The Bachelor of Performing Arts is a newly introduced, full-time programme under the Faculty of Creative Arts at Universiti Malaya, positioning UM as a pioneer in Malaysia under the EXCEL framework (POISE). This programme, guided by POISE (Passion Driven) principles, offers students the flexibility to shape their educational journey by choosing a blend of two core disciplines—Dance, Music, or Drama—alongside one elective.
The programme spans three years, consisting of six regular semesters (each 14 weeks long) and one special semester (7 weeks). To complete the degree, students must earn a total of 127 credits, which are divided as follows: 18 credits for university courses, 82 credits for core courses, and 27 credits for electives.
For the core courses, students select two performing arts disciplines from Music, Drama, or Dance, amounting to 82 credits in total. These are distributed as 31 and 30 credits per discipline, including 4 credits allocated for Industrial Training. The remaining 21 credits cover general program core courses.
In terms of electives, students must complete 27 credits: 19 credits in a single discipline (from any of the three fields), while the remaining 8 credits can be chosen freely from any of the three disciplines. University courses, including English Language Communication and mandatory subjects, comprise 14 credits, with an additional 4 credits dedicated to the Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE) program.
A key strength of this programme is its interdisciplinary and flexible approach, enabling students to customize their studies according to their passions and professional goals. Furthermore, the program culminates in a final year project where students can choose to showcase their talents as performers in Dance, Drama, or Music, take on roles as choreographers, directors, music instructors, or composers, focus on production management, or pursue academic research. This unique structure equips graduates with the creativity, technical skills, and industry readiness necessary to thrive in various performing arts fields.
QUALIFICATION | REQUIREMENTS |
STPM (Current Year) | Obtain at least a CGPA of 3.00 at the STPM level;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the STPM level;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application. |
Matriculation / Foundation | Obtain at least CGPA of 3.00 at the Foundation/Matriculation level;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the Foundation/Matriculation level;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
Diploma / Equivalent | Possess a Diploma from a Public University/IPTA/ILKA/Polytechnic/IPTS or other qualifications recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the University Senate with at least CGPA of 3.00;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the Diploma level;
AND
Obtained at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATION | |
(1) UM Foundation (SATU) | Obtain at least a CGPA of 3.00 at the UM Foundation (SATU) level;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the UM Foundation (SATU) level;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
(2) GCE A-Level | Possess a recognised GCE A-Level qualification;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the GCE A-Level qualification;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application.
However, applicants who do not possess a MUET but possessed the following results may be considered for a conditional offer with the fulfilment of the MUET requirements within the duration of one (1) academic session:
|
(3) STPM (Not the Current Year) | Obtain at least a CGPA of 3.00 at the STPM level not the current year;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the STPM level not the current year;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
(4) Matriculation / | Obtain at least a CGPA of 3.00 at the Matriculation / Foundation level not the current year;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the Matriculation / Foundation level not the current year;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
(5) Foundation IPTS / Asasi Seni Kreatif (ASWARA) | Obtain at least a CGPA of 3.00 at the Asasi Seni Kreatif (ASWARA) / Foundation IPTS;
AND
Obtain at least Grade B- in any two (2) subjects at the Asasi Seni Kreatif (ASWARA) / Foundation IPTS;
AND
Obtain at least Band 2.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for the examination starting session 1 of 2021 or Band 2 for the examination until 2020 according to the validity period on the date of application; |
Programme Educational Objective (PEO) |
PEO1 Graduates who serve as competent professional practitioners in the field of performing arts. |
PEO2 Graduates who contribute to the sustainable development of performing arts and lifelong learning. |
PEO3 Graduates who demonstrate leadership qualities in performing arts activities for the industry and society. |
Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) |
PLO1 |
PLO2 Apply skills and knowledge to solve problems in performing arts (Music, Drama and Dance). |
PLO3 |
PLO4 |
PLO5 |
PLO6 Demonstrate leadership and professionalism in various performing arts (Music, Drama and Dance) contexts. |
PLO7 Integrate the entrepreneurial ability in the field of performing arts (Music, Drama and Dance) |
PLO8 Practice ethics and professional values in performing arts (Music, Drama and Dance). |
Course Component | Credit |
University Course | 14 |
University Elective Course - SHE | 4 |
Programme Core Course | 82 |
Programme Elective Course | 27 |
Total Credits for Graduation | 127 |
Malaysian Candidate
Semester I : October each year
UPU Channel : Applications must be submitted online at https://upu.mohe.gov.my
Semester II : March each year
Open Channel : Applications must be submitted online at https://apply.um.edu.my
Non-Malaysian Candidate
Semester I : October each year
Semester II : March each year
Applications must be submitted online at https://apply.um.edu.my
For more information, please refer: https://study.um.edu.my/download-brochures
Last Update: 10/03/2025