Study Software Engineering in Malaysia

A software engineering course normally includes programming in more than one language, data structures, databases and software design, followed by requirements analysis, software testing, project management and the use of version control and development processes. Group projects are common, because working in a team is part of the subject, and many courses finish with a larger project or an industry-style assignment.

Some courses carry a focus in the title, for example web and mobile development, games, embedded systems or enterprise systems. Software engineering also sits next to computer science, which concentrates on the principles of computing, and information technology, which concentrates on running systems for organisations. Both have their own pages, linked below.

Software engineering suits students who like building things that other people will use, and who are comfortable working in a team, discussing requirements and testing each other's work. It asks for patience with detail, since a small mistake in a large program can be hard to find. If you are more interested in the mathematics behind computing, compare it with computer science, and if you prefer to look after existing systems, compare it with information technology.

Study levels in Malaysia follow a ladder. A foundation course is a pre-university year for students whose school qualification does not give direct entry to a bachelor's degree. A diploma is shorter and more practical, and some universities let diploma graduates join a degree in a later year; each university decides how much credit it gives. A bachelor's degree is the main undergraduate qualification, a master's degree follows it, and a PhD is a research degree.

A diploma introduces programming and the basics of software development in a shorter course. A bachelor's degree is the usual way to study the subject in depth. At master's level, courses often concentrate on one area, such as software architecture or quality, and expect a degree in computing or a related subject.

Pages for a single study level: Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering in Malaysia

Check how the course teaches teamwork and testing, and whether it includes a placement or an industry-style project. Look at the programming languages and tools named on the course page, and at the mathematics it expects. If you are comparing with computer science, read the subject lists side by side.

• Entry requirements. They differ between universities and courses. Compare the entry requirements on the course page with your own certificates.
• English language. Most courses state a minimum score in a test such as IELTS. The scores stored for these courses are in the summary above.
• Recognition. Each university states how its courses are approved or accredited. Zawqari does not confirm a university's status, so ask the university to confirm it in writing if it matters for your plans.
• Fees and intakes. Fees and intake months are set by the universities and can change. Each course page shows the source and date of every figure.

Listed alphabetically. The order is not a ranking.

• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation4 courses
• City University Malaysia1 course
• Limkokwing University of Creative Technology3 courses
• Multimedia University1 course
• Universiti Kuala Lumpur1 course
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional1 course

• Study Computer Science in Malaysia

  Computer science courses: programming, algorithms, software and the theory behind computing.

• Study Information Technology in Malaysia

  Information technology courses: systems, networks, databases and software for organisations.

• Study Cyber Security in Malaysia

  Cyber security, information security and digital forensics courses.

Need to improve your English first? See English courses at language centres in Malaysia.