Master Of Architecture Interview (USM & UTM)

I've been to a few architectural interviews for both studying and career-wise and I've been meaning to post about my experiences. Since I've just been accepted to further my study in Master of Architecture (M.Arch) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur, I think now is the perfect time to talk about it.

M.Arch, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang.

I first decided to further my study in 2017 since I kinda had a bad time in term of my career, I was asked to resign from my former company at that time because the company was struggling financially with no more new projects. 

USM had always been my first choice if I ever wanted to further my study because I wanted to try another university rather than UiTM during my degree and also USM was the nearest to my hometown so I applied for it and thankfully, I got the interview opportunity. The interview was divided into two sessions, the first session was a freehand drawing test and the second session was the presentation cum interview session. 

During the freehand drawing test, there was a handout of three conditions of what to draw. I was expecting to draw like a ball or boxes just like during degree level's interview but no, it was harder. The handout asked to draw a proposal, a perspective view of a high rise building with green technology in mind and a bay section of the building which showed from foundation to roof details. I can't remember how long the time was given to draw but it was less than an hour. I couldn't finish the drawing, especially the bay section.

During the presentation cum interview session, there were three panels interviewed me. I was asked to introduce myself and proceed with my presentation of the proposal I did. I remembered being questioned to the point that I can't answer anymore, that's how tense the presentation went. It was exactly like a crit session. But during interview questions, the panels only asked me the reason I wanted to further my study. 

I actually got accepted to USM but I rejected the offer because, at that time, it was the same time I got offered the position of an assistant architect at my current company. 

M.Arch, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur.

I guess my desire to furthering my study hadn't died though I've been blessed with a stable career. But as I really didn't want to let go of my job, I needed to do part-time study and for M.Arch course, UTM KL was the only choice I got.

The interview session held at UTM KL was rather simple and professional. There was a briefing before the interview where the lecturer briefed about the course, how it'll be conducted, what the lecturers expected the students to be and all of the information us students needed to know. Then the interview began. There were only 14 candidates so the interview went so quick. The panels didn't ask much, they just straightforwardly asked about how long I've been working, what projects I've done, how I'm gonna fund myself for the study and why I wanted to further my study.

There, I hope my experiences would help you in any way if you wish to further study in the same field.

I got the offer letter from UTM KL last Tuesday. I was thrilled, excited and scared at the same time because I know it's gonna be hard, juggling between working and studying. I'm gonna have less rest, gonna be more stress but I hope I'll be enjoying the process and would grad with flying colours. Wish me luck guys, I need it!

Till then,

Lya.