For the purpose of Malaysian higher education sectors, the learning framework is based on the ACM Problem Space of Computing. Computing is broadly categorised into four (4) major disciplines namely Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology and Information Systems:

1. Computer Science: Graduates of this discipline, called Computer Scientists, should be prepared to work in a broad range of positions involving tasks from theoretical work to software development and can adapt to innovations in ICT; essentially they are able to:
1. Design and implementing software.
2. Devise new ways to use computers.
3. Developing effective ways to solve computing problems.
4. Planning and manage organizational technology infrastructure.
2. Software Engineering: Graduates of this discipline, called Software Engineers, should be able to perform and manage activities at every stage of the life cycle of large-scale Software systems; they become specialist in designing and implementing software in the large.
3. Information Technology: Graduates of this discipline, called Information Technology Professionals, should be able to work effectively at planning, implementation, configuration and maintenance of an organisation’s computing infrastructure; prepared to succeed in roles involving planning and managing technology infrastructure.
4. Information Systems: Graduates of this discipline, called Information Systems Specialists, should be able to analyse information requirements and business processes and be able to specify and design systems that are aligned with organisational goals.

The Programme Standards provide an inventory of content, delivery and assessment of programmes, thus enabling identification of vital components of qualifications from Certificate to Doctoral awards. Statements within the Programme Standards should be viewed as benchmark statements, therefore, HEPs are encouraged to go beyond the basic minimum.