Master of Science (Medical Psychology) by Research Mode is designed for individuals interested in conducting advanced research in the application of psychology to medical and healthcare settings. This research-focused program allows students to explore various psychological aspects related to health, illness, treatment processes, and healthcare practices, with the aim of improving patient care, health outcomes, and overall healthcare systems.

Students in this program can explore a variety of research topics within Medical Psychology, including:

• Psychological Aspects of Health and Illness: Examining how psychological factors influence health outcomes, chronic illnesses, pain management, and coping mechanisms.
• Mental Health and Medical Conditions: Investigating the psychological impact of medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc., on patients' mental health and quality of life.
• Psychological Interventions in Healthcare: Researching the effectiveness of psychological interventions (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, stress management) in supporting patients with medical conditions.
• Health Behavior and Lifestyle: Exploring psychological factors that influence health behaviors, such as smoking cessation, exercise, diet, and adherence to medical treatment plans.
• Psychosocial Impact of Disease: Studying how diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and neurological conditions impact patients' social relationships, identity, and psychological well-being.
• Psychology of Pain and Palliative Care: Researching psychological interventions for pain management, palliative care, and end-of-life issues.
• Psychosocial Factors in Healthcare Delivery: Investigating how healthcare professionals’ psychological well-being and stress affect patient care and healthcare outcomes.
• Psychological Assessment in Medical Settings: Developing and refining psychological assessment tools for use in hospitals and clinics to evaluate psychological distress, mental health, or adjustment to illness.

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A) Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent

1. CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or 

2. 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 

3. 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).

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum of Band 6 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 60 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 8.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 169 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online min. score 169/ Occupational English Test (OET) min. score 250; or
• A minimum score of 59 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 109 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 4 for Malaysian University English Test (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)

IMPORTANT: Candidates are required to provide any of the above English result upon application. Incomplete application will be rejected.

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

*Not inclusive 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by Government of Malaysia
** Fees are subject to change