STPM only if you are planning to apply for the degree programmes at the IPTA's.

It's too late for those who have completed SPM to apply for matriculation at this time, no?
I take it that yen is a non-bumi. I recommend STPM since there are a lot more choices of public unis offering architecture these days.

The simple answer is 'no'.
What really matters is that you have to be registered with the Board of Architects (LAM) to practice architecture in Malaysia.
None of the degrees from the IPTS's is registrable with the Board at the moment.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Feb 5 2011, 02:42 PM

According to the Chairman of LAM, they are not setting unreasonable standards after all.

http://lam.gov.my/download/2011/Warta-2010.pdf (see page 7 & 8)

It's about Part 3.

I thought the university exams (conducted by those respectable unis, that is) are harder.
Most of the stuff (like professional practice) would have been covered in the degree course anyway.
I think most of the candidates probably do better in drawings rather than written exams. I understand some of the architecture programmes have very few written exams.

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Added on February 8, 2011, 1:44 pmThe issue was about LAM Part 3. Someone wrote to the newspaper complaining about the low passing rate.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Feb 8 2011, 01:51 PM

The course (B.Sc in Architecture) in UTAR is not accredited as Part 1. It is a new course.
Whether it can be accepted for the purpose of credit transfer to UTAS or other uni remains to be seen. You have to ask UTAR if they have any prior arrangement with any uni for this purpose.

I heard from a friend studying in UKM that the course is mainly in English but some subjects are taught in BM. Some of the lecturers are probably not conversant in English.

Simple - because the client is your paymaster.

All things being equal, which architect would a client from China choose - one who can communicate in Mandarin or one who can't? The drawings can still be in English.

For government projects, the drawings and B.Q. can be in English but other written documents are in Malay.

For submission to the authorities, most authorities accept drawings in English except for some (in the northern states).

What matters is the grades you get, not the subject you take.
So, take subjects you think you can score the highest grades, any subjects.
Unlike other dsiciplines, there is no specific subject requirement for Architecture.

There is indeed a lot to learn about the technical aspects of buildings - structure, fire requirements, M&E requirements, functional requirements, which are to be incorporated in a building. They are important but not what I would call the 'core subjects'. There are always the structural, M & E Engineers and other specialist consultants to fall back on in real life practice.

The core subjects are really design and construction (as in production drawings). The latter is about knowledge of construction which can be learned and acquired through training and experience. It's the design part that is elusive. It requires aptitude or flair, which cannot really be 'taught'. Some people have it, some people don't. It can be nurtured up to certain extent (maybe 30%) but to be able to excel, you really need to be to be talented. Someone who is less artistic or creative would have a tough time surviving the architecture course. Someone who is average in Art may be able to get through but they can only be a 'mediocre architect' in practice. That is why many of the architecture schools conduct interviews to screen the applicants.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Feb 24 2011, 11:34 AM

As far as I know, I reckon 80% of architects were from science background. (azarimy should know better from the students accepted by UTM). Yes, it depends on the emphasis of the architecture school whether it is more on the arts or the sciences. Some courses have a fair bit of science and maths content in them eg. structural design, building science, which the normal arts students would have difficulty.

Having said that, the architect of the Taylor's Lakeside campus (NWKA Architects) wqs from the Arts background.

The course of study is long and hard, no doubt. The drop-out rate is also quite high.
The working life is also hard and the reward is not really more attractive than other fields, not in the first few years anyway. It could be rewarding when you are more established and have your own practice. If it is any consolation, architects are one of the top earners among all the professions, that is, for those who have made a name for themselves.

The rewards or motivation, as I see it:

1. The course of study is hard, very taxing, but interesting. It covers many different fields and it is an enriching experience.

2. The satisfaction of being able to see your design turned into reality.

3. Being able to call the shots in a building project, since the architect is the leader of the building team. But the position carries with it heavy responsibilities and liabilities.

3. By virtue of their training, architects are more sensitive to aesthetics and the built environment than others and are able to appreciate the physical world better.

Greatest put-offs:

1. Being bossed around by clients who think that they can do that because they are the paymaster. This is very common in Malaysia.

2. Dealing with bureaucracy from the authorities to get approvals.

3. Getting exploited - doing work at miserably low fees, not getting paid or getting paid very late.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Mar 1 2011, 02:21 PM

All the engineering work e.g. the design of the structure and services of the building is undertaken by the engineers, not the architect. The maths involved in architectural drawings is really minimal which an SPM graduate should be able to handle. You may be required to calculate areas, distances and percentages but even these are automated with the computer. You have to be good in maths to be an engineer, not to be an architect.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Mar 1 2011, 02:33 PM

In general, requirements are not constant, especially for entry into the middle of a course. They vary from one uni to another, change from time to time and applications are treated on a case-to-case basis. Only the particular university can answer your question.

I doubt you can finish off a degree within 1 year from diploma.

This post has been edited by tehtmc: Mar 5 2011, 11:02 AM