Next Step To A Career-enabling UK Education

Next Step To A Career-enabling UK Education

Many students in Malaysia will have recently received either their IGCSE or A-level results. In the current pandemic situation, many students and parents will be hesitant about what to do next. Fortunately, with the National Immunisation Programme now well underway, it is hopeful that universities can re-open campuses sooner rather than later, although this is subject to approval from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). So on the one hand, there is nothing to be really gained from delaying one’s university studies. On the other hand, students and parents should look to the future and be more concerned that their choice of course will provide them with the best career opportunities by the time they graduate.

Quality and affordability – the best of both worlds

University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM), is a wholly-owned branch campus of the University of Reading, a highly-respected and renowned UK university which is ranked in the Top 100 in the world for International Outlook by the Times Higher Education (2021). The branch campus in Malaysia was established in 2013 and first opened the doors to its state-of-the-art campus complex located in EduCity, Iskandar Puteri, in 2015.

Students studying at UoRM enjoy the best of both worlds – the same prestigious University of Reading degree, delivered to the same high-quality academic standards, but at a significantly more affordable cost. Students who study at UoRM for their full degree pay only 40% of the overall estimated costs compared with studying on the UK campus, taking into account fees and living expenses.

World-leading schools, career-enabling courses

Five of the University of Reading’s world-leading schools and institutions are represented at the Malaysia campus, including

Henley Business School
School of Law
School of the Built Environment
School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
Foundation Studies and Language Institute

The campus prioritises quality over quantity of courses and offers a selection of the university’s ‘signature’ degree courses in professional disciplines where there is a demand for talent and which provide students with excellent career opportunities:

Accounting and Finance
Finance and Business
Management and business
Law
Psychology
Quantity surveying
Real Estate

Employability and career preparation is a key feature for all courses. All of the degrees carry relevant industry and professional recognition, enhancing the employability of graduates. During their studies, students are also exposed to external speakers to give them a sense of industry and the professional work environment. Students also have many networking opportunities at seminars and events.

Some courses have in-built periods of industry placement lasting up to 12 months where students are able to acquire additional skills and enhance their professional profile. The university maintains close links with industry and supports students with finding internships and industry work placements.

Excellent learning experience and environment

A key benefits of studying at UoRM is that students not only receive the same degree as awarded on the Reading UK campus, but they also benefit from the same pedagogy and academic environment that is designed to develop students holistically, nurturing both the hard and soft skills that students need for their future success. Students are encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills, build confidence in English communication, work collaborative in teams and become independent learners. UoRM Provost Professor Wing Lam highlighted the importance of holistic skills in career success. “Employers are seeking graduates who are not only book smart but also work smart. This means they are problem-solvers rather than problem-seekers. Employers prefer graduates who are proficient working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Ultimately, they are looking for graduates who are able to add value to the organisation and who bring a positive attitude to the workplace.”

Students also benefit from an experienced, dedicated and highly-qualified academic team. In fact, 75% of those teaching on the undergraduate programmes are PhD-holders and many possess relevant industry experience. Furthermore, as with our UK campus, the vast majority of academic staff at accredited with the Adult Higher Education Alliance (AHEA) as a commitment to high professional standards of teaching and learning.

UoRM’s state-of-the-art campus is a spacious, modern facility that houses IT-enabled classrooms, lecture theatre, learning resource centre and student social areas all conveniently under one roof. Based in EduCity, Asia’s first multi-campus education city located in Iskandar Puteri Johor, students enjoy facilities that include an Olympic swimming pool, running track, indoor stadium, fitness centre, music studio and a 24-hour Student Hub. Students also have a plentiful choice of affordable accommodation options, including the Student Village within EduCity or nearby service apartments. One of the benefits of living away from home is that it helps students develop their independence and self-discipline.

With its interactive approach, UoRM is well-prepared to support students with high-quality teaching and learning whether on-campus, virtual or through a blended model. UoRM benefits from the same advanced digital learning tools that is available on our UK campus, including access to platforms such as the Blackboard Learning Management System, Blackboard Collaborate and Microsoft Teams. Students also have round-the-clock access to the university’s digital library which contains thousands of journals and e-books.

Flexible option to study in the UK

Students at UoRM can take advantage of the flexible mobility options which allows them to start their studies in Malaysia but transfer to our Reading UK campus to complete their studies later on. The option may appeal particularly to parents who wish to send their children for study in the UK but are concerned about travel restrictions and health and safety in the current pandemic situation.

The main Whiteknights campus in Reading UK is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland and has won the Green Flag award ten times in a row, making it one of the UK’s best green spaces. The campus has everything a student could need, including sports facilities, health centre, eateries, a supermarket and on-campus accommodation. A virtual tour of the UK campus is available at the link below:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/virtual-experience/