DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (BY RESEARCH)

About the Course

The School of Education and Social Sciences (SESS), along with other faculties within SU, has not previously offered a PhD in Social Sciences program. At the highest level of study, this program is highly relevant to our school. It is designed to accept post-graduate students who have completed a master's degree. Currently, SESS offers six bachelor's programs and one education master's program, all of which can serve as important feeders into this doctoral program.

The PhD in Social Sciences is a terminal degree that encompasses a broad spectrum of research areas within the social sciences. This qualification remains in constant demand due to the ever-growing educational and societal needs. Holding a PhD in Social Sciences is also a key requirement for academic and research positions within this field.

Program Objectives

• To develop a workforce capable of contributing as researchers and social policymakers in educational institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• To prepare academicians in their respective fields to assume leadership roles, conduct impactful research, and contribute to education and policy at the highest level.
• To nurture potential job creators and innovators through advanced career and professional development.

Duration
3-5 years

Courses Offered

Pre-requisite Courses

• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• Statistical Analysis for Social Sciences

Thesis Requirements

• Length: Recommended minimum of 80,000 – 100,000 words
• Publication: Three (3) papers in SCOPUS-indexed journals

Programme Standards (Doctoral Degree by Research)

• Candidates must complete a research methodology course.
• The following are to be determined by the Higher Education Provider (HEP):
  • Relevant prerequisite courses
  • Maximum candidature period
  • Format of the dissertation
• Recommended thesis length: minimum 80,000 – 100,000 words

Career Prospects

• Lecturer / Academic
• Researcher / Social Scientist
• Counsellor / Psychologist
• Policy Makers and Managers in Governmental or Non-Governmental Agencies

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BASED ON MASTER'S AND DOCTORAL DEGREE STANDARD:

• A master’s degree in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate; or
• Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree recognised by the Government Malaysia.
• Candidates without a related qualification in the field(s) or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by HEP.

A Bachelor's degree with the following conditions:

• A bachelor's degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme;
• Undergo internal assessment; and
• Any other requirements of the HEP.

Bachelor's degree candidates who are registered for master's degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions:

• Within 1 year for full-time and within 2 years for pvart-time candidates;
• Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral-level through rigorous internal evaluation by the HEP; and
• Approval of the HEP Senate.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university