PhD in Social Science

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)    

(Knowledge and Understanding – MQF Domain 1)
Mastering knowledge on the concept and principles of Social Science.

(Cognitive Skills – MQF Domain 2)
Synthesise rationale thinking at higher order and solve problems in organizational settings and nation building.

(Practical Skills – MQF Domain 3A)
Use tools of decision making in handling practical issues in the field of Social Science.

(Interpersonal Skill – MQF Domain 3B & Communication Skills – MQF Domain 3C)
Exhibit socially wise and responsible behaviour for the progress of the nation and to communicate wisely in a social context especially among Social Science management fraternity.

(Digital Skills – MQF Domain 3D & Numeracy Skills – MQF Domain 3E)
Apply digital & numeracy skills in collecting and managing related information and the distribution of information to users.

(Leadership, Autonomy & Responsibility – MQF Domain 3F)
Communicate effectively and to foster teamwork and leadership and cooperation.

(Personal & Entrepreneurial Skills – MQF Domain 4)
Demonstrate entrepreneurial tendency towards innovation, opportunity seeking, risk taking and penchant for results of new inventions.

(Ethics & Professionalism – MQF Domain 5)
Exhibit social responsibility, ethical and professional behavior in organizational settings and nation building.

First semester:

Compulsory Courses

1. Academic Writing and Seminar (UMU1013)
2. Research Methodology (UMU1023)
3. Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 (UMU1033) (Non-Malaysian student only)
4. Global Security: Theory and Issues (SSF1213)

Research proposal writing

Second semester:

1. Proposal stage and thesis writing
2. Proposal defend should be approved maximum in one year.

Third – Sixth semester

1. Research stage and thesis writing
2. Viva-Voce of thesis defend examined by internal and external examiners.
3. Prior to Viva Voce, at least two publications in SCOPUS indexed journal or conference proceedings.

Programme Duration (Full Time)

• Minimum 3 years (6 semesters)
• Maximum 6 years (12 semesters)

Entry Requirements

1. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in related fields as accepted by the Senate; OR
2. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the Senate, subject to having relevant working experience* and rigorous internal assessment**; OR
3. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses***; OR
4. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) recognised by the Malaysian Government.
5. The University can take excellent Bachelor’s Degree (Level 6, MQF) graduates for direct admission to Doctoral Degree by Research (Level 8, MQF) programme with the following conditions:  
    
   1. Students have first class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification; or 
   2. Students have obtained CGPA of at least 3.67 or equivalent from either an academic or Technical and
   3.  Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme; and 
   4. Evaluated through rigorous internal assessment by the HEP; and 
   5. Approved by the Senate and accepted as a candidate for the Doctoral Degree (Level 8, MQF) programme. Students must demonstrate appropriate progress during the candidature period.

Note: 
* Experience can be cumulative experience even before acquiring required qualification for a particular level of study. However, the experience must be relevant to the level of study as well as the content. 
*** The pre-requisite courses must equip the students with necessary business knowledge (managing people, managing financial resources, understanding customers, understanding environments and strategic planning) of one level lower than the programme level. 
** Rigorous assessment to evaluate the suitability of an applicant for a programme through statement of purpose, interview and other methods may cover the following criteria: 

1. Demonstration of strong business experience, and that you have held significant managerial responsibilities. 
2. Evidence of any achievements in your professional life, for example, consistently performing at a high level, consistent career progression and any impact that you have had on your organisation. 
3. Professional skills that you have developed, for example, team work, leadership, problem-solving, negotiating and analytical skills. 
4. How you will contribute to your class and what experiences you can bring to the institution. (Lancaster University, 2021)

English Requirement

Achieve a minimum Band 4 in Malaysian University English Test (MUET) OR any equivalent to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR (B2)

MYR 3,625/ Semester 
(Local Students)

MYR 5,125/ Semester 
(International Students)

Excluding immigration fees, insurance and dormitory.

Note: 

1. Student pass fees for international students are subjected to a determination under the Malaysian Immigration Department.
2. Student insurance fees are subjected to the statutory provisions of the University and local authorities.
3. Student accommodation fees are determined by university rules and are available upon request.