Have you met our World International Mathematics Olympiad champions?
Malaysia has made many a great achievement on the international platform when it comes to mathematics, but nothing has topped the pride of our country more this year than the recent wins of pupils Tan Ze Ern and Gan Lih Ying in the WIMO - at the age of only 7 and 12, no less!
Be it at a young age or after graduating from secondary education, it is never too late to build your interest in the field of maths. In a country that is constantly striving for creativity and innovation, mathematics is one area of study that will walk with you wherever you go.
Let's find out more about studying for a maths degree in Malaysia.
What is mathematics in Malaysia?
The development of mathematics as a subject taught in Malaysian schools dates back as early as the 1950s. Currently, maths is a compulsory part of the Malaysian education curriculum, from the preschool level up to the secondary school level for all schools.
Mathematics also happens to be one of those subjects that receive special attention in schools. With the encouragement of the government in cultivating STEM knowledge and its applications among students, it is necessary for teachers and parents to ensure that students are excelling in the subject.
Students who are good in maths and its related subjects will often be placed into the science stream during their Form 4 and Form 5 years. With a focus on differential equations and other related topics in mathematics, SPM leavers will be able to further into a maths degree if they successfully achieve good grades in the subject.
If you are already interested in studying mathematics for your tertiary education, then it is advised that you get a good start at improving in the subject. Doing practice worksheets and past-year exam questions is one way to get used to basic mathematical formulas and make it a daily habit. Remember that paying attention in class is key to understanding maths, too!
How can I become a mathematician in Malaysia?
What can I expect in university math?
However, you learn much more than just differential equations when you study maths at university.
Once you have made it into university, you will realise that you are learning more than just algorithms and formulas. Apart from the history of mathematics, you will be exposed to the extensive applications of maths and their usefulness in many areas of our lives. You will definitely develop a strong appreciation for mathematics during your degree years!
There are several degree courses that you can take in the field of mathematics. Universiti Malaya, for instance, offers a Bachelor of Science with the options of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science. To get a clearer picture of what to expect in university math, here's an example syllabus for students who are taking Universiti Malaya's Bachelor of Science in Mathematics:
Core courses
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Advanced Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Numerical Computation
- Structured Programming
- Basic Operational Research
Elective programme courses
- Optimization techniques
- Ring Theory
- Matrix Theory
- Differential Geometry
- Introduction to Accounting
- Probability and Statistics II
- Complex Analysis
Is it hard to take a degree in maths?
Are there language requirements for a maths degree?
Since a maths degree can involve the use of complex jargon, it is important for you to study well in the English language before applying for a bachelor's degree. However, you can also continue taking English language classes at university to fulfil the language requirements.
Other universities may make it compulsory for you to score a certain grade in English in order for you to be accepted into a maths degree. For instance, the University of Nottingham Malaysia requires SPM leavers to score at least an A- to apply for any of their degrees in mathematics.
Take note of other entry requirements for a degree in maths.
You don't necessarily need to take an international foundation programme in order to get a maths degree in Malaysia. There are many ways for you to make your way into a degree in mathematics without breaking your budget. Sitting for STPM or Form 6 is one way for you to enter into a maths degree and all you have to do is obtain Full Passes in two relevant subjects, which must include maths.
Of course, you can fulfil other entry requirements such as taking a Foundation or Diploma in a relevant field of maths. A minimum CGPA of 3.67 is required if you are looking to take up a Foundation programme. Or if you are a UEC student, you must achieve at least a Grade B in five relevant subjects that should include Advanced Mathematics.
How much does it cost to study maths in Malaysia?
How should I prepare for a mathematics degree?
Anyone can learn how to apply mathematical formulas by using worksheets or watching online tutorial videos. However, the best way to prepare for a maths degree in Malaysia can sometimes be through reaching out to others for help. It doesn't matter how long it takes to complete a degree in maths.
As mathematics proves to be one of the toughest courses at university, a good maths tutor can provide you with the essential ingredients that you'll need to succeed in your degree. Thankfully, Superprof has over 160,000 tutors teaching mathematics - even up until the postgraduate level!
Some students prefer one-on-one lessons, while others enjoy learning in groups.
What if I told you that you can have the option of both?
In addition to the availability of in-person or online lessons, you can customise your learning experience by looking for tutors who offer private lessons or joining a class with other students. The Superprof tutors' page provides you with the full catalogue of available maths tutors, along with their tutoring descriptions. The whole point is that you can choose a tutor who suits your learning needs.
Superprof also has the advantage of introducing the tutor to you so that you can get to know your tutor better. By clicking on a tutor's profile, you can check out your tutor's reviews and recommendations. Get a better idea of what to expect in your lesson - that way, you can assess whether the tutor is right for you. In fact, when you sign up with Superprof now, you can enjoy your first lesson for free!
What can I do after university?
There are many things you can do after you've completed your mathematics degree. For starters, you can opt to further your studies in maths or other related degrees if you find that you really have a passion for the subject. Doing a Master's degree or PhD in related fields such as operational research, engineering and statistics can help you get into many maths-related careers. Do you know what branch of maths is best for you?
What are the potential careers in mathematics?
Students who have earned their degree in maths work in a variety of fields - from business and finance to IT and education. Be sure to review the job scope of a position you are interested in so that you will know if it is the job you really want. Here are some areas you can look into for employment opportunities in Malaysia:
Oil and gas
As work in oil and gas requires a substantial amount of mathematical knowledge, including multiple applications of differential equations and linear algebra, you can definitely land a job in one of the most in-demand industries in Malaysia.
Marketing
You can work with numbers and statistics by seeking out jobs in marketing, which can include becoming a budget analyst or marketing specialist. With your background in mathematics, you can assist companies in working out effective business and marketing strategies.
IT and computer science
Among the highest paying jobs include work in the IT industry, and as a graduate of mathematics, you can launch your career as a data engineer or data scientist. This is a great field to venture into if you enjoy solving complex problems and analysing data through software.
Engineering
Just like how instructions are needed to complete any project, so is maths to engineering. A maths degree can get you into specialised engineering roles so that you can help companies solve real-world problems, such as in mechanical and structural engineering.
Education
Perhaps you would like to do more than just apply mathematical knowledge. You can use your skills to educate others about the field, such as by applying for a job as a teacher, or with a Master's and PhD, as a lecturer at the university level.
Want to know what else you can do with a math degree in Malaysia?
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