What Should Students Study for the Jobs of the Future?

If you already know which technology field interests you, the next question is simple: what should you study?

There is not always a single degree that leads to a particular career. A future AI professional, for example, could study Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science, while someone interested in semiconductors could enter through Electronic Engineering, Microelectronics or a specialised Semiconductor and IC Design programme.

Below are courses students can consider for the 10 technology career fields covered in our guide, along with Malaysian universities currently offering relevant undergraduate programmes.

1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Courses to study

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)

Universities offering these courses

2. FinTech

Courses to study

• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Information Technology with a specialism in Financial Technology

Universities offering these courses

3. Software Engineering

Courses to study

• Software Engineering
• Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Universities offering these courses

4. Data Science & Big Data

Courses to study

• Data Science
• Applied Data Science
• Data Analytics

Universities offering these courses

5. Cybersecurity

Courses to study

• Cybersecurity
• Computer Science (Cyber Security)
• Information Technology (Cyber Security)

Universities offering these courses

6. Cloud & Infrastructure

Courses to study

• Cloud Computing
• Cloud Engineering
• Information Technology
• Communications and Networking

Universities offering these courses

Note: Cloud and DevOps are often offered as specialisations or components within broader IT and networking degrees rather than as standalone undergraduate degrees. This is why the list is shorter than some of the other fields.

7. Robotics & Automation

Courses to study

• Mechatronics Engineering
• Mechatronic Engineering (Robotics)
• Mechatronic Engineering Technology (Robotics)

Universities offering these courses

8. Renewable Energy & Green Technology

Courses to study

• Renewable Energy
• Sustainable Energy
• Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy

Universities offering these courses

9. Semiconductors & Advanced Electronics

Courses to study

• Semiconductor and Integrated Circuit Design
• Microelectronics
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering

Universities offering these courses

10. Digital Healthcare

Courses to study

• Medical Informatics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering Technology

Universities offering these courses

Courses at a Glance

Choosing a Course for the Future

The jobs of the future will not come from one particular degree. As technology continues to develop, opportunities are emerging across AI, software, data, finance, cybersecurity, robotics, energy, semiconductors and healthcare.

For students deciding what to study after school, the important first step is to identify the field that interests them, then explore the courses that can lead into it.

The universities listed above provide some of the available options in Malaysia, but students should always check the latest programme details, entry requirements and intake information directly with the university before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I study for the jobs of the future?

Students interested in future-focused careers can consider courses in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cybersecurity, FinTech, Cloud Computing, Robotics, Renewable Energy, Semiconductors and Digital Healthcare.

What course should I study for a career in artificial intelligence?

Students can consider Artificial Intelligence or Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence). Computer Science, Data Science and other related computing degrees can also provide pathways into AI-related careers.

What should I study to become a data scientist?

Data Science is the most directly aligned course. Other related options include Applied Data Science, Data Analytics and Computer Science.

What degree should I study for cybersecurity?

Students can consider Cybersecurity, Computer Science (Cyber Security) or Information Technology (Cyber Security).

What should I study to work in the semiconductor industry?

Students can consider Semiconductor and Integrated Circuit Design, Microelectronics, Electronic Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

What course should I study for robotics?

Students interested in robotics can consider Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering Technology (Robotics).

What should I study for a career in FinTech?

Students can consider Financial Technology (FinTech) or Information Technology with a specialism in Financial Technology.

What should I study for renewable energy careers?

Relevant courses include Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering with a renewable-energy specialisation.

What should I study for a career in digital healthcare?

Students can consider Medical Informatics, Health Informatics, Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering Technology.

Which Malaysian universities offer courses for future technology careers?

Malaysian universities including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTP, Monash University Malaysia, APU, Sunway University, UTHM, UMPSA, UniKL and UOW Malaysia, among others, offer programmes related to areas such as AI, software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, renewable energy and digital healthcare.