BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC POLICY

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Governance & Public Policy (Honours) at Tun Ahmad Sarji School of Government and Public Services (TASSGSP) is a comprehensive and future-focused programme designed to prepare graduates for leadership and professional roles in the public sector. It responds directly to the growing need for knowledgeable, skilled, and adaptable professionals who can manage organisations effectively in an increasingly competitive and globalised environment.

This programme is intentionally flexible, making it suitable for students who are still exploring their career paths as well as for those already working in the public service who wish to strengthen their capabilities or advance their careers. Throughout the programme, students develop a strong foundation in economic, legal, political, and governmental systems and processes that shape public sector development and governance. Equal emphasis is placed on building strong interpersonal and professional skills, enabling graduates to perform effectively and contribute meaningfully to public sector performance.

The Bachelor of Arts in Governance & Public Policy (Honours) is a three-year, full-time programme offered through coursework. A key feature of the programme is its industry-based internship, which provides students with hands-on experience in real public sector settings. These internships are developed in collaboration with public sector agencies and are undertaken after students have completed all required coursework, ensuring they are well prepared to apply their knowledge in practice.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Offer a flexible academic pathway that supports both students without fixed career goals and those already in public service seeking professional growth.

Provide a strong foundation in disciplines essential to a well-rounded, professionally oriented education and preparation for further studies.

Strengthen understanding of economic, legal, political, and governmental institutions, systems, and processes relevant to public sector development.

Develop analytical and quantitative skills needed to identify, evaluate, and solve public sector challenges.

Build strong interpersonal and professional skills to enable effective and efficient performance in public sector organisations.

Enhance understanding of human behaviour at the individual, group, and organisational levels, with practical skills for managing behavioural dynamics in the public sector.

Equip students with knowledge of various administrative and management systems, approaches, and practices used in public organisations.

Programme Courses

MPU Courses
Falsafah dan Isu Semasa (local)
Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban (local) or Falsafah dan Isu Semasa (International)
Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi II (International)
Thinking Skills / Bahasa Kebangsaan A
Introduction to the Malaysian Constitution
Co-Curriculum

Professional Event Management
Community Engagement & Volunteering

University Courses

• Public Speaking 1
• Public Speaking 2
• Volunteerism and Service Learning
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

School Core Courses

• Principles of Microeconomics
• Statistics for Social Science
• Introduction to Public Administration and Services
• Introduction to Political Science 
• Introduction to Sociology 
• Principles of Macroeconomics 
• Malaysian Economy and Policy 
• Principles of Management
• Development Economics 
• Research Methodology 

Program Core Courses

• Understanding Governance
• Introduction to Demography
• Malaysian Government and Administration 
• Public Policy, Planning and Process
• Public Sector Management 
• Malaysian Political and Legal Systems
• Business and Government Relations 
• Non-Governmental Organisation and Management
• Environmental Issues and Policy 
• Leadership, Ethics & Governance
• Political Economy for Development
• International Relations and Diplomacy
• Negotiation and Conflict Management
• Project Planning and Development 
• Financial and Management Accounting in Public Sector
• Socioeconomic Policy

Elective Courses

Choose any TWO ( 6 Credits )

• Research Project
• Introduction to Psychology
• Organisational Behaviour 
• International Trade and Policy 
• Innovation in Organisation 
• Islamic Leadership and Governance
• Future Studies

Internship Professional Practice

• Internship for Government and Public Policy

Course Accreditation

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Governance & Public Policy (Honours) are well prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Equipped with strong analytical, policy, and leadership skills, they are able to contribute effectively to decision-making, governance, and organisational performance.

Career pathways include opportunities in:

Economic Research and Consultancy – Conducting policy analysis, economic impact studies, and advisory work for government agencies, think tanks, consulting firms, and international organisations.

Policy Research and Analysis – Supporting evidence-based policymaking through research, evaluation, and strategic recommendations in public institutions, research centres, and advocacy organisations.

Risk Management – Assessing policy, financial, and organisational risks to support sound governance and sustainable decision-making in both public and corporate environments.

Banking and Financial Services Management – Applying governance, regulatory, and policy knowledge in banking operations, compliance, and strategic management roles.

Public Sector Management – Managing programmes, departments, and initiatives within ministries, local authorities, statutory bodies, and government-linked organisations.

Public Policy Development and Implementation – Designing, evaluating, and implementing policies that address social, economic, and governance challenges at local, national, or international levels.

Investment Operations and Management – Supporting investment planning, regulatory compliance, and portfolio management in financial institutions, government agencies, and development organisations.

With its strong emphasis on governance, policy insight, and practical experience, this programme also provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies and professional advancement in public administration, policy analysis, economics, and related fields.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements (International & Local):
STPM A pass with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.0) in any 2 subjects, and a pass in Mathematics and English at SPM level, or any equivalent qualification.

Note: The requirement for a PASS in Mathematics and English at the SPM level can be excluded if the candidate obtained a credit or higher grade at STPM.

A-Level

A pass with a minimum of Grade D in any 2 subjects, and pass in Mathematics and English at SPM level or any equivalent qualification;

Matriculation

A pass with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 from an institution recognized by the Malaysian Government;

Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM)

A pass with a minimum grade of Jayyid and a pass in Mathematics and English at SPM level;

Note: The requirement for PASS in Mathematics and English at the SPM level can be excluded if the candidate obtained a credit or higher grade at STAM.

UEC

A pass  minimum of grade B in FIVE (5) subjects including a pass in Mathematics & English;

Diploma

A pass with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 from universities/colleges recognized by the Malaysian Government;

International Baccalaureate

• A pass with minimum score of 30 points;

Others

Other equivalent qualifications recognised by MQA/Malaysian Government:

• Diploma Kolej Vokasional (DVM)
• Executive Diploma UM
• APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

International

IELTS 5.5 or a minimum of Grade B2 (162) in First Cambridge English (FCE) or MUET (Malaysian University English Test) (Band 3) or other equivalent English qualifications recognised by MQA/Malaysian Government. Successful attainment of FCE minimum of Grade B2 (162) conducted by the Centre for English Language (CEL) within 12 months from the date of entry with conditional offer letter.

The validity period for TOEFL and IELTS is TWO (2) years from the date of the award.

Additional Requirements

Credit in Mathematics at SPM level

English Language Requirement:
• IELTS minimum band 5.5
• TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of award.
• A conditional offer may be issued to international students who have not yet met the English requirement; the student must achieve the required English proficiency within 12 months of enrolment. 

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university