Study Guide: Data Science in Malaysia

Ever wondered how your favorite streaming service knows exactly what shows to recommend or how your shopping app seems to predict your next purchase? The answer lies in the magical realm of data science! Don't worry if you're not a tech guru – we're here to unravel the mysteries of data science in the friendliest way possible.

The Marvels of Data Science

At its core, data science is like a superhero for the digital age. It's the art and science of extracting meaningful insights from vast amounts of information. Think of it as a treasure hunt where instead of a map, you have algorithms guiding you to hidden gems of knowledge.

Data Science

Data science merges mathematical and statistical principles, specialized programming, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning with a profound understanding of specific subjects to reveal practical insights concealed within an organization's data. These valuable insights serve as guides for decision-making and strategic planning. The rapid increase in data sources and, consequently, data itself has propelled data science to become one of the most rapidly expanding fields across various industries.

Studying data science can be an exciting and rewarding journey, offering students a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in a field that is rapidly evolving and in high demand. Data science programs typically cover a wide range of subjects, including statistics, mathematics, programming languages (such as Python and R), machine learning, data visualization, and database management. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the key components of data science.

Entry Requirements

These are the general entry requirements to pursue a data science degree. Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

SPM/O-Level

A pass with 5 credits including Additional Mathematics (applicable to Government Matriculation, Pre-U programmes and foundation)
A pass with 3 credits including Additional Mathematics (applicable to diploma qualification)

A-Level: Minimum of EE
Australian Matriculation: Minimum of ATAR 55
Canadian Pre-University: Minimum average of 50% in 6 subjects
Foundation or Matriculation: Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.00
UEC: Pass with minimum 5Bs including Mathematics or Adavanced Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics 1 or 2
STPM: Pass with minimum C in any 2 subjects
Diploma in IT/Computing/Science/Technology Minimum CGPA 2.50

Pathway to Study Data Science

This is the general pathway to study Data Science after completing your SPM or IGCSE.

Step 1: Complete STPM/UEC/Pre-university programme for 1-2 years. You can also opt to be enrolled in Diploma in Data Science/Computer Science/IT/Technology for 2-2.5 years.

Step 2: Once you graduate with a diploma, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Step 3: If you want to pursue a data science degree, enrol in a 3-year data science degree programme.

Step 4: Once you've completed your degree, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Subjects

A data science degree typically covers a broad range of subjects to provide students with a well-rounded skill set that combines statistical knowledge, programming skills, and expertise in handling and analyzing large datasets. While specific courses may vary between institutions, here are common subjects that students can expect to encounter in a data science degree program:

In Malaysia, a data science degree takes at least 3 years long to complete and the total anticipated costs for a 3-year data science degree might range from RM95,000 to RM120,000.

In general, most data science degrees will require you to study core/compulsory subjects in your 1st year, covering topics such as:

Statistics and Probability
Linear Algebra
Programming Languages
Data Visualization
Database Management and SQL (Structured Query Language)
Data Ethics and Privacy
Data Mining
Feature Engineering

Job Prospects

A data science degree opens the door to a plethora of exciting and high-demand career opportunities across various industries. Here are some of the prominent jobs that individuals with a data science degree can pursue:

Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Engineer
Quantitive Analyst
AI Engineer
Healthcare Data Analyst
Supply Chain Analyst
Fraud Analyst
Social Media Analyst

Universities To Study Data Science

Asia Pacific University (APU)

BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Specialism in Data Analytics

Intakes: November, March, July & September
Total Tuition Fee: RM92,500
Duration: 3 years

Monash University

Bachelor of Applied Data Science

Intakes: February, July & October
Annual Tuition Fee: RM48,960
Duration: 3 years

UOW Malaysia

Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) - Specialization in Data Science

Intakes: January, March, May, July, September & October
Total Tuition Fee: RM77,110
Duration: 3 years

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

BSc (Hones) Statistical Data Science

Intakes: September
Annual Tuition Fee: RM43,920
Duration: 3 years

Monash University

Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science

Intakes: February, July & October
Annual Tuition Fee: RM44,640
Duration: 3 years

Taylor's University

Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) - Specialization in Data Science

Intakes: February, April & September
Total Tuition Fee: RM112,694
Duration: 3 years

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