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PhD (Social Work) -
Centre for Policy Research


  • OVERVIEW

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work offers students the preparation necessary for a successful career at a research intense academic institution and for leadership roles in the design and development of social welfare programmes and policies. The programme's curriculum is designed to provide students with rigorous methodological, conceptual, and statistical training in both quantitative and qualitative research. An important feature of our programme is that all students are paired with a research mentor who works collaboratively with the designated student throughout the entire programme to ensure competency in core research, scholarship, and teaching areas.

    Research Thrust Areas:

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

    Applicants should possess the following:

    • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
    • A Master’s degree in research mode; or
    • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)
  • 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 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

    • Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 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.

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