University of Malaya (UM)

Overview of BACHELOR OF ARTS ENGLISH in University of Malaya (UM) Malaysia

The programme is comparable to those offered in universities in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Canonical literatures in English that cover the whole period of development of English Literature, from the Medieval to the Modern, form the foundation for the Bachelor of Arts (English) programme. Due emphasis is also given to literature in English from other parts of the world such as Africa, India, Australia and the USA. The department also offers courses reflective of current interdisciplinary developments in English Literature, such as ‘Popular Culture and Literature’, ‘Literature through Language’, and ‘Global Shakespeares’.

Teaching is conducted mainly in the form of lectures and tutorials, with an emphasis on interactive learning to encourage students to stretch their abilities. Most courses adopt a 60:40 ratio in assessment, with 60% based on continuous coursework assessment and 40% from final examinations. Some courses are assessed entirely from coursework. 

All teaching is supported by our e-learning system, SPeCTRUM, which every registered student has access to. Further, each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who can provide guidance on queries and problems of an academic or even personal nature. There are also opportunities to participate in Exchange programmes with overseas universities, giving students valuable and stimulating exposure to different learning environments and experiences. Credits earned from an Exchange programme may be transferred as part of the degree programme of the Department of English, subject to terms and conditions. Students will also carry out an internship with a company, institution or organisation to gain practical experience that will equip them with useful skills when they apply for jobs after graduation. Here is a selection of our courses:

CAREER PROSPECTS

• Author
• Editor
• Journalist
• Lecturer
• Media Writer
• Playwright
• Screenwriter
• Diplomat
• Consultant
• Public Relations
• Advertising
• Copywriter

SUBJECTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

LOCAL STUDENTS

A Malaysian candidate who wishes to pursue a programme of study at the University of Malaya must fulfill the University's entry requirements as follows:
(1) Pass the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a credit (Grade C) in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia subject
or
a credit (Grade C) in Bahasa Melayu/Bahasa Malaysia July papers and pass in History (SPM 2013 and above);
and
(2) Achieve a minimum Band in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) as required in special requirements of the programme.
and
(3) Have fulfilled all special requirements of the programme as may be prescribed by the Senate 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• National Higher School Certificate (or an Advanced Level equivalent) with the percentage of 80% and above
or
• A Diploma from recognized Institutions with at least a CGPA of 3.00.
• Applicant may be required to undergo an interview session for certain selected programmes before being accepted by the respective faculties.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Students must obtain:
• TOEFL score of 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT) or 60 (IBT) and above
or
• IELTS Band 5.0 - 6.5 and above Without any of the above English proficiency certificates, students that have been accepted would be issued with a conditional offer letter for subsequent fulfillment of the English language requirements.
Applications must be submitted online at apply.um.edu.my
• For the latest English Language Requirements please refer here