Introduction

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is one of the leading universities in Malaysia, known for its robust academic standards and rigorous assessment methods. One of the key academic milestones for students at UTM is earning a First-Class Degree. This article aims to clarify the requirements for achieving a First-Class Degree, specifically regarding the GPA requirements over the entire academic period or just the final year.

1. What is a First-Class Degree?

A First-Class Degree at UTM, like many other universities, is considered the highest academic achievement a student can obtain. Traditionally, a First-Class Degree is associated with a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 3.75 or 4.00 (on a 4.00 scale). This high GPA is a testament to the exceptional academic performance of a student throughout their entire academic journey.

2. How is the GPA Calculated?

At UTM, the GPA is calculated based on the average of all grades obtained over the entire academic period. This means that the GPA is a composite score that reflects the academic performance across all semesters, starting from the first year till the last. It is crucial for students to maintain a consistent high level of academic performance over the years to meet the requirements for a First-Class Degree.

For a 4.00 GPA scale:

- A 4.00

- A 4.00 (same as A )

- A- 3.70

- B 3.30

- B 3.00

- B- 2.70

- C 2.30

- C 2.00

- C- 1.70

- D 1.30

- D 1.00

- F 0.00 (failing grade)

3. How Does UTM Determine the GPA for Final Year Students?

For final year students, while maintaining a high GPA over the entire academic period is essential, there is a greater emphasis on the final year. However, the GPA for the final year alone will not be the sole determining factor for a First-Class Degree. The GPA is an accumulation of all semesters, and hence the final year significantly influences the overall GPA but does not operate in isolation.

4. Example Calculation of GPA Over Semesters

Let’s illustrate with an example:

Suppose a student has the following GPA over 8 semesters:

Semester 1: 3.80

Semester 2: 3.90

Semester 3: 3.75

Semester 4: 3.85

Semester 5: 3.95

Semester 6: 3.80

Semester 7: 3.90

Semester 8: 3.95

Total GPA: (3.80 3.90 3.75 3.85 3.95 3.80 3.90 3.95) / 8 3.85

In this case, the student’s GPA over 8 semesters is 3.85, which is below the threshold for a First-Class Degree.

5. Strategies to Achieve a First-Class Degree

To achieve a First-Class Degree at UTM, students should focus on the following strategies:

Consistent Performance: Maintaining a high GPA consistently over all semesters, not just the final year.Volleyball Practice: Regular attendance and active participation in classes, tutorials, and seminars.Research and Projects: Engaging in research projects, case studies, and practical work to enhance practical knowledge.Career Development Programs: Utilizing career development programs offered by the university to improve professional skills.

Conclusion

At Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, earning a First-Class Degree is a significant academic achievement that requires consistent high academic performance across all semesters. While the final year plays a crucial role, the GPA is a composite score that sums up the performance over eight semesters. Students seeking to achieve this significant milestone should adopt a proactive approach to academic excellence and continuous learning.