Engineering the right qualification
Professor Ir Ishak Abdul Rahman from Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC) explains what prospective students can expect from a postgraduate course in engineering.
Civil engineering is the broadest field of study of all the engineering disciplines, and in fact of all the areas of applied science. Its impact in Malaysia is evident in the development of infrastructure that has transformed the local landscape in the last fifty years. The role of civil engineering and its practitioners remains pivotal as long as people demand a better and more comfortable life.
For that reason, civil engineers constantly top the list of engineers who are registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). The market demand for the profession has never gone down; only the requirements for a professional engineer remain rigid. Besides professional knowledge and skills, creativity and problem-solving skills are also part of the criteria.
Creating leaders out of followers
‘We have always been users of technology and engineering for centuries, but I do think that it is time for us to change. Undeniably we want our professional civil engineers to be of the right calibre and capable of performing their duty, but we also need them to lead in innovation, and that’s where postgraduate studies in civil engineering come into play,’ said Prof Ishak.
Postgraduate studies serve as platforms to equip students with skills to conduct research, think critically and be innovative, as well as expose them to a deeper and wider range of knowledge. This is a basic yet effective pathway to transform civil engineers from being mere users of existing technologies into the ‘creators’ of new technologies.
‘Postgraduate programmes encourage students to do research, transform their creativity into physical products and contribute dynamically to the growth of the industry. It’s safe to say that these people are highly in demand as the country’s economy will be eventually moving towards a knowledge-based one, where innovation is the key to success,’ Prof Ishak explained.
Equally acknowledged
Postgraduate studies in civil engineering can be divided into two degree levels: Master’s and doctoral. Master’s degrees in civil engineering may carry the title Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) both of which are equal in value.
‘Many might perceive that MEng is a higher degree than MSc; in fact they are identical,’ Prof Ishak clarified. ‘MEng is a comparatively modern title coined to differentiate a Master’s degree in engineering from the other science disciplines that share the generic MSc title. However, some world-renowned universities like Oxford are still using the title MSc for their engineering programmes at the Master’s level.’
Levels of study
Prof Ishak explained that Master’s degrees are designed to broaden the knowledge scope of students and get them research-ready, while the doctoral degree is very specialised and research-orientated.
The entry requirement for a Master’s degree in civil engineering is usually a good bachelor’s degree with at least an upper division. A first class honours degree may even grant direct admission into doctoral degree programmes. However, degree holders who do not meet the grade requirements can apply after few years of relevant working experience.
A Master’s degree in an area related to the proposed doctoral research is required for entry into a doctorate programme as the student will undertake courses in subjects related to his or her research. Doctoral candidates are expected to present their research proposals within the first year of enrolment, and if approved, conduct a minimum of two years of research for their dissertations. Upon completion of the research, the doctoral candidate must successfully defend his or her dissertation before a committee of internal and external examiners in order to be awarded the degree.
Making the choice
The choice of research area for both the Master’s and doctoral degrees are dependent on the student’s undergraduate and pre-doctoral studies. The research should be applicable in the industry, and related to achieving practical findings and solutions with a strong grounding in its theoretical foundations.
Specialisations in civil engineering include construction engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and water and wastewater engineering. Prof Ishak advises those who plan to take up postgraduate studies in civil engineering not to choose a specialisation that is too ‘glamorous’, as the programme might not be recognised by the professional bodies and may cause problems in finding employment.
Other factors to consider before taking up a postgraduate degree include financial concerns, the universities’ facilities and credentials of the academics.
‘It is important to consider one’s interests,’ Prof Ishak emphasised. ‘There is no point in doing a postgraduate study without keenness in the subject matter as interest and diligence is required in conducting research.’
About the writer
Professor Ir Ishak Abdul Rahman is currently the Head of Department for Civil Engineering Programmes at the Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College. He earned his BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and MSc in Hydraulics, Hydrology and Dynamics from The University of Strathclyde, UK in 1974 and 1976 respectively.
Prof Ishak is a registered Professional Engineer and a Fellow Member of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia. He also holds professional memberships in the ASEAN Engineers and ASEAN Professional Engineering Council.
