Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design

Course Details

• Full Time
• Duration: 3 years
• Intake Date: 17 July 2025, 29 September 2025, 25 November 2025
• Awarding Body: APU, Malaysia

Why choose APU?

• Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
• 5-Star Excellence Rating (SETARA)
• 100% Employability Rate
• Ranked No.16 for International Students in the World
• More than 80,000 Graduates & Alumni

Dual Degree

• APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme
• Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme.
• Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

Admission Requirements

• General Requirements
  • Direct Entry to Level 1 of the Degree
    • STPM: A Pass in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any 2 subjects and a Credit in Bahasa Melayu and a Pass in English at SPM level.
    • A-Level: 2 Passes (Grade A-D) in A-Level with a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.
    • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC.
    • Matriculation/ Foundation: A Pass in Matriculation or Foundation studies with minimum CGPA of 2.00.
  • Entry to Level 2 of the Degree
    • Related Diploma: A Diploma in Design & Media or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.00
    • A pass in DKM / DLKM / DVM with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 subjected to HEP Senate/ Academic Board’s approval. Those with CGPA of 2.00 need at least two years working experience.

English Requirements

• International Students
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • TOEFL IBT: 40
  • Pearson (PTE): 47
  • MUET: Band 3.5

Application Process

• As part of the entry requirements into the APU Design Degrees, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit either one of the following for evaluation together with complete educational documents:
  • Portfolio Submission
  • Interview

Areas of Interest

• FURNITURE DESIGN
• PRODUCT DESIGN
• TRANSPORT DESIGN
• SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Programme Description

• Industrial Design is the professional practice of designing products used by millions of people around the world every day.
• Industrial designers focus on the product’s appearance and value on top of how it functions, how it’s manufactured and user experience.
• In professional practice, industrial designers are often part of multidisciplinary teams where everyone works together towards a common goal.

Programme Outline

• This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:
  • A holistic experience in the field of industrial design.
  • Industrial designers focus on the product’s appearance and value on top of how it functions, how it’s manufactured and user experience.

Degree Level 1

• First-year students will be focusing on the fundamentals of industrial design which includes drawing, creative thinking, project management, design process and model making.
• Student will be exposed to various skills from manual & digital sketching, brain storming methods to model making realising their concept design into reality.
• Students will be working in team managing projects, handling restricted timeline, develop communication skills as well as entrepreneurial skills.

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

Elective Modules

• Project Management
• 3D design

Degree Level 2

• Second-year students will be exposed to advanced 3D modelling skills, focusing on advance form and conceptual design.
• The students will be required to transfer and decipher the consumer needs, market needs and problems into designs that will lead to solving a problem for those needs.
• Holistic design consideration such as ergonomic design, manufacturing process, understanding different materials and market needs will be the pinnacle focus in the second year.

Core Modules

• Ergonomics
• Digital Design Project
• Sustainable Design
• Creativity and Innovation
• Manufacturing Process
• Innovation Process

Elective Modules

• Product Design
• Transport Design
• Furniture Design
• Automotive Design Innovation
• Universal Design
• Lighting Concept Design
• Packaging Design
• Advance 3D visualisation

Internship (16 Weeks)

• Students will undertake a short Internship/ Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Degree Level 3

• In the final year, students will make use of their knowledge from previous studies and industrial experience to produce a high quality final year project.
• Students are allowed to choose the topic or area of study based on the specialism topics of their choice.
• Students will then need to manage project, design process, timeline and budget.
• Conversely, students will be able to explore industry projects and competition brief.
• Lastly, students will get to display and present their work in the final year exhibition, professional industry guests are invited to view and assess the students work.

Core Modules

• Professional Project 1
• Professional Project 2
• Industry Project
• Research Project Report
• Design Analysis
• Venture Building
• Production Visualisation
• Exhibition Design
• Intellectual Property Basics

MQA Compulsory Subjects

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum

Student Achievement

• Breakthrough Student Achievement: Brookie – The Breathable Brick
• One of APU’s standout projects, Brookie: The Breathable Brick, highlights our students' design ingenuity.
• Featured on WDO’s Instagram and website, this project earned the title of Malaysia’s National Winner at the James Dyson Awards 2024!

Student Portfolios

• [Insert student portfolios]

Collaborative Industrial Partners

• APU’s Design & Media programmes are crafted to provide you with relevant exposure to the industry.
• Through the collaboration with our industrial partners, we enhance your learning experience by embedding industry-relevant curriculum, conducting frequent industry visits, arranging career exposure activities and guiding you on building your personal portfolio.

Career Path

• Industrial Designer
• Product Designer
• Furniture Designer
• Transport Designer
• Toy Designer
• Jewelry Designer
• Sustainable Designer
• System Designer
• UX Designer
• Packaging Designer
• Shoe Designer
• Props Designer
• 3D Designer
• Surface Designer
• Model Maker
• Graphic Designer
• Interior Designer
• Color Specialist
• Project Manager
• Event Designer/ Coordinator

Fees & Certification

• Malaysian: RM32,900 (Year 1), RM34,000 (Year 2), RM35,300 (Year 3), RM102,200 (Total)
• International: RM33,600 (Year 1), RM34,800 (Year 2), RM36,200 (Year 3), RM104,600 (Total)
• MQA Cert: Programme code: (R/0212/6/0005)(07/29)(MQA/FA11898)

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)

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Overview:

Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is a private university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known for its diverse student body, with over half of its students coming from over 130 countries. APU focuses on technology-driven education, aiming to nurture innovation and produce graduates who can adapt and think differently.

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Services Offered:

APU offers a range of services to its students, including:

Visa Processing:

APU assists international students with their visa applications, including pre-arrival processing fees, airport assistance, and accommodation upon arrival.

Student Welcome Team:

A dedicated team welcomes and assists new students during their first few days in Malaysia and at APU.

Orientation Briefings:

Comprehensive orientation programs are provided to help students settle into the university environment, covering academic regulations, facilities, and other essential information.

Student Life Activities:

APU encourages student involvement through clubs, societies, and leadership opportunities like the Students' Representative Council and Student Ambassador program.

Part-time Working Opportunities:

On-campus part-time jobs are available for students, including library assistant, IT labs technical assistant, programmer, multimedia developer, and Student Ambassador roles.

Professional and Personal Development Workshops:

Free workshops are offered to equip students with the skills and attributes needed for successful careers.

Health Insurance:

Compulsory health insurance is provided to all international students through EMGS's insurance panel partners.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

APU fosters a vibrant and unique student life with over 60 clubs and societies. Students are encouraged to participate in social, sporting, and cultural activities on campus, building lifelong friendships and exploring new experiences.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Cosmopolitan Learning Environment:

APU's diverse student community from over 130 nations provides a truly international learning experience.

Technology-Focused Education:

APU's programs emphasize technology and innovation, preparing students for the demands of the digital age.

Affordable Living Costs:

Malaysia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other countries, making it an attractive destination for international students.

Career-Oriented Approach:

APU focuses on developing students' professional skills and attributes, equipping them for successful careers.

Strong International Recognition:

APU's engineering degrees are internationally recognized, providing graduates with global career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

APU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Pre-University Studies:

Foundation programs, diploma programs, and certificate programs.

Undergraduate Studies:

Bachelor's degrees in Computing, Technology & Games Development, Design, Advertising, Animation & VFX, Business, Management, Marketing & Tourism, Accounting, Banking, Finance & Actuarial, Engineering, Media, International Relations & Psychology.

Postgraduate Studies:

Master's degrees and Doctor of Philosophy programs in various fields.

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Other: