Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation · Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Industrial Design is the professional practice of designing products used by people every day. Industrial designers focus on the product’s appearance and value, and also how it is manufactured and how users experience it.
In professional practice, industrial designers often work in multidisciplinary teams to solve real user and market needs. At APU, the programme includes core design modules, elective options, an internship of 16 weeks, and a final year project with an exhibition.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Develop fundamentals of industrial design including drawing, creative thinking, design process, and model making
- Core modules build core studio skills such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Digital Illustration, and Design History and Context
- Begin design teamwork and communication skills through presentation-focused learning and project work
- Introduce entrepreneurship and project management foundations that support later major work
- Advance design learning with modules such as Ergonomics, Sustainable Design, Creativity and Innovation, and Manufacturing Process
- Choose elective modules such as Product Design, Transport Design, Furniture Design, Packaging Design, and Universal Design
- Build advanced 3D modelling and conceptual design capability, aligned to market and consumer needs
- Complete a minimum 16-week Industrial Training/Internship to prepare for transition to professional practice
- Develop a high-quality final year project using knowledge from earlier studies and industrial experience
- Core final-year modules include Professional Project 1 and Professional Project 2, Industry Project, and Research Project Report
- Strengthen design delivery through Production Visualisation, Exhibition Design, and Design Analysis
- Build professional readiness with intellectual property knowledge and final presentation to industry guests
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Degree Level 1 core modules | Creative Project | ||
| Presentation Techniques | ||||
| Introduction to Graphic Design | ||||
| Computer Aided Design (CAD) | ||||
| Digital Illustration | ||||
| Design History and Context | ||||
| Material and Form | ||||
| Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship | ||||
| Semester 2 | Degree Level 1 elective modules and core balance | Project Management | ||
| 3D design | ||||
| Semester 3 | Degree Level 2 core modules | Ergonomics | ||
| Digital Design Project | ||||
| Sustainable Design | ||||
| Creativity and Innovation | ||||
| Manufacturing Process | ||||
| Innovation Process | ||||
| Semester 4 | Degree Level 2 elective modules | Product Design | ||
| Transport Design | ||||
| Furniture Design | ||||
| Automotive Design Innovation | ||||
| Universal Design | ||||
| Lighting Concept Design | ||||
| Packaging Design | ||||
| Advance 3D visualisation | ||||
| Semester 5 | Internship (16 weeks) plus MQA compulsory subjects | Internship (16 Weeks) | ||
| Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students) | ||||
| Philosophy and Current Issues | ||||
| Workplace Professional Skills | ||||
| Integrity and Anti-corruption | ||||
| Co-Curriculum | ||||
| Semester 6 | Degree Level 3 core modules (final year) and final project | Professional Project 1 | ||
| Professional Project 2 | ||||
| Industry Project | ||||
| Research Project Report | ||||
| Design Analysis | ||||
| Venture Building | ||||
| Production Visualisation | ||||
| Exhibition Design | ||||
| Intellectual Property Basics | ||||
| Total | 120 credit hours | |||
Career outcomes
- You build job-ready industrial design skills across product, furniture, transport, and sustainable design directions, so you can pursue entry roles like Industrial Designer, Product Designer, or Furniture Designer.
- You graduate with a portfolio built through project work and a final year exhibition, helping you show real design outcomes to potential employers and clients.
- Your Industrial Training/Internship (minimum 16 weeks) supports smoother transition into professional work and strengthens your readiness for studio or manufacturing design environments.
- You develop cross-functional capabilities in design process, project management, manufacturing considerations, and usability/ergonomics, which aligns with how teams work in the industry.
- You gain professional career preparation through Industry Project work and Research Project Report modules, supporting roles that require both creativity and structured problem-solving.
- You are trained to consider sustainability and innovation in product concepts, improving your competitiveness for roles focused on modern product development and responsible design.
Employability rate
APU markets that graduates across its design and media degrees achieve a 100% employability rate, while specific industrial design graduate outcomes can vary by cohort and hiring conditions.
Overall, this points to a strong employability outlook for trained industrial design graduates who complete the internship, project work, and portfolio requirements.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving qualification (equivalent) | International applicants may apply using an accepted school-leaving qualification equivalent to APU’s listed entry routes for Level 1 (for example STPM, A-Level, or other recognised equivalents as determined by APU using MQA equivalency guidance). Specific minimum grades are published for Level 1 entry in the programme’s admissions section, and entry may also be based on an evaluation of equivalent qualifications and/or experience recognised by the Senate/institution. |
| Diploma equivalent (for entry to Level 2, if applicable) | For entry to Level 2, international applicants may apply with a related design/media diploma or an equivalent qualification that APU recognises for Level 2 entry. The programme states a minimum CGPA for the listed diploma route, and notes that requirements may be subject to academic board approval and/or recognition of equivalent qualifications and/or experience. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the published English entry requirements for this BA (Honours) programme. In addition, APU requires a portfolio submission and/or an interview as part of the design-degree admission process.
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 104600 / total program | Total for international: RM 108,500 (shown total; excluding 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) per the programme page). |
Proof of financial resources
International students must be able to support study and living costs while in Malaysia. Prepare evidence that you can cover your tuition and personal expenses for the first period of study, as required during the student visa process.
- Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses for the period required by Malaysian student pass/visa processing
- Evidence of ability to pay the published international tuition for this programme
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | January 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | January 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | September 28, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | January 01, 2026 |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | January 01, 2026 |
| Official transcripts deadline | January 01, 2026 |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your portfolio and/or interview materials
For entry into the APU Design Degrees, it is mandatory for applicants to submit either a portfolio submission and/or attend an interview as part of the admission requirements. Prepare your design portfolio in line with the programme’s design portfolio and interview requirements, and make sure your educational documents are ready for upload together with your application.
Submit your online application during the published intake window
Submit the application through APU’s official admissions platform during the published application period for the intake you want. Complete all required form fields, upload your supporting documents (including your language proof and academic documents), and ensure your submission is complete before the deadline.
Wait for offer and follow the next payment and pass-processing instructions
After you receive an offer, you will be instructed on the next steps and payment stages that apply to international students as part of student pass processing. Follow the university’s instructions carefully, including any required actions before the Student Pass visa approval.