The Bachelor of Performing Arts is a newly introduced, full-time programme under the Faculty of Creative Arts at Universiti Malaya, positioning UM as a pioneer in Malaysia under the EXCEL framework (POISE). This programme, guided by POISE (Passion Driven) principles, offers students the flexibility to shape their educational journey by choosing a blend of two core disciplines—Dance, Music, or Drama—alongside one elective. The programme spans three years, consisting of six regular semesters (each 14 weeks long) and one special semester (7 weeks). To complete the degree, students must earn a total of 127 credits, which are divided as follows: 18 credits for university courses, 82 credits for core courses, and 27 credits for electives.
For the core courses, students select two performing arts disciplines from Music, Drama, or Dance, amounting to 82 credits in total. These are distributed as 31 and 30 credits per discipline, including 4 credits allocated for Industrial Training. The remaining 21 credits cover general program core courses.In terms of electives, students must complete 27 credits: 19 credits in a single discipline (from any of the three fields), while the remaining 8 credits can be chosen freely from any of the three disciplines. University courses, including English Language Communication and mandatory subjects, comprise 14 credits, with an additional 4 credits dedicated to the Student Holistic Empowerment (SHE) program.
A key strength of this programme is its interdisciplinary and flexible approach, enabling students to customize their studies according to their passions and professional goals. Furthermore, the program culminates in a final year project where students can choose to showcase their talents as performers in Dance, Drama, or Music, take on roles as choreographers, directors, music instructors, or composers, focus on production management, or pursue academic research. This unique structure equips graduates with the creativity, technical skills, and industry readiness necessary to thrive in various performing arts fields.
Duration: 3 Years (6 Semester and 1 special semester), Full time (Coursework)
Programme Structure
Philosophy and Current Issues (W)
Malay Language Communication
Aural dan Musicianship
Music Ensemble I
Music Theory
Orchestra 1
Drama Appreciation
Vocals Technique
Theatre Technology
World Dance Culture
Dance Technique I
Anatomy and Injury
Basic Entrepreneurship Enculturation
English / Language Communication Course
Advanced Aural and Musicianship
Music Ensemble II
Tonal Harmony
Orchestra II
Style and Technique of Acting
Malaysian Modern Theatre
Dance History
Dance Technique II
Composition and Improvisation
Artificial Intelligence in the Creative Arts
Integrity and AntiCorruption Course
English Communication
Performing Arts Theory
Introduction of Popular Music
Music Ensemble III
Directing
Playwriting
Theatre Costume Design
Dancers Conditioning
Introduction to Dance Ethnology
Malay Folk Dance I
UMa Ensemble I
Elective Course: Elective Program
Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban
Elective Course: SHE 1*
Research Methodology for Performing Arts
World Music Culture
Music Ensemble IV
Context and Aesthetic in Performance
Stage Combat
Asian Theatre Survey
Dance Ethnology Seminar
Malay Folk Dance II
UMa Ensemble II
Elective Course: Elective Program
Elective Course: SHE 2*
Final Year Project (P)
Traditional Malay Music
Introduction to Music Education
Stage Acting
Arts Management
Set and Prop Design
Production Management and Stage Management
Dance Education
Elective Course: Elective Program
Co-Curriculum
Final Year Project (P)
Music Appreciation
Songwriting
Lighting Design and Technology
Children’s Theatre Production
Practicum in MakeUp for Effect
Dance for Children
Dance Criticism
Elective Course: Elective Program
Industrial Training
Note:
* Compulsory for local students
** Compulsory for international students
# Choose one (1) course only
UNIVERSITI ELECTIVE COURSE – STUDENT HOLISTIC EMPOWERMENT (SHE)
SHE 1 - Thinking Matters: Mind & Intellect
SHE 2 - Emotional, Physical & Spiritual Intelligence: Heart, Body & Soul
PROGRAMME ELECTIVE COURSE
History of Western Music: Pre Classical
History of Western Music: Classical and Beyond
Keyboard Skills
Chamber Music
Fundamental of Conducting
Taklempong
Topics in Music
Malaysia – Nusantara Music History
Teaching Music in Schools
Advanced Tonal Harmony
Malaysia Traditional Theatre
Drama Script Analysis
Philosophy and Drama
Western Theatre
Sound Design and Technology
Topics in Drama and Theatre
Script Writing for Video
Video Production Practicum
Drama in Education
Voice Acting
Ballet I
Bharata Natyam
Dance Technique IV
Teknik Jazz I
Malay Dance of Nusantara
Teknik Jazz II
Dance Technique III
Ballet II
Silat Tari
Koreografi I
Koreografi II
Career Prospects
Actor, Dancer, Musician, Choreographer, Director, Stage Manager, Theatre Producer, Performing Arts Educator, Arts Administrator, Dramaturg, Performance Designer, Sound Designer, Lighting Designer, Set Designer, Stage Technician, Performance Coach, Casting Director, Theatre Critic, Event Coordinator, Cultural Program Manager, Arts Festival Organizer.
Tuition Fee
Local
Not Available
(Note: This fee is not applicable for UPU applicant)
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Matriculation / Foundation (Science and Arts Stream)
Malaysian citizen
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
STAM
Not Offered
Diploma / Equivalent
Malaysian citizen
Obtain a Diploma from a Public University/IPTA/ILKA/Polytechnic/IPTS or other qualifications recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the Senate of the University of Malaya, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain a minimum of grade B- in TWO (2) subjects
UM SATU Foundation
Malaysian citizen
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
GCE A-Level
Malaysian citizen
Obtain a recognized GCE A-Level qualification
Obtain a minimum of grade B in TWO (2) subjects
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Not Offered
AUSMAT
Not Offered
STPM (not the current year)
Malaysian Citizen
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Matriculation/Foundation (not the current year)
Malaysian Citizen
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
IPTS
Malaysian Citizen
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00
Obtain at least a grade of B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Additional Requirement
Possesses good vision, hearing, or speech and is not color blind
Senior High School Certificate
Pass with a minimum average of 65%
Obtain a minimum of 60%/grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Matriculation/Foundation
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Diploma
Obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognised institution approved by UM Senate
Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
GCE A-Level
Obtain a recognized GCE A-Level qualification
Obtain a minimum of grade B- in any TWO (2) subjects
Additional Requirement
Any music certificate from the recognized institution approved by the University
Candidates who apply must be physically fit, not suffering from any mental, mental health or physical illness and/or disabilities and able to follow the program of study designed for this course.
English Language Requirements
Obtain a minimum of Band 2.0 in MUET for examinations starting from Session 1 of the year 2021, or Band 2.0 for examinations up to the year 2020, according to the validity period on the date of application
However, applicants without MUET but with the following results may be considered for conditional admission, provided they fulfill the MUET requirement within ONE (1) academic session:
obtain at least Band 4.5 (Academic) in IELTS; or
Obtain a minimum score of 33 in TOEFL iBT (Centre-based)