UPSI-UNITAR DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAMME BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (HONS) (TESL)

The UPSI-UNITAR Dual-Degree Programme Bachelor of Education (Hons) (TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language), enables students to obtain two awards – i.e., two separate degree certificates from both the UNITAR International University (UNITAR) and the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) under one programme.

The dual-degree programme enables students to broaden their teaching and learning experience as well as career prospects. Enjoy learning in an innovative learning environment with a QS 5-Star rating private university and established public university recognised for its Teacher Training College since 1922.

UNITAR also offers an Education Degree programme where you have the option to choose from the 4 available specialisations: Bahasa Melayu, TESL, Mathematics and Special Needs.

Course Structure

Programme Core Modules

• Psychology of Learning
• Introduction to Assessment in Education
• Learning Design
• Teacher-Parent Communication
• Foundations of Education
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills for Social Sciences
• Sociology in Education
• Management and Leadership in Education
• Curriculum Development
• Pedagogy in Education
• Counselling in Education
• Educational Technology
• Differentiated Instruction
• Introduction to Learning Disabilities
• Classroom and Behavioural Management
• Project Paper in Education
• Teaching Practicum

Open Elective Modules

• Elective 1
• Elective 2
• Elective 3
• Elective 4

University Core Modules

• English for Academic Purposes
• Research Methods
• Statistics in Social Sciences

Major (TESL)

• English Grammar
• English Language Analysis
• Introduction to Reflective Practice
• Second Language Acquisition
• English Language Teaching Methodology
• Digital Language Teaching and Learning
• Classroom Discourse
• Language Assessment in Schools
• Analysing Language Classroom Practice
• Reflective Practice in ESL Classroom
• Materials Development for the Language Classroom
• Sociolinguistics for ESL Context

MPU Modules

• Falsafah dan Isu Semasa / Bahasa Komunikasi (Int)
• Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban / Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2 (Int)
• Design Thinking / Bahasa Kebangsaan A
• Entrepreneurship
• Recreational Event Planning

Career Prospects

• Public / International / Private School Teacher
• English Language Instructor
• Education Entrepreneur (Book Writers, Operate and Manage Centres)
• English Language Services Provider

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A pass in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with a minimum Grade C in the Malay language and a pass in History;
AND
A minimum of Credit 6C in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Mathematics / Grade E in Additional Mathematics;
AND
Academic qualifications: Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (Higher School Leaving Certificate – HSC) or Diploma recognised by the Malaysian Government or equivalent with a minimum of 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) (any two subjects) and Grade C in General Studies;
OR
A Pass in Matriculation / Foundation programme with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.75;
OR
A Diploma or other equivalent qualification with a minimum of 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) deemed to be of equivalent standing from the Malaysian Government and approved by the UNITAR / UPSI Senate;
OR
For applicants who have not achieved the 2.75 CGPA Academic qualifications of Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (Higher School Leaving Certificate – HSC) or Diploma recognised by the Malaysian Government or equivalent with a minimum of 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) (any two subjects), they are allowed to go through one pre programme semester (semester zero) in the form of a bridging programme, during which they will undergo courses to enable them to develop, upskill and elevate their knowledge, competency and proficiency towards achieving a standard equivalent to a 2.75 CGPA upon completion.

Three courses will be offered in this bridging programme: Reading and Writing skills, English for Communication, Listening and Speaking skills. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) upon the completion of these three courses. Each course carries a value of three credit hours.

Special Requirements for Dual-Degree Bachelor of Education (Hons)

Fulfils the university requirements;
AND
Minimum of 4B in General Certificate of Education (GCE) ‘O’ Levels 1119 English;
OR
Grade A- in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) English Language;
AND
Band 4 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) (Note: Applicants with a lower score than MUET Band 4 will be allowed to enrol into an intensive MUET programme conducted by UNITAR. Once they achieve Band 4 in MUET, they can then enrol into the dual-degree Bachelor of Education – TESL programme);
OR
English level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR);
AND
Minimum of Credit 6C / Grade E in SPM for Mathematics / Additional Mathematics;
AND
Minimum achievement level as determined by the Senate (UNITAR/UPSI) for the Malaysian Educators Selection Inventory (MEdSI);
AND
Pass in a special exam and interview;
AND
Candidates who intend to apply must be physically fit, not suffering from any mental or physical illness and are able to follow the programme of study.

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