Postgraduate study at Curtin Sarawak an opportunity for talented individuals to expand their horizons

Miri – 21 October 2009 – Working professionals with undergraduate degrees can expand their horizons or become experts in their fields through postgraduate study at Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Campus (Curtin Sarawak).

In addition to furthering their education and increasing their knowledge base, they can research their area of interest, learn and work with leaders in the industry, and advance their careers.

Curtin Sarawak was established in 1999 as the first offshore campus of Western Australia’s Curtin University of Technology at the invitation of the Sarawak State Government, which recognised the need for a tertiary institution of international calibre to match Miri’s tremendous growth.

In a matter of ten years hence, Curtin Sarawak has become one of the leading international universities in Malaysia, attracting students from all over the world to its state-of-the-art campus amidst a beautiful garden setting in Miri. Currently, there are some 2,800 students from throughout Malaysia and over 40 other countries studying at Curtin Sarawak.

Being strategically located, Curtin Sarawak gives Curtin University an opportunity to consolidate its presence in Asia and, at the same time, provides Asian students with the opportunity to acquire an internationally recognised Australian tertiary qualification closer to home at lower cost.

Curtin Sarawak is a popular choice for its international outlook, innovative courses, world-class teaching facilities, flexible study options, applied and practical subjects, use of advanced technology, partnerships with industry and government, ideal campus location, experienced academics and staff, and active community engagement.

Another attraction for students is the fact that every aspect of academic programmes at Curtin Sarawak are identical to those offered at Curtin’s main campus in Perth. Many of the academic programmes are also accredited by higher education and professional bodies, attesting to their quality and giving them much added value.

At Curtin Sarawak, one can choose to complete a range of postgraduate levels of study. Students eligible for postgraduate study are also given several options in either research or coursework.

Its School of Business offers programmes for Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and a Master of Science degree  in Project Management, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Business, Master of Business Administration and Master of Accounting, all of which are by coursework. There is also a doctorate programme for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Curtin Sarawak also offers postgraduate programmes in engineering leading to Master of Engineering (by Research) and Master of Science (Energy Economics & Management) degrees.

The Master of Science degree includes such disciplines as Chemical Engineering (including biotechnology, energy and environment), Civil & Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Electronic & Communication Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Geology (including Petroleum Geology), and Geophysics.

Curtin Sarawak’s Graduate Certificate courses are designed to develop skills in specialised areas that may or may not be directly related to that of an undergraduate degree. Some Graduate Certificates are specifically designed for non-graduates and allow these students to progress towards further postgraduate study. All the programmes are career-oriented, and usually take one semester.

The Graduate Diplomas, meanwhile, are specialised, vocationally oriented awards. Entry is normally based on completion of a Bachelor degree or Diploma, although this can be in an unrelated field if you have work experience in the field of study. Graduate Diplomas introduce graduates from disciplines outside of their chosen higher degree to postgraduate studies. Less academically qualified applicants may still apply and Graduate Diplomas are usually completed in two semesters.

Those interested in pursuing Master degrees may be accepted into a Master degree programme at the School of Business or School of Engineering and Science provided that you hold appropriate qualifications as decided by the dean of the respective school. Where appropriate, provision may be made for you to undertake a bridging course or other preliminary work as a requirement for entry to a Master degree programme. A Master degree is usually completed in three or four semesters.

For a Doctoral degree, a student with a Master degree, or a Bachelor degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours may be considered for admission. In exceptional cases, applicants holding Bachelor Pass degrees may also be considered for admission to either Master or Doctoral degrees, provided they can demonstrate superior academic achievement, significant work experience and the capacity to undertake significant research. A Doctoral degree usually requires at least three years of study.

For a Master degree to be considered a research degree, at least two-thirds of the required work towards the degree must be pure research. The award of Master by Research indicates that you have contributed substantially to the knowledge or understanding in a field, and are capable of carrying out independent research.

In a Master by Coursework, students enrol in subjects and attend lectures and tutorials. There will often be a minor research component, but assessment is progressive throughout the course.

Postgraduate studies is a growing area at Curtin Sarawak and holds a huge potential for future growth given the large number of professionals in the oil and gas industry in Miri, as well as the demand for highly-skilled professionals and experts for industries within the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score).

For more information on Curtin Sarawak’s postgraduate programmes, contact the university’s Student Recruitment Department at +60 85 443939 or e-mail PG.enquiry@curtin.edu.my. Relevant information is also available on Curtin Sarawak’s website at www.curtin.edu.my.

Postgraduate students have a choice of coursework or research

Curtin Sarawak’s state-of-the-art campus in Miri.