The Complete Guide to Studying Digital Marketing in Malaysia

Where can you study a digital marketing course in Malaysia? Find a institution, check out the requirements and more with this comprehensive guide.

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Back in the heyday, marketing was all about finding the right billboard and airtime on TV. Now, it’s all about meeting the consumers online. And there’s a lot more to that than just posting a message on social media.

Digital marketing is the new marketing and it’s rapidly becoming one of the most integral parts of any business. The field is concerned with how to communicate and reach out to the right people, using different digital platforms and digital tools to collect data and optimise marketing strategies.

If this is something that interests you, then digital marketing could be the programme for you. Keep on reading to learn more about what a digital marketing programme is.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BA (Hons) in Marketing Management (Digital Marketing)

Dual-award degree – one from De Montfort University, UK, and one from APU

#1. What is Digital Marketing?

cg-digital-marketing-whatDigital marketing is concerned with the use of the internet, mobile devices, social media and other forms of digital communication to reach potential consumers.

If you own a smartphone, you’ll notice that digital marketing is everywhere. You can see examples of it in the subscription emails in your inbox, the ads on your Instagram and the search results on your browser.

Enrolling in a digital marketing course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply digital marketing techniques and strategies to help businesses market their products and services. You will learn how to analyse consumer data, use online marketing tools as well as how to communicate with consumers online.

Fields of Digital Marketing

Here are some popular fields you can find in digital marketing.

Field What It Is
Search engine optimisation (SEO) Refers to the process of optimising a website’s position in search engines such as Google.
Search engine marketing (SEM) Refers to the promotion of a website by increasing its visibility on search engine results pages through paid advertisements (e.g. Google Ads).
Social media marketing Refers to the use of social media platforms to reach out and connect with consumers.
Content marketing Refers to the creation and distribution of content to increase brand awareness and generate audience interest.
Email marketing Refers to the use of email to promote products and services to customers.

Digital marketing is a big field and will continue to grow and branch out as technology becomes more sophisticated. A good digital marketing course will provide you with the necessary skills to help you improve and adapt.

#2. Entry Requirements for Digital Marketing

a) Subjects required

To study Digital Marketing, the required subjects at SPM or equivalent are:

  • English
  • Mathematics

b) Requirements for Diploma in Digital Marketing

These are the general entry requirements for a Diploma in Digital Marketing:

  • SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 3Cs

c) Requirements for Degree in Digital Marketing

To pursue a Degree in Digital Marketing, you need to complete a pre-university programme and meet the entry requirements.

In addition, you will also need a pass in English and Mathematics for SPM.

Note: If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, don’t fret. Unlike professional programmes like medicine and law, it may not be necessary to pursue a digital marketing course that’s accredited by the MQA. Speak to our education advisors to figure out your next steps.

#3. Studying a Digital Marketing Course

a) What subjects will you study in digital marketing?

A digital marketing course is meant to prepare you for a career in online communication and business. You will be taught how to understand online consumer behaviour and practise online business strategies.

Depending on the institution, a digital marketing programme can be offered in the business or communication field. As such, the focus may be different. A Bachelor of Business will expose you to more business modules such as accounting, economics and marketing. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Communication will weigh more heavily on advertising and creative content.

Some of the subjects you will learn under digital marketing are:

  • Search engine marketing (SEM)
  • Search engine optimisation (SEO)
  • Digital content marketing
  • Email marketing
  • Social media marketing
  • Web analytics
  • Digital marketing strategy and planning

b) How long is a digital marketing course?

A Diploma in Digital Marketing that’s accredited by MQA typically takes 2 to 2.5 years to complete. A Degree in Digital Marketing is usually 3 years long.

However, you can also study digital marketing through a short course or as a micro-credential. The duration for these courses is often much shorter — ranging from a few days to several months — depending on the content covered.

c) How much does it cost to study digital marketing in Malaysia?

A Diploma in Digital Marketing costs around RM18,000 to RM30,000 while a degree could range from RM40,000 to RM88,000.

Short courses or micro-credentials on digital marketing can be much cheaper.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Business & Finance & Psychology)

Direct pathway into dual-award degrees at APU

#4. Your Education Pathway for Digital Marketing

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First, you’ll need to complete a pre-university (e.g. A-Level, STPM) or Foundation after SPM. Subsequently, you can enrol in a digital marketing degree programme. Completing the degree will allow you to enter the field of digital marketing and work in a variety of digital marketing-related roles.

You can also pursue a Diploma in Digital Marketing after SPM. A diploma qualification will give you the option of either entering the workforce upon graduating or continuing with a degree in digital marketing.

Alternatively, there is also an option to pursue short courses in digital marketing. These courses often have a shorter duration and cost less. Additionally, some institutions offer digital marketing as micro-credentials — a mini-qualification that can be accepted as credit for an academic degree qualification.

#5. Should You Study Digital Marketing?

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a) Is Digital Marketing right for you?

If you’re wondering whether you should study digital marketing, here are some questions to think about:

  • Do you enjoy communicating with people online?
  • Do you consider yourself a creative person with strong analytical skills?
  • Do you thrive in a constantly changing environment?
  • Do you have a passion for learning new things?
  • Do you like to learn more about people and their interests?
  • Do you enjoy deciphering data to find ways to connect with more people?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then digital marketing may be the right programme for you!

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BA (Hons) in Marketing Management (Digital Marketing)

Dual-award degree – one from De Montfort University, UK, and one from APU

b) Skills required to be a digital marketer

Here are some key skills a good digital marketer should have:

  • Knowledge of how different digital platforms work
  • Ability to analyse data and draw insightful hypotheses
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to adapt to the environment
  • A willingness to constantly learn new things
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

#6. Job Options With Digital Marketing

Digital marketers are in high demand everywhere and digital marketing graduates can easily work with a wide range of customers. You can find work in a media company, food and beverage and so much more.

Here are some careers that you can pursue upon graduating:

  • Digital marketing specialist
  • Social media marketing executive
  • Digital copywriter
  • SEO content writer
  • Content creator

#7. Best Universities for Digital Marketing in Malaysia

If digital marketing is right up your alley, then check out some of the best universities for digital marketing in Malaysia.

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