Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction and Civil Engineering

Are you good at mathematics and physics and would you like to use these skills to create solutions? Do you want to contribute to social development by working on the construction of infrastructure (for example, roads, tunnels, and bridges) or hydraulic structures (dams, canals, water distribution systems, and sewages)? A major in Civil Engineering will make you an expert in geometry, physics, and trigonometry. You will be testing different ideas using scale mock-ups.

Interview with Civil Engineering students

THY Liheang (21) is a year 3 student at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) and is majoring in Civil Construction. THUNNVORTH Sarik (24) has graduated in Civil Engineering from Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia. Liheang says he chose this major because he loves Science and Mathematics and wants to be able to do building constructions and help others as well, for instance by building shelters for the poor. Sarik adds that the construction sector is very important in Cambodia because the country is developing rapidly, so construction is increasing and there is a need for professionals with this skill.

What is good about this major is that it is based on reason and science and can be used creatively and with flexibility as long as it complies with standards. However, calculations for problem solving can be difficult and evidence may be hard to find, but the more you practise, the easier it gets.

The workload varies: Liheang says he spends 30 hours at the institute and needs more time to study at home. Sarik says you will be studying at university for 5 days a week, three hours a day, but you need more time for reviewing lessons and for practising in order to fully understand everything.

Liheang would like to work in the calculation section of construction in the future; Sarik is already working in construction and hopes to own a business in this sector sometime in the future.

Their advice if you are interested in this major: The high school subjects of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are important, but Geography and Geology are also important because you need to know the details of the place you are going to build on. They add that you should also pay attention to Khmer, English, French, Citizen Morality and should have good communication skills. Besides, you must be able to work under pressure, be able to work in the sun and be prepared to work late at night. 

The following universities offer this major:

• American University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• Angkor University, Siem Reap
• Beltei International University, Phnom Penh
• Build Bright University Battambang, Battambang
• Build Bright University Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• Build Bright University Siem Reap, Siem Reap
• Build Bright University Sihanoukville, Sihanoukville
• Cambodian Mekong University, Phnom Penh
• Cambodian University for Specialities, Phnom Penh
• City University, Phnom Penh
• Institute of Technology, Phnom Penh
• International University, Phnom Penh
• Life University, Sihanoukville
• National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• National Technical Training Institute , Phnom Penh
• National University of Battambang, Battambang
• Norton University, Phnom Penh
• Panha Chiet University, Phnom Penh
• Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• Paragon International University, Phnom Penh
• University of Kratie, Kratie
• University of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}

Would you like to work on big, international construction projects? Then a major in Construction Management and Engineering could be the right fit. You will learn how to effectively and efficiently manage construction projects in order to meet budgets and deadlines.

The following universities offer this major:

• Beltei International University, Phnom Penh
• Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Phnom Penh
• Paragon International University, Phnom Penh
• PSE (Pour un Sourire d’Enfant), Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}

Are you interested in design and do you get inspired when seeing different interiors? A major in interior design will teach you more about interior constructions, space planning, and materials.

Interview with an Interior Design student

NOUCH Sareoun (27) is now finishing year four at the Royal University of Fine Arts. She decided to study Interior Design because she likes drawing, painting, and creating something new. She especially likes New Concepts Design, Aesthetics and Drawing. But she likes drawing skills best because she can draw what the teacher asks her to. What she doesn’t like so much is drawing by computer and the many subjects she has to take. The workload varies, in some years you can have a part-time job, in other years you need all the time to study. When she graduates she wants to work in interior design.

The following universities offer this major:

• Angkor University, Siem Reap
• City University, Phnom Penh
• Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Phnom Penh
• Norton University, Phnom Penh
• Phnom Penh International Institute of the Arts, Phnom Penh
• Raffles International College, Phnom Penh
• Western University, Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}

Urban Planning encompasses the process of developing and designing urban areas. When studying this major, you will learn how to effectively plan, design, and construct cities, taking into consideration the physical form, economic functions, and social impacts of the urban environment.

Interview with an Urban Planning student

Naro (29) decided to pursue his master’s degree in Urban and Regional planning at the University of Queensland, Australia. He likes city planning, trying to find solutions for the problems in cities like Phnom Penh. He has learnt that better city design is better for people and nature. What he didn’t like about this major is that it is mainly theory, so it is hard to put this theory into practice. Moreover, trying to gain a master’s degree overseas is quite challenging; all the time you have to finish tasks as well as study. What he liked best was that the lecturer gave students the task of designing a better city for a community that had problems. This way students were faced with a challenge to find actual solutions to a real problem. However, he feels that the things he learnt in Australia can’t really be applied in Cambodia, because the regulations are different. Naro now works in Urban Planning at the Ministry of Land Management.

His tips for students who are interested in this major: be creative, open your mind and keep up with new technology and design from all over the world.

The following universities offer this major:

• Build Bright University Battambang, Battambang
• Build Bright University Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• Build Bright University Siem Reap, Siem Reap
• Build Bright University Sihanoukville, Sihanoukville
• Cambodian Mekong University, Phnom Penh
• Norton University, Phnom Penh
• Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}