Skip to main content

Master of Social Science (Anthropology/Sociology) -
Centre for Policy Research


  • OVERVIEW

    The Master of Social Science in Anthropology and Sociology consists of research programmes offered throughout the year. These programmes are offered as full-time and part-time modes to qualified Malaysian and International students to carry out research supervised by their respective lecturers in the field of Anthropology and Sociology. Anthropology and Sociology is an area of study for students with a particular interest in relationships and the complexity of cooperation, conflict and communication which constitutes any society. Both fields of Anthropology and Sociology explore the social and cultural realities of life in all its forms. Knowledge of Anthropology and Sociology empowers the graduates with abilities and opportunities to think creatively and critically about the connections that shape everyday lives as well as organisations and social relations in society. It has an enduring interest in the ways human beings make meaning in an uncertain and often unequal world.

    Research Thrust Areas:

    • Poverty Studies and Micro Credit
    • Social Demography
    • Ethnicity and Identity
    • Development Sociology
    • CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and Philanthropy
    • Multi-religious and Multi-cultural Studies
    • Social Anthropology
    • Gender Studies
    • Anthropology and Sociology
  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Applicants should possess the following:

    A) Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent

    1. CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or 
    1. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with the following additional conditions: or
      • Research experience for at least one (1) year; or
      • Professional experience in related field for at least one (1) year; or
      • One (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
      • Grade B for major/elective courses; or
      • Grade B+ for final year project 
    1. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (honours degree) with the following additional conditions:
      • Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
      • Professional experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
      • One (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
      • Grade B for major/elective courses; or
      • Grade B+ for final year project

    Any Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computing/Information Technology awarded by local private institutions of higher learning, including those awarded under any collaborative/franchising schemes with local or foreign partners must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

  • LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

    (Applicable for International Applicants Only)

    • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
    • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
    • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
    • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
    • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

    Exemption is given to candidate if:

    • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
    • Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

    **Candidates will be interviewed by the Selection Panels.

  • DURATION

    • Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
    • Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters
  • FEES

    Malaysian (MYR)
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00
    • Registration Fee : 310.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
    • Convocation Fee : 200.00
    • Research Methodology : 320.00

     

    International (USD)*
    Full Time Part Time
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,400.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00
    • Registration Fee : 222.50
    • Personal Bond : 1000.00
    • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,190.00
    • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
    • Convocation Fee : 50.00
    • Research Methodology : 80.00

    * NOT inclusive 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by Government of Malaysia

    ** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: +604-653 6309 / 6027 / 2606 / 2946 / 2958
Fax: +604-653 2931

Disclaimer

This website uses the GTranslate component to provide translation into Bahasa Melayu & Chinese Simplify. In the event of any inaccuracies in the translation, the English version shall be referred to as the official reference of this website.

Last Update: Wednesday 04 March 2026.

All Rights Reserved © Universiti Sains Malaysia