Based on available information, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is considered somewhat more challenging than certain public universities, particularly UiTM.
Here's a breakdown of why, according to one perspective:
According to a viewpoint dated March 2, 2024, the degree program at UTP is "a bit harder than public Unis esp. UiTM". This is primarily attributed to the structure of the curriculum, which involves cramming more credit hours per semester, often around 17-18 hours. This intensified workload per semester is designed specifically to accommodate an 8-month internship program, a significant component of the UTP degree.
While the academic workload per semester is noted as being higher, the overall difficulty and subsequent success also depend on numerous factors beyond just the curriculum structure.
Factors Influencing UTP Experience and Outcomes
The provided reference highlights that various elements contribute to a student's experience and their future prospects after graduating from UTP. These include:
- Course of Study: Different engineering or technology disciplines may have varying levels of inherent difficulty or workload.
- Pointer (GPA): Academic performance is a key indicator of a student's grasp of the subject matter.
- Co-curricular Involvement: Participation in activities outside of academics can build skills and networks.
- Connections: Networking built during the university years.
- Internship Supervisor (SV): The quality of the internship experience and the relationship with the supervisor can significantly impact learning and future opportunities.
Academic Structure at UTP
To facilitate the extended internship, UTP's academic semesters are structured to cover more content in a shorter period compared to some other universities. This means students undertake a higher number of credit hours each semester (e.g., 17-18 hours) than might be standard elsewhere.
| Aspect | UTP Approach (as per reference) | Implication for Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours/Sem | Crammed (17-18 hours) | Higher academic workload |
| Internship | 8 months | Requires dense semester load |
This concentrated academic schedule contributes to the perception that a UTP degree can be more demanding on a semester-by-semester basis. However, the extended internship provides valuable practical experience, which is a significant benefit of the program structure.
In summary, while the semesterly academic intensity due to packed credit hours makes UTP's degree program potentially harder than some public universities, the overall difficulty and outcome are multifaceted and influenced by individual effort, course type, and external factors like internships and connections.
