Diploma in Information & Communications Technology

Course Overview

This APU Diploma in Information and Communication Technology is specifically designed to provide:

• Coverage of the academic aspect as well as the vocational aspect of the wide area of Computing and Information and Communications Technology.
• Students with the skills to prepare them for careers in the ICT environment with emphasis on solutions design, software development and technology infrastructure support.
• Students with academic and professional skills to develop solutions requiring the application of technology in a business and organisational context, so as to facilitate response to continuous future changes in technology and industry practices.
• Students with critical, independent and cooperative learning skills so as to facilitate responses to continuous future changes in industry practises.

Curriculum

SEMESTER 1 At the beginning of the program, students acquire basic mathematical, language, and communication skills along with core information technology skills. They gain an understanding of basic concepts and terminology related to technology and business management.

Modules

• Academic Research Skills
• Computer Architecture
• Digital Thinking and Innovation
• Mathematics and Statistics for Computing

SEMESTER 2 This semester advances students to a new level in information and communication technology-related areas such as operating systems, computer programming, and databases. They gain hands-on experience and build practical applications. A mathematical foundation for computing enhances problem-solving and analytical skills.

Modules

• Operating Systems
• Database Management
• Information Systems with Cloud Concepts
• Programming with Python

SEMESTER 3 This semester offers a holistic blend of programming expertise, mathematical acumen, system analysis skills, and the art of crafting compelling user experiences. Students engage in creating and expanding their knowledge in more systematic and user-friendly system development.

Modules

• Object-Oriented Programming
• Algebra and Discrete Mathematics
• System Analysis & Design
• Fundamentals of UI/UX Design

SEMESTER 4 This semester provides a dynamic blend of cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurial wisdom, and hands-on development skills to innovate, create, and explore the future of technology. Students explore responsive web design, delve into VRAR and the Metaverse, and gain entrepreneurial insights. They unlock the potential of the Internet of Things, discovering how interconnected devices shape the digital landscape.

Modules

• Responsive Web Design & Development
• Introduction to VRAR and Metaverse
• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to IoT

SEMESTER 5 In their final semester, students acquire basic knowledge of computer networks, digital security, and forensics to deepen their understanding of computing technology and ethical responsibilities. They also design and implement algorithms and complete a Software Development Project to demonstrate their integration of skills, knowledge, and understanding from the full program, including a range of AI techniques for problem-solving.

Modules

• Cyber Security and Forensics
• Introduction to AI
• Networking Technologies
• Capstone Project

SEMESTER 6 - INTERNSHIP (12 WEEKS) Students undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum of 12 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

*In addition to the above, all students are required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-curricular activities.

Entry Requirements

SPM

• 3 Credits in at least 3 subjects at SPM level including Mathematics#, with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History).
• Candidates with only a Pass in Maths in SPM will be required to complete and pass “Mathematics and Statistics for Computing” in their Semester 1 of Diploma.

IGCSE/O-Levels

• 3 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 3 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels including Mathematics#.
• Candidates with only a Pass in Maths in IGCSE/O-Level will be required to complete and pass “Mathematics and Statistics for Computing” in their Semester 1 of Diploma.

UEC

• 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics#.
• Candidates with only a Pass in Maths in UEC will be required to complete and pass “Mathematics and Statistics for Computing” in their Semester 1 of Diploma.

Certificate

• Pass relevant Certificate Programme or its equivalent.
• A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

Malaysian Students who do not possess a Pass in English at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level/UEC; will be required to sit for the APU English Placement Test, and based on the outcome of the test may be required to attend the APU Intensive English Programme (IEP) prior to commencement of the Foundation/Diploma/Certificate programme.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

International Students Programmes General Requirements Diploma in Information & Communications Technology

• IELTS : 4.0
• TOEFL IBT : 30-31
• Pearson (PTE) : 36
• MUET : Band 3

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on a conditional basis and are allowed to enroll in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Study Abroad Pathway

Upon successful completion of this programme with CGPA of 2.5 & above and fulfilment of requirements for credit transfer, you will be eligible to progress into Level 2 of the following degree programmes offered at APU.

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in:
  • Information Systems Security
  • Cloud Engineering
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Digital Transformation
  • Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • Business Information Systems
  • Sustainable Computing
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computer Science with a specialism in:
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Forensics
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
• Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence)

- For the full listing of our Diploma Programmes, please refer to the Pre-University programme brochure.
 

APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme

Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

To know more about APU-DMU Dual Scheme, please click HERE.