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MSc (Marine Sciences) - Centre for Policy Research

  • OVERVIEW

    The Master of Marine Sciences by Research at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) develops advanced research capability in marine science to generate scientific evidence that informs marine policy, governance, and sustainable resource management. Candidates undertake independent research on marine ecosystems, ocean and coastal processes, biodiversity, and human–environment interactions. Grounded in scientific inquiry and guided by the science–policy interface and systems thinking, the programme adopts a multidisciplinary research approach that integrates natural sciences with social, economic, and governance perspectives to address complex marine and coastal challenges.

    Research encompasses marine ecology, oceanography, biodiversity conservation, environmental monitoring, marine spatial planning, the blue economy, food security, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable ocean governance. Candidates critically evaluate knowledge, apply advanced research methodologies, analyse complex scientific and socio-environmental data, and generate original findings that advance marine science and support evidence-informed policy and management.

    Graduates will possess advanced research competency to generate new scientific knowledge and provide scientific leadership in academia, research institutions, government, industry, international organisations, and the non-governmental sector, supporting sustainable marine and coastal development through evidence-based policy and resource management.

    Research thrust area: 

    1. Marine Policy and Governance
    2. Marine Resource and Food Security
    3. Marine Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Adaptation
    4. Marine Spatial Planning and Coastal Management
    5. Blue Carbon Science and Policy
    6. Coastal Communities and Blue Economy
    7. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience

  • ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

    Candidates are required to possess:

    • A Bachelor degree in related field (minimum CGPA 3.00/4.00)

    In cases where the candidates do not meet the minimum CGPA requirements, research experience or journal publications may be used to support applications.

  • LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

    (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.

  • 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