One of the most sought-after career paths being considered by high school leavers within tertiary education is in the field of business. Whether one aspires to be an entrepreneur, a boss with critical decision making responsibilities, a financier, a business strategist or a communications manager, a business degree will open up a wide range of career choices. Studies have shown that Sales & Marketing, Accounting and Engineering fields are the top 3 specialisations in high demand, with the former two being the most popular programmes being pursued.

As Malaysia grapples with the issue of graduate and youth unemployment, it is imperative for higher education institutions to provide courses and programmes which can teach, train and produce well-rounded graduates possessing both hard and soft skills who are able to rise up to industry challenges and meets employers’ expectations and demands.

A foundation and diploma programme will give the graduates and emerging professionals a solid foundation and the training needed to help them excel in working in the competitive business world, while a degree will equip them with extensive knowledge, specific techniques and skills much required by companies and businesses.

Fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), First City University College’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers foundation, diploma and degree programmes in business related disciplines. In 2017, the faculty is offering new degree programmes; specially-crafted to respond to the needs and demands of both the local and global industry which will enhance the employability of its graduates. Four of its degree programmes: BA (Hons) Business Management, BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance, BA (Hons) Marketing and Master of Business Administration (MBA) are offered in collaboration with the institution’s longstanding United Kingdom partner university, the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). This university is well regarded for its quality teaching and support, and is one of the largest universities in the East of England with 35,000 students from 177 countries. The Times Higher Education’s (THE) World University Rankings 2016 named it one of the top 350 institutions in the world and joint 38th best in the UK. The Lord Ashcroft International Business School (LAIBS) at ARU is ranked among the top 50 Business Schools in Accounting and Finance in the UK, according to the 2017 UK Guardian League Table report.

Students who pursue these programmes will receive two degree certificates; one from First City UC and one from ARU. This dual award mode will provide them with recognition and validation from two higher education providers, giving them the edge which will set them apart from their peers. Additionally, the faculty launched a brand new homegrown degree, BA (Hons) Mass Communication and will be rolling out a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management as a pathway to its existing Diploma programmes in the same field of study respectively.

At First City UC, students can expect an affordable education delivered by a highly qualified team of dedicated lecturers who are equipped with a range of teaching and commercial industry experience. The programmes, which offer conceptual and skill-based learning, are also complemented with the availability of state-of-the-art facilities such as computer labs, library with e-library facilities and electronic databases that provide excellent support to students in being able to gain access to the academic information that they need throughout their studies.

Students benefit from lectures by visiting professors and guest speakers from the industry to broaden the scope of their subject knowledge and to enlighten the students on how the real business world works. The importance of a strong industry linkage cannot be denied as the business students are also given opportunities to work alongside real industries and companies on special projects to develop skills much required by employers. There will also be exposure to field trips, research and consultancy projects that are organised to extend the students’ learning experience beyond the confines of the classroom.

Apart from the specific subject areas within the programmes, there is the inculcation of soft skills development which will prepare the graduates in meeting the industry demands in having both the appropriate qualifications, as well as possess the requisite skills in working with people in any type of organisation. Skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration can be developed and enhanced, in line with the university college’s goal of producing excellent and well-rounded graduates.

February Intake is in progress. Speak to First City UC’s Marketing Department to find out more about the various programmes and scholarships offered.

First City UC’s Marketing Department is reachable at 03 7727 3200 or via email at enquiry@firstcity.edu.my. Counsellors are available to attend to queries on extended counselling hours from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (Weekdays) and 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (Weekends) until 21st January 2017 (excluding public holidays). Alternatively, interested parties are welcome to visit its website at www.firstcity.edu.my or follow its Facebook and Instagram page @firstcityUC.