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Teachers are often called the unsung heroes of society. They shape young minds, nurture curiosity, and equip the next generation with the knowledge and values needed to succeed. In Malaysia, the demand for skilled educators has never been greater. From early childhood right up to university level, there is a growing need for passionate individuals ready to step into the classroom and explore how to become a teacher in Malaysia.
A teaching career can take many forms. Some dedicate their careers to guiding young children, while others focus on primary or secondary education, or even specialise in higher education. Depending on which path you choose, you may need to pursue additional degrees or postgraduate studies to qualify as an educator at that level. Before choosing your degree, reflect on why you wish to study education. While teaching can be very rewarding, it comes with its own fair share of challenges, so it’s important to consider what motivates you to study and why you want to become a teacher.
Pathways to a Career in Teaching
Your career pathway depends on the degree you pursue. For those exploring how to become a teacher in Malaysia, it is important to understand the different options available.
If you are a Malaysian school leaver eager to kickstart your teaching journey, your first step may be a Foundation in Arts or STPM before enrolling in a degree such as a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Both routes prepare you for teaching, but in different ways:
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
- Focuses on developing expertise in working with young learners, typically from birth to age six.
- Prepares students to create nurturing, safe, and stimulating environments that encourage growth during the most formative years.
- Graduates can work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and early learning institutions.
Career options include preschool teacher, centre manager, child development specialist, or entrepreneur running a childcare centre.
Bachelor of Education
- Offers a broader pathway into teaching at primary and secondary levels.
- Allows specialisation in subjects such as English, Mathematics, Bahasa Melayu, or Special Needs Education.
- Graduates may become English language teachers, mathematics educators, or specialists in Special Needs Education.
- The specialisation you choose will determine what college courses are needed to become a teacher.
Beyond teaching, graduates may also pursue careers in:
- Education management – such as becoming a principal or registrar.
- Tutoring and language instruction, either independently or with learning centres.
- Education entrepreneurship, including writing educational materials, developing programmes, or managing centres.
- Corporate training and education-related sales or marketing roles.
Both degrees provide the knowledge, skills, and hands-on practice needed to excel, but the right choice depends on your career goals and the type of students you want to teach.
For career switchers or working professionals without prior qualifications, UNITAR also offers entry through APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning). This means your work experience can qualify you to start a degree programme, giving you the flexibility to reskill and pursue teaching without starting from scratch.
Subjects and Skills You’ll Learn
One of the most exciting aspects of pursuing a degree in education in Malaysia is the wide variety of subjects and teaching skills you’ll explore.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
At UNITAR, the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) equips students with both foundational knowledge and specialised skills. Core subjects include:
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Learning Environment for Young Children, which ground you in the essentials of childhood learning.
- Psychosociology, Social and Emotional Development, and Managing Child Behaviour, which prepare you to support children’s growth beyond academics.
- Family and Community in Early Childhood and Teacher Professional Development, which strengthen your ability to collaborate with parents and peers.
- Creative and practical modules like Art and Craft, Music for Young Children, Creative Drama, and Puppetry, which train you to design engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
This programme also covers health and safety, technology for early education, and entrepreneurship, making it highly industry-relevant. Through electives such as Children’s Media, Nutrition, and Folklore and Storytelling, you can further tailor your studies to your interests.
Bachelor of Education
The Bachelor of Education offers a broader scope with core modules that include:
- Foundations of Education, Curriculum Development, and Educational Technology, which provide essential teaching frameworks.
- Pedagogy in Education, Classroom Management, and Differentiated Instruction, which equip you with practical teaching methods.
- Counselling in Education, Learning Disabilities, and Teacher-Parent Communication, which help you build stronger student support systems.
This degree also allows specialisation in four majors:
- TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) – focused on language teaching, linguistics, and literature.
- Mathematics – covering algebra, geometry, and pedagogy in mathematics.
- Bahasa Melayu – emphasising grammar, literature, and creative teaching methods in the national language.
- Special Needs Education – preparing you to teach children with learning disabilities, using tools like assistive technology and intervention strategies.
Together, these modules and majors ensure graduates are well-rounded educators, capable of handling diverse classrooms and meeting the needs of different learners. For those still wondering what other college courses are needed to become a teacher, check out our Bachelor and Diploma education programmes for more information.
Internship and Practicum Experiences
Theory alone is not enough to make a great teacher. That’s why UNITAR integrates hands-on training through internships, practicums, and industry partnerships, giving students a real sense of why they want to become a teacher.
Early Childhood Education
Students in the early childhood programme gain practical experience through:
- Simulation rooms that replicate real classroom environments, allowing you to practice lesson delivery and classroom management.
- Fieldwork projects and group assignments, where you apply theories in real-world settings.
- A Special Needs course powered by Toddler Town, designed to help you work effectively with children who have learning disabilities.
This practical exposure ensures that graduates leave with confidence to manage real classrooms from day one, and a deeper understanding of why they chose to study education in the first place.
Bachelor of Education
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Education complete a teaching practicum in public, private, or international schools across Malaysia. UNITAR graduates have been placed at well-known institutions such as Tenby, APS, Fairview, and Hibiscus International School.
For students still asking themselves why they might want to study education, experiencing these internships and practicum opportunities often provides clarity. With QS 5-Star ratings in Teaching, Employability, and Online Education, and ASIC accreditation for quality learning and teaching, UNITAR ensures its students are well-prepared for both local and international career opportunities.
Start Your Teaching Journey with UNITAR
Whether your passion lies in guiding curious preschoolers, inspiring primary students, or leading innovative classrooms at the secondary level, learning how to become a teacher in Malaysia starts with the right degree. Pursuing an education degree in Malaysia is your gateway to a rewarding and impactful career.
At UNITAR, you’ll not only learn the theories of education but also gain practical experience, industry recognition, and flexible entry pathways that support your ambitions. With strong career prospects and the chance to make a lasting difference in society, there’s never been a better time to step into teaching. Explore our range of education programmes, including online study options, to find the pathway that suits your goals. Visit UNITAR today and take the first step toward your teaching career — where future educators are made.
