Pursuing your tertiary studies online is an excellent alternate route to obtaining your academic degree. Online education programmes are popular among working professionals in Malaysia, as most of them are designed as part-time online degree courses. Not sure what to look out for when choosing a suitable online degree in Malaysia? Here are some tips to help you with your search.
How to Choose an Online Degree Programme in Malaysia
1. Accreditation of course programmes
Like traditional degree programmes, online degree courses in Malaysia are also required to be approved and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The MQA was established as part of the government’s effort to ensure the quality and validity of the course programmes offered by tertiary institutions in Malaysia. The accreditation is given to the degree course, not to the academic institution. Although the university may be well-known, it may not guarantee that the courses offered are MQA-certified. To check if the degree course has MQA accreditation, you can key in the course details using the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR).
2. Explore the online resources available
A reputable online degree course should have the same level of access to tertiary materials and services as an on-campus course. Apart from gaining access to the course’s online learning resources, you should also be entitled to student support and services. Among the common services are library resources, career and education counselling in addition to scholarships and financial assistance. Even though you are studying online, that does not mean you should be short of any student support from the academic institution.
3. Get to know the technology used for the online course
The delivery of a successful online degree programme weighs heavily on the technology used. Get to know about the university’s e-learning system, learning enhancement tools and others. You want to enrol for an online course that allows you to have real-time interaction with your lecturers and a platform where both of you can track and assess your learning progress. Furthermore, a good online course also includes interactive learning as part of its module. Learning should not be passive, not even in an online environment. By utilising digital learning tools and technology, it creates an opportunity for students to collaborate and engage with their classmates for a holistic learning experience. Soft skills such as teamwork and effective interpersonal communication can be developed while studying.
4. Find out the maximum class size
Online classes come in varying class sizes to meet different learning requirements. Some online degree modules are based on asynchronous classes, which means students rely mostly on pre-recorded lectures, class notes and discussion forums. Asynchronous classes are typically conducted with 30 students or more, making it a class that focuses mainly on group tasks. This type of class allows you to access the learning materials any time while having less real-time interaction with others. If your personal commitments require extra time and attention, probably enrolling for asynchronous-based degree classes can benefit your learning circumstances. For candidates who can set aside time for live discussions with their lecturers and peers, they can browse for programmes that offer synchronous classes. Synchronous courses prioritise in a smaller student intake of 15 or below, which creates a more intimate environment to learn. Whichever class size you prefer, be sure it is in line with your learning preferences.
At INTI International University & Colleges, our INTI Programmes for Working Professionals have paved the way for working adults to fulfil their higher education goals with Flexible Learning schedules to cater to busy work schedules. From online bachelor’s degrees to online postgraduate programmes, our courses are developed to ensure you walk away with a competitive edge in the working world. Do you have enquiries? Book an e-counselling session with our Working Adults and Postgraduate Programme Department counsellors today!