some universities still do offer some substantial amount of art programmes for science students like myself. I'm now opting for an alternative, which is this English programme offered by USM called Bachelor of Arts (Hons) English for Professionals. I'm actually into the creative writing aspect of English - like poetry, stories, shot descriptive essays although my skills in writing lean more strongly to academic writing. I haven't submitted my UPU application yet as I'm still discussing with family members, close friends, teachers and others. Has anyone here on the forum Lowyat.net has taken this course, or know anyone who has taken it? Can anyone give me some insights on what is taught in the course? And what job did you guys get after graduation? Because my parents are skeptical of me taking up the course, out of fear I might not be able to get any job with this degree.

Hopefully anyone could give me some helpful insights.

(PS: since I have no other option but to choose science programmes in the end.. I'm considering courses like Computer Science or Science Education, either in Mathematics or Physics, or TESOL although I'm quite reluctant to pick up any education courses.. and I'm ok with computing. I like computers - but I don't want it to be my career for my entire life. I don't know why did the ministry had to implement this rule.. I just feel so trapped knowing the options will always only show science programmes or some other art programmes but not the course I had wanted to pursue..)

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 10 2018, 11:03 PM

Ohh i see. I might consider. But i just found out that I can apply for the English Studies course by UKM though, and I might consider about applying for it. I wonder if it is any good though..

But thank you very very much for your post. I really appreciate it. But I don't think I can apply for UiTM, as I'm a Chinese..? [English is my first language. But i went to a chinese primary school and took chinese all the way to SPM. But idk why I just couldn't click well with the language.. and have faced language-shaming from peers of the same race..]

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 13 2018, 04:33 PM

Oo 2009!? The course is only nine years old.. What offer did you accept from UM, if you don't mind me asking? And I see.. I did persuade my parents and they strongly oppose it.. My mother even blew up and scolded me.

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 12 2018, 10:52 PM

I did. I wanted to become a writer, or an english teacher, lecturer, or become a journalist. Anything to do with writing.

Thanks for the suggestion, and no - I don't hate my life, thank you very much. I see, I will do some serious thinking about it. And which part of this world we live in today is ever not vicious and unforgiving?

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 16 2018, 03:25 PM

I see.. well my mother was quite the opposite in this case XD I've actually come across some online comments saying that language can be kept up on your own and one doesn't necessarily need to take up a full-fledged language course..? But yeah, I'm considering others lah. Mostly computer science or communication, and if worst comes to the worst I'll have to consider science education. But I'm not that keen to become a teacher.. (I'm now working as a temporary teacher btw)

But I'll take your words into serious consideration.

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 15 2018, 04:57 PM

Ye know when you said u need some maths for your brain.. and after being in science stream for so long, i think i would have to agree on that myself though haha. I think it would feel very strange for me knowing that one day i might no longer be dealing with these things ever again. :/

And it's alright, your words and others have helped me to make some better decisions, and to look at things from another perspective. And i really appreciate it. no worries.

Thanks btw and hope that you'll have a pleasant day and year ahead!

I see. I somehow have to agree with you on that recommendation against it part, cuz i've read some comments earlier from other sites mentioning something similar as well. My mum also said the same thing. But becoming a technology writer...? I've never really thought about it though, but what you mentioned earlier about being able to separate myself from the pack interests me.

I'm curious - what do you write about for environmental science?? You post it on a blog, or do you write for some online sites? And actually i have begun to write online, but it's on Wattpad though. I'm currenty working on some full-length novels on the site and have published some short stories on it as well. I'm into creative writing, really, but some teachers from school have pointed out that i might be slightly stronger in academic writing (like in the case for my MUET writing, scored Band 6 several times for my essay homework. Not the whole muet la, just the writing part.) than creative writing. But i will take your words into account.

Btw, thanks for your message. It was really enlightening and i will definitely keep in mind what you said though. Cuz i never really thought much about writing for some other areas, combining the two. I might give it a go. Thanks once again and hope you'll have a great day and year ahead.

This post has been edited by thisgirlspeaks: Mar 16 2018, 03:46 PM

Hello and soooo sorry for the late reply!

About the MUET part - i think so? I merely kept in mind what teacher said when it comes to writing (like, the basic formats and stuffs for MUET), but the rest the teacher just leave it up to us to expand and explore. (content-wise) I normally choose stands (agree or disagree, depending on which topic) which is not normally chosen by students to argue and debate on, cuz these stands are usually more challenging (and I like that challenge) to talk and discuss about. Besides, I'd also get to have a good view on what's the other side of the argument instead on just always agreeing on what everyone would normally agree on. Anything that's laid out on the table should have its reasons to be there in the first place. I'd take the place to 'help' those 'overshadowed' and 'under-represented' points to be heard in an argument.

And thanks for sharing the link. and thanks again. all the best to you too.

Hi! I scored a Band 5 in MUET