Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Architecture
Sunway University · Sunway City, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: #354
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Architecture aims to develop a new generation of architectural graduates who demonstrate the rigour of architectural design as a creative and critical practice and its agency in contributing to the shaping of society. Positioned within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the programme collaborates with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
Students engage in a 3-year programme, learning through making and doing, thinking and investigating, anticipating and exploring, and addressing the complexities of the built environment through design. On successful completion, graduates will also be awarded a degree from Lancaster University in addition to the Sunway University degree.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Architectural Design 1 and Architectural Design 2 to build core design thinking and studio skills
- Design Communication to support clear visual and written design presentation
- History of Architecture and Design to develop critical understanding of architectural movements
- Building Construction and Technology to introduce building systems and construction fundamentals
- Design Theory to connect design practice with concepts and frameworks
- Computer-Aided Design and 3D Modelling and Rendering to develop digital design workflow
- Architectural Design 3 and Architectural Design 4 for advanced studio design and applied problem-solving
- Advanced Construction Techniques to strengthen technical competence and material/building methods
- Environmental Systems in Architecture to connect sustainability with building performance
- Measured Drawing to improve accuracy in documentation and architectural analysis
- Community and Social Architecture and Climate, Ecology and Architecture to deepen human-centred and contextual design
- Discipline Elective 1 to start shaping your career pathway
- Architectural Design 5 and Re-imagining Architecture to broaden design perspectives and innovation
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) to develop modern documentation and design coordination skills
- Architectural Design 6 and Professional Practice in Architecture to prepare for real-world professional responsibilities
- Internship to gain workplace experience in the architecture industry
- Discipline Elective 2 and Discipline Elective 3 to develop focus in your chosen pathway
Career outcomes
- You graduate with studio-built architecture design capability alongside construction, environmental systems, and documentation skills, helping you apply for roles like Assistant Architect and Interior Designer/Interior Architect.
- Your training in BIM and measurable documentation supports job-ready workflows for BIM Modeller and Architectural/3D visualisation roles that rely on accurate digital models.
- The internship and professional practice modules are designed to give you practical exposure to how architecture teams work, supporting smoother entry into industry roles.
- Career pathway electives let you lean into in-demand specialisations such as immersive design and bio-integrated approaches, supporting roles like AR/VR Immersive Visualiser and AR/VR-focused design work.
- You develop transferable communication, criticality, and design presentation abilities through design communication and design theory, supporting progression toward design consultant and project-facing responsibilities.
Employability rate
Architecture graduates in Malaysia typically see an employability rate of around 78% and an unemployment rate of about 22%, reflecting ongoing demand for design, BIM, and construction documentation skills alongside market competition.
Together, these figures point to a steady outlook where students who strengthen practical design output and digital/BIM capability tend to have more consistent opportunities.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving / pre-university qualification | International applicants may qualify with recognised pre-university qualifications such as STPM (Average C or CGPA 2.0 with a minimum of 2 principals), A-Level (minimum 8 points including at least a Grade D in at least 2 subjects), Australian Matriculation (ATAR 55), Canadian Matriculation (55%), Monash University Foundation Year (55%), Sunway Foundation in Arts (CGPA 2.0), Sunway Foundation in Science Technology (CGPA 2.0), Unified Examination Certificate (maximum 30 points from 5 subjects, all Grade Bs), or International Baccalaureate (minimum 24 points excluding bonus points). |
| Portfolio requirement | All applicants for this programme must pass a portfolio review by the university. The portfolio should include at least five (5) architecture-related works and may include pencil and ink drawings, sketches of ongoing work, AutoCAD drawings, hand-drafted architectural drawings, 3D models, and other design work, with all artwork in colour. |
| Diploma (related field) and advanced standing | Applicants with a Sunway Diploma in a related field may be considered with CAVG 50% or CGPA 2.0, and Sunway Diploma holders may obtain advanced standing if credit transfer requirements are met. Other qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Architecture fundamentals | Direct match | International applicants are expected to submit a portfolio showing architecture-related design work; this helps the university assess creative potential and readiness for design-led learning in the programme. |
Language requirements
Sunway University requires proof of English proficiency for applicants whose education was not delivered in English (or where the qualifications are not taught in English). For this programme, the university lists several acceptable English language options and minimum results.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 40000 / per year | Estimated annual course fee for international students (Year 2026) is RM40,000. |
Proof of financial resources
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | April 01, 2026 | September 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | April 01, 2026 | September 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | April 01, 2026 | September 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | April - Summer intake | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Review eligibility and prepare your portfolio
Check the programme’s entry requirements for international applicants and confirm your qualifications meet the published criteria. Plan to prepare a portfolio with at least five architecture-related works, including the types of drawings/models requested by the university. If you are unsure about how your previous qualifications will be assessed, contact the university admissions office before you submit.
Complete the application and upload documents
Submit your online application using the Sunway University application process for international students during the published application window. Upload certified true copies of academic qualifications and provide your English language evidence where required for non-English medium education. Make sure your application is complete, because incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Pay required fees after eligibility confirmation
After your eligibility is confirmed, follow the payment instructions shared by the university. The university states an enrolment fee of RM 700 (non-refundable, non-transferable) and a student pass/visa processing fee of RM 2,400 paid to EMGS for international student processing. Keep proof of payment because it is required for the next steps leading to the offer and visa process.
Receive the offer letter and complete student pass steps
Successful applicants receive offer letters via email within the university-stated timeline after acceptance. You then accept the offer and submit any outstanding documents listed in the incomplete record checklist if applicable. Sunway states that student pass approval processing can take up to 6 to 8 weeks after receipt of a complete application and payments.