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UK Degrees in Malaysia

Types of UK Twinning Programmes in Malaysia

Published by Afterschool.my on Apr 18, 2018, 07:27 am

Of all the countries and regions in the world, the United Kingdom perhaps holds the most charm to Malaysian students in terms of pursuing their higher education. Studies conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that more and more students are going to the UK to continue their studies. In fact, according to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), Malaysia is one of the top countries outside of the EU to send students to the UK for higher education. The UK university programmes are so popular among Malaysians that over the last few decades, UK branch campuses have popped up in our country. Even local private universities offer twinning programmes with various universities in the UK. 

We’re sure you have some questions, like what are twinning programmes? What is a 2+1 programme? How is it different to, say, the 1+2 programme? What do all these numbers even mean? Don’t worry! In this article, Afterschool.my will brief you on the types of twinning programmes offered in Malaysia in detail. 


What is a twinning programme?

Well, it’s pretty much in its name: ‘twinning’, that is, when two universities team up and give you the best of both worlds. You get to study in one country at a time or throughout your degree—whether it’s in the UK or home sweet home—and you’ll be conferred a degree from that UK university by the end of it! 

UK twinning programmes are offered by local private universities that have formed partnerships with UK universities such as Brickfields Asia College (BAC) and Taylor’s University, as well as UK universities that have established campuses in Malaysia such as the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton. 


The types of twinning programmes in Malaysia

In Malaysia, twinning programmes offered by higher learning institutions are typically denoted by digits e.g. ‘2+1’ or ‘3+0’. The digits essentially refer to the number of years you spend studying in a country. 

For example, the ‘2+1’ twinning programme means that you would spend two years studying in Malaysia and one year in the UK. Therefore, the ‘3+0’ programme means that you complete all three years of your degree in Malaysia while still obtaining the qualifications of a UK university. 


Which one is right for you?

Before making a decision on which twinning programme is best for you, let’s take a closer look at each of them: 

>> 2+1 (2 years in Malaysia + 1 year in the UK)

The 2+1 programme is one of the most popular UK twinning programmes among Malaysians as it gives students a chance to study in Malaysia for two years before completing the final year of their degree in the UK. If you’re keen on studying in the UK but you want to save up before going abroad, then this programme is for you. The credits that you accumulate in the first two years of your degree and the modules covered can be transferred so that you can continue the rest of your studies in the UK. By saving up enough cash to take with you to the UK, you can get the full experience of living there and enjoy the vibrant activities alongside your degree Instead of having to survive on a penny-pinching way of living. 

Universities in Malaysia that offer the 2+1 UK twinning programme include BAC, Taylor’s University, and HELP University. 

>> 3+0 (3 years in Malaysia + 0 years in the UK)

If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to obtain a UK degree, then you can opt for the 3+0 programme. This programme is perhaps the least expensive option out of all the twinning programmes. The average cost of the 3+0 programme is RM50,000 (in total, not annually!). You will complete the three years of your degree in the comfort of your home country surrounded by all the things you’re familiar with and be closer to home with your long-time friends and family, and you’ll earn yourself a degree straight from the UK university. 

Universities in Malaysia that offer the 3+0 twinning programme include SEGi University, KDU University College and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. 

>> 1+2 (1 year in Malaysia + 2 years in the UK)

Though not all universities with twinning programmes offer a third option, select universities do have a 1+2 twinning programme where you can spend the first year studying in Malaysia and complete the rest of your degree in the UK. The credits that you accumulate in the first year of your degree and the modules covered can be transferred so that you can continue the rest your studies in the UK. 

This may cost a bit more than the 2+1 or 3+0 programme as you’ll be spending a longer time in the UK, but hey, it’s a fast-track option if you’re eager to get there! It is still definitely cheaper than doing your degree in its entirety in the UK. One year of thrifty spending will do wonders to your bank account. Though this programme requires you to study in Malaysia only for the first year, it provides a guiding hand before you set off for your independent life in the UK. 

Universities in Malaysia that offer the 1+2 UK twinning programme include BAC, SEGi University and KDU University College. 


A costly affair?

For Malaysian students who may feel that they’re not ready to move halfway across the world for the whole of their degree, a twinning programme can be a good alternative. Twinning programmes appeal to many Malaysians also because of its affordability. You basically get the same type of education here in Malaysia that you would in the UK at a considerably cheaper price. The average cost of studying in a world-renowned UK university—bear in mind that this includes tuition fees and cost of living—is RM150,000 per year. Compare that with the cost of twinning programmes here in Malaysia, which is an average of RM50,000. Whether you choose to do the 1+2 programme or 2+1 programme, spending even a bit of time in Malaysia before continuing the rest of your degree in the UK can make a big difference in the cost compared to completing all three years in the UK. 

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