BACHELOR IN LIBERAL ARTS (HONOURS)

About the Course

The liberal arts have been the foundation of higher education for centuries and remain more relevant today than ever before.

Rather than a narrow program with a single focus, a liberal arts education offers a broad range of subjects and perspectives. Students can explore the humanities, social sciences, languages, arts, communication, and cultural studies. They engage with the ideas, histories, and experiences of people from around the world and across time, gaining a deeper understanding of human behavior, society, and culture. This approach allows students to combine their interests and strengths into an education that reflects their unique goals and values.

The liberal arts program at MSU emphasizes what today’s employers and communities value most: clear communication, critical thinking, cultural awareness, collaboration, and the ability to interpret and respond to complex social issues. More than preparation for a career, this education helps students cultivate empathy, perspective, and the intellectual flexibility needed to lead meaningful, informed lives।

Duration
3.5 years

Credit Hours
120

Courses Offered

Visual Art

• Introduction to Photography
• Wood and Metal
• Creative Thinking in Art and Design
• Visual Communication

Music and performance

• Music Theory I
• Fundamentals of Sound
• World in Context
• Music Appreciation I

Public and international relations

• Social Media in Public Relations
• Public Relation Campaign
• Journalism
• Ethics in International Politics

Digital content creation

• Basic Graphic Design
• Conceptual Storytelling
• Scriptwriting
• Storyboarding

Language and literature

• Modern and Contemporary Arts
• Analyzing Prose: Short Stories and Novels
• Popular Culture
• Language and Culture

Career Prospects

• Visual art instruction and consultancy
• Music instruction, performance, and creation
• Public and international relations
• Graphics and multimedia
• Literary and communications

Entry Requirements

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BASED ON GENERAL ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BY COMPILATION OF POLICY MQA:

i. Pass STPM or equivalent with at least Gred C (NGMP 2.0) in 2 subjects; OR

ii. Pass  STAM (Jayyid level); OR

iii. Pass  UEC with at least Gred B in 5 subjects; OR

iv. Pass  Matriculation/Foundation from any government universities/ private universities which allowed to offer foundation programs with  CGPA 2.00; OR

vi. Diploma with at least CGPA 2.00; OR

vii. Any others qualification recognized as equivalent.

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