Broadening access to higher education
LIFELONG learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout your life. Many people continue their education for personal development and fulfilment, while others see it as a significant step towards career advancement.
As one of the national Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) centres, Management and Science University (MSU) offers breakthrough ways for working adults wishing to further their studies. A wide range of programmes is offered with the students’ convenience as well as their educational and professional backgrounds in mind.
With 10 locations including in Sabah and Sarawak for potential candidates to take the APEL Aptitude Test as the non-conventional pre-qualification for entry into higher studies, MSU currently offers APEL (A) and APEL (C) at T-3 (certificate), T-4 (diploma), T-6 (bachelor’s degree), and T-7 (master’s degree) levels.
Introduced and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), APEL broadens access to higher education for adult learners who are richly workto experienced yet lacking academic qualifications.
APEL (A) provides working professionals a direct pathway towards higher education without prior formal educational qualifications. It is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning. This is to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes for access to a programme of study and the award of credits.
APEL (C) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning via Credit Transfer allows the assessment of credits against matching modules in a programme of study. The APEL (C) pathway provides credit transfer for entry into diploma programmes right up to PHD. Once an APEL (C) applicant’s competency level is determined, those credits can shorten his or her entire study duration considerably, saving time and money.
An applicant presenting only SPM results for university entrance application, for example, would usually qualify for diploma studies only. But with APEL (C), it’s possible to pursue a bachelor’s degree directly.
Another flexible option for adult learners pursue their education is a microcredential programme. These are industry in-demand programmes that provide flexible, comprehensive and made-easy learning assessments in various areas of study. These stackable programmes will allow for exemptions into academic programmes at MSU.
The MSU APEL Centre is managed by the MSU Continuing and Extended Education Centre (CEDEC). It was established with the aim to excel at providing continuing education in tandem with society’s current needs. Promoting lifelong education, CEDEC offers programmes that best suit those in need of flexibility in the scheduling and overall conduct of teaching and learning experiences.
As professional adults in the working world or self-managed professions, balancing work and study is an everyday struggle, be it financially, personally or professionally. Keeping up with the pace of industries’ evolving scenarios, MSU is providing opportunities by offering flexible learning modes and programmes.
Blending technical vocational education and training with traditional academic curricula, MSU enhances competencies with industry internship, community and creative entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure; empowering MSU graduates with the well-roundedness desired and sought after by employers.
Among the best in the region, the university’s programmes are meticulously crafted to enhance graduate potential, producing graduates that are a popular pick among employers.
MSU comprises the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, the International Medical School, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Education and Social Sciences, the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts, the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate School of Management.
WE live in a rapidly changing world filled with uncertainty and it is only natural to seek stability – both now and for your future. An accounting career path that equips you with both technical skills and knowledge that can make all the difference, especially when coupled with continuous learning and advancement opportunities throughout your career. But how do you stand out among a sea of talented professionals, all vying for the same thing: getting your name out there and noticed by top employers?
“The MICPA x CA ANZ Qualifying Programme equips candidates with the knowledge to tackle reallife issues. The forward-looking syllabus helped me apply what I learned to my working life,” according to Lee Hou Yin, a Sunway University Bachelor of Finance and Accounting graduate who completed the programme last year.
Lee, who now works as an assistant manager in KPMG Melbourne’s audit function, reflects on how the programme prepares candidates for some of the challenges faced by entry-level accountants today.
“Rote memorisation and regurgitating knowledge, then forgetting what was studied seem to be a common trend. We’re required to use critical thinking in all the assessments, which is something candidates need to adapt to. Critical thinking skills are vital for all professionals to excel in their fields and solve real-life problems,” he says.
“Soft skills and effective stakeholder communication are crucial too. Many graduates still struggle with presentations, client communication skills or writing effective emails. The final subject which involves a business case study helps develop communication skills and teamwork – a good exposure for those who aren’t trained this way.”
Moreover, MICPA x CA ANZ graduates will obtain two qualifications: Certified Public Accountant, Malaysia (CPA[M]) and Chartered Accountant, Australia and New Zealand (CA[ANZ]). Want to work anywhere in the world? On top of being globally recognised and improving your chances of being headhunted by top employers throughout your career; the programme could be your passport to an international career.
“Being dual qualified was perfect as I pursued a career in Australia, as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is their preferred CA qualification. A qualification that suits the local market is valuable as they know you are academically qualified to thrive in their environment,” Lee explains.
Candidates can complete the programme within a year full-time or within two years part-time. The programme also couples theoretical knowledge with practical work experience.
There’s more to being a professional accountant than numbers and tax filing. In the age of digital transformation, accounting functions are increasingly relying on digital technologies to enable their work. The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) provides you with the keys to broadening your horizons as a CPA and CA and equips you for the international nature of business.
MICPA has been a pioneer in training professional accountants in Malaysia since its incorporation in 1958 and is the only local professional body conducting professional examinations in accounting.