Art and Design Course in Malaysia

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What is Art and Design?

Art and Design, are realm of creativity, and it is where you can let your imagination run wild – anything is possible. Art and Design is a medium that gives life to non-tangible ideas and makes them a masterpiece. But what exactly is Art and Design? Let’s dive in to understand more!

Generally speaking, Art and Design is a form of language to express the emotions of the artist. It comes from a vast spectrum of mediums, such as painting, sculpting to even digital art, and beyond. Art and Design ignite our senses with the definition of beauty, and it invite us to understand the different concepts between shapes, colours, textures, compositions, and more. Art and Design are often associated with inducing thoughts in the audience and they can inspire, provoke, and evoke emotions.

In Malaysia, the Art and Design scene is thriving like never before, providing a conducive environment for aspiring artists and designers to unleash their creativity. With more and more art institutions and creative hubs beginning to emerge, the opportunities for this area are blooming. Whether you have a passion for traditional art or modern art form, there are a multitude of pathways to explore.

So, if this is the path that you are looking to explore, read on to understand how you can be an artist or designer in Malaysia!

Difference between Art and Design

To many, Art and Design may look the same, but in fact, both of these areas have very prominent differences. Let’s find out more!

Art	Description	Design
Created for self-expression, exploration of ideas, or conveying emotions and concepts without a specific objective	Purpose	Focused on solving a certain issue or meeting a specific need
Subjective and contain personal connection with the viewers, different audience has different interpretation to it	Audience	Specific and convey the same message to the audience to meet the purpose
Involves personal and intuitive approach that comes from the artist emotions, thoughts and etc	Process	Systematic and structured approach that involves research, analysis, and problem-solving to develop the work
Uses traditional and contemporary mediums like painting, sculpting, photography, and more to express themselves	Medium and Techniques	Uses certain application and software to create a functional and visually appealing work
Evaluated based on aesthetic appeal, emotional impact, creativity, and originality	Evaluation	Evaluated based on functionality, practicability, and whether does it solve the problem or address to the purpose

Skills required for Art and Design

To be the professional of the chosen area, Art and Design students are required to have the following skills:

1. Creativity

This is a must-have skill for all artists and designers. It requires the students to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and look at problems with a fresh perspective. With that, only they can create something mind-blowing.

2. Visual communication

As artists and designers rely heavily on visual communication to convey messages, they should have a strong understanding of the different visual elements to effectively communicate their ideas.

3. Technical proficiency

This includes expertise in different art techniques and the use of different software to execute their ideas with precision and accuracy and bring their ideas to life.

4. Collaboration

Strong collaboration skills are needed to understand and translate client requirements, work well in teams, and effectively articulate ideas with others. Listen actively, give and receive feedback constructively, and collaborate seamlessly are also needed to bring success to the projects

5. Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the most sought after skill for all careers, inclusive of artists and designers. Strong critical thinking skills enable artists and designers to analyse information, evaluate ideas, and make informed decisions to come out with the work at their end of the day.

Are you eligible to study Art and Design?

Following are the general entry requirements to study Art and Design:

Academic Entry	Minimum Score
Foundation	CGPA 2.00
Diploma	CGPA 2.00
STPM	Grade C in 2 subjects
UEC	5Bs
A-Levels	Grade E in 2 subjects
Australian Matriculation (ATAR)	60
IB Diploma	26

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Entry Level	Minimum Score
IELTS	Band 6.0
MUET	Band 3
TOEFL	Pass

Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Art and Design Career Options

Here are the 10 most common career options for Art and Design:

Graphic Designer
Fashion Designer
Animator
Art Director
Interior Designer
Illustrator
Art Educator
Art Therapist
Photographer
Art Conservator

Universities to study Art and Design in Malaysia

1. Asia Pacific University (APU)

Asia Pacific University (APU) is a highly respected institution renowned for its exceptional art and design education. APU offers a wide range of art and design programmes that grooms the students with the skills and knowledge to be successful in the industry. The university prides on their state-of-the-art facilities and the vibrant creative environment that fosters innovation and artistic expression. Whether it’s graphic design, animation, fashion, or visual arts, APU provides a conducive platform for aspiring artists and designers to unleash their creativity and pursue their passion.

Programme Offered	Duration	Intake	Indicative Fees (2023)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation	3 Years	July, September	Local Students: RM87,000 International Students: RM93,500
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects	3 Years	July, September	Local Students: RM87,000 International Students: RM93,500
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design	3 Years	July, September	Local Students: RM87,000 International Students: RM93,500