UPM makes PJJ more relevant
KUCHING: Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM) brings higher education to your doorstep through its distance learning programme ( PJJ), under the UPM Education & Training Sdn Bhd – formerly known as External Education Centre, or PPL – which was formed in 1995.
Under PJJ, one can pursue studies at diploma, degree or master’s degree level. The quest for knowledge cuts across boundaries as more working people from various professions sign up for the PJJ provided by UPM.
According to a publicity release yesterday, UPM Education & Training is moving in tandem with the aspirations of the Higher Education Ministry to spur lifelong learning and produce a knowledgeable workforce.
The external programmes are designed for working people who feel the need to add value to their professions. By organising their time well, students do not need to quit their jobs to enrol in any of the programmes.
Convenience is the key approach used by UPM to get as many working adults obtain their first degree as possible. The learning approach is more student- centred as they will study on their own, except for tutorials.
UPM Education & Training will provide students with the necessary assistance and students are to attend two face- to- face classes with UPM lecturers in a semester at UPM campus, or via video conferencing.
More discussion- oriented tutorials are conducted at the respective learning centres, 12 hours in a semester.
Tutors with vast experience are appointed by the university to conduct tutorial classes at 16 centres under the purview of UPM Education & Training nationwide.
Combining the Internet and video equipment, the university has melted physical distance to provide real- time lectures to students at UPM off- campus centres through live recordings.
The video- conferencing, called ‘ LIP’ – standing for ‘ Live- Interactive PPL’ – is becoming a culture for tertiary education.
The lectures are recorded and posted on UPM Education & Training website so that students can refer to it any time they need to verify their notes. Internet connectivity is provided to widen its reach so that more people can get a university education.
UPM’s PJJ include Diploma of Human Development ( DPM). The Bachelor’s degree programmes cover Agriculture ( BSP), Human Development ( BSPM), Malay Language and Linguistics ( BABM) or English Language ( BABE), Education ( TESL), Human Resource Development ( BSHRD), and Communications ( BCOMM).
Master’s degrees cover Human Resources Development ( MHRD), Malay Language ( MBM), Education in Malay Language ( MPBM), Education Management ( MPPP) and Corporate Communications (MCCOMM).
UPM Education & Training would provide the students with a study module according to needs.
This would help them in their learning, assignments and tutorials, the statement added.
Application can be done online any time and there is no age limit for PJJ at UPM. There are retirees, assemblymen, teachers, police and army personnel, journalists, newscasters, entrepreneurs and many more from various backgrounds enrolling as PJJ students.
Moreover, full- time studies in UPM can also be applied via T20 Channel without going through Ministry of Higher Education. This will give an opportunity to local applicants who meet the minimum UPM requirements, but do not get a place in the prime channel.
Through 16 learning centres available throughout the country, including the UPM main campus, students have the option of following the session at a location closest to them without having to worry about the difficulty of attending classes.
The learning centres are in Kedah ( Alor Setar), Perak ( Ipoh), Selangor ( Shah Alam), Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan ( Seremban), Melaka ( Ayer Keroh), Johor ( Johor Bahru), Pahang ( Kuantan), Kelantan ( Kota Bharu), Sabah ( Kota Kinabalu and Tawau), Sarawak ( Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri) and UPM Serdang Campus.