How to begin your search for the right course after SPM/pre-U

Now that the finish line for your SPM/STPM/UEC is near, you may be wondering how to choose a suitable course to further your studies. Don’t worry if you’re unsure about how to start because we have some useful tips on how to begin your search. Do explore all your options before making a decision—there are more options out there than you think!

How to begin your search?

If you’ve decided to further your studies, the most important consideration is to begin with choosing the field of study that matches your interests.

Method: Using 27 fields of study search approach

Courses offered at universities and colleges can be grouped under some 27 fields of study. A field of study consists of a broad area of academic and skills qualifications or courses that come under a similar branch of subject knowledge. In addition, courses offered under each field of study require similar academic entry requirements.

1. Knowing 27 Fields of Study

This section provides you with an overview of the world of study disciplines. Higher education courses can be grouped under 27 fields of study. They are:

1. Accounting and finance
2. Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary
3. Architecture and building
4. Arts and design
5. Audio-visual techniques and media production
6. Business management and administration
7. Communication and broadcasting
8. Computing
9. Education
10. Engineering and engineering trades
11. Environmental protection & conservation
12. Hospitality and tourism
13. Humanities
14. Languages
15. Law
16. Manufacturing and processing
17. Marketing and sales
18. Mathematics and statistics
19. Medicine and healthcare
20. Medical diagnostic and treatment technology
21. Occupational health and hygiene services
22. Personal services
23. Science (Biological science and physical science)
24. Security services
25. Social sciences
26. Social services
27. Transport services

2. Exploring the 27 Fields of Study

Begin by reading and exploring the 27 fields of study. Finding out which field of study you are interested in will be able to help you to determine a suitable course for your career choice. To make sure you have made a good choice, the field of study you have chosen should fit with your interests and prepare you for the career you want (try out this test: interest.studymalaysia.com).

Once you have an idea about which field(s) interest you most, move on to discover what course choices are available to you under these fields, its possible occupations, and the list of courses and the associated education providers under that field. Go to this link.

Your career goal may fit into one field, or you may also find that you're interested in several different fields of study. If that is the case, it is still often possible to bring these fields together to find a career that is a good fit.

Benefits of 27 Fields of Study search approach

For those who are not sure what course to study, they can begin their search for a course by exploring their academic interest and abilities in relation to the 27 fields of study. As for those who have a dream career but are unsure which course to study, they can use the features found in the 27 fields of study to assist them in their decision for choice of courses.

Entry requirements In the process of course exploration, don’t forget to check the academic entry requirements for the course you’re interested in.

In general: courses at certificate level (SPM 1 credit), diploma level (minimum SPM 3 credits), bachelor’s degree level (minimum pre-university qualification such as STPM, A-Levels, etc.). Some courses may have additional subject requirements.

Source:

StudyMalaysia.com/career-guide myCOURSE e-Guide v1.1 (by StudyMalaysia Sdn Bhd)

Copyright© StudyMalaysia Sdn Bhd (Nov, 2020)

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