DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Welcome to our programme, which fills a crucial gap in the availability of PhD programmes in Social Sciences, particularly in private universities in Malaysia. With the increasing importance of social research and advocacy, this PhD programme continues to attract strong interest from aspiring scholars committed to making a difference.

We are dedicated to providing a highly sought-after educational pathway for social science graduates, supporting their growth into public intellectuals and thought leaders. As a graduate, you'll have the opportunity to further enhance your knowledge in specific fields of social sciences, while gaining expertise in designing advanced research methodologies. Our programme strengthens your ability to apply academic insights to real-world challenges, enabling you to drive meaningful impact across academic and professional communities.

Duration

3 to 6-year (Full Time)4 to 8-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment.

Find out more about our research areas.

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Social Anthropology
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• International Relations

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the following modules (6 credit hours) in the first year of their candidature:

Year 1

• Research Method for Social Science (Core Module)
• Qualitative Research Methods / Quantitative Research Methods

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Academician (higher education institutions)
• Postdoctoral research fellow in the area of social sciences
• Social researcher in research institutes
• Advocators of social issues and independent agent of change
• Management and administration positions in multinational corporations, international organisations and GLCs
• Business and market Analysts
• Media, social, and cultural analysts
• Writer, publisher, editor, corporate communications and public relations officer
• Trainer and talent development in business entities, governmental agencies and civil society organisations
• Policy developer, coordinator and implementor
• Social worker and public welfare officer
• Management / organisational consultant and strategist
• Senior officer, researcher, mediator and advisors to governmental agencies
• Senior personnel, researcher and advisors to civil society organidations

We offered two entry pathway for this PhD programme, which is normal mode and prior to publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Masters: 

A Master’s Degree in the field or related fields accepted by Senate; or Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) recognised by the Government of Malaysia.

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor's Degree (Level 6, MQF) in the field or related fields with first-class (Cumulative Grade Point, 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

Other equivalent qualification

Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.

Students without a qualification in the related field but with relevant working experience requires to fulfil the following conditions:

• CGPA above 2.50 must have at least one (1) year of relevant working experience; or
• CGPA 2.00 to 2.50 must have at least five (5) years of relevant working experience;

In addition, students will need to undergo a rigorous internal assessment

English Requirement for international students: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 (Internet Based Test) 600 (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score). The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Note: All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

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