Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design
The UTS Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design is the first degree of its kind in Sarawak and Sabah, accredited by MQA and recognized by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) and the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID). It is a 3.5‑year programme with compulsory internship, designed to produce Registered Interior Designers with strong sustainability and cultural awareness.
Institution: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
Accreditation: Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) — programme code [N/0212/6/0027] [MQA/PA14260].
Professional Recognition: Graduates eligible to register as Interior Designers with LAM and MIID.
Program Overview
This programme emphasizes design thinking, sustainability, cultural context, and professional practice. Students learn through studios, lectures, tutorials, workshops, site visits, and study trips, with a strong focus on Borneo’s cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.
A compulsory 6‑month professional internship ensures graduates gain real‑world experience in interior design practice, management, and communication.
Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)
- Apply interior design knowledge and skills in professional practice.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Address current interior design issues with appropriate solutions.
Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- Apply history, theory, legislation, environment, and cultural studies in design practice.
- Generate creative problem‑solving approaches for diverse interior spaces.
- Integrate behavioural science and human factors to enhance occupant wellbeing.
- Communicate ideas effectively using visual, verbal, and written methods.
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork in multidisciplinary contexts.
- Recognize professionalism, legislation, and ethical obligations.
- Apply entrepreneurial thinking for effective management.
- Acquire knowledge of interior technologies, building systems, and sustainability guidelines.
Study Duration
- 3.5 years (full‑time, on‑campus, Sibu)
- Includes 6 months professional internship
- Total Credits: 120
Admission Requirements
- Foundation (Science/Arts): CGPA ≥ 2.00
- Diploma (related field): CGPA ≥ 2.00
- STPM/A‑Levels: Minimum 2 passes (Grade C)
- UEC: Minimum Grade B in 5 subjects
- DKM/DLKM/DVM: CGPA ≥ 2.5 (Senate approval) or ≥ 2.0 + 2 years’ work experience
- Additional: Pendidikan Seni & Portfolio Review required
Career Pathways
- Interior Designer
- Product Designer
- Furniture Designer
- Textile Designer
- Exhibition & Store Display Designer
- Restoration & Conservation Consultant
- Stage/Lighting Designer
- Graphic Designer
🎯 Target Employers in Sarawak
- Interior Design Firms: Local and regional practices in Kuching, Sibu, Miri
- Construction & Property Developers: Naim Holdings, CMS Group, Ibraco
- Government & Agencies: Public Works Department (JKR), Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak
- Creative Industry: Showroom design, furniture manufacturing, cultural heritage projects
- Academia & Research: UTS School of Built Environment
Estimated Local Salary Benchmarks (Monthly, RM)
| Career Stage | Typical Job Title | Salary Range (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | Graduate Interior Designer / Junior Designer | RM 2,800 – RM 3,800 |
| Mid Level (3–7 yrs) | Interior Designer / Furniture Designer | RM 4,500 – RM 7,500 |
| Senior Level (8–15 yrs) | Senior Interior Designer / Creative Consultant | RM 8,000 – RM 12,000 |
| Executive Level (15+ yrs) | Design Director / Principal Interior Designer | RM 15,000 – RM 25,000 |
✅ Key Updates from Official UTS Site:
- Added MQA accreditation code (MQA/PA14260).
- Highlighted professional recognition (LAM & MIID).
- Clarified programme duration (3.5 years, 120 credits, internship).
- Strengthened emphasis on Borneo’s cultural context, sustainability, and portfolio requirement.