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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

The minimum requirement for entry to the postgraduate programme is:

  • A Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 3.00/4 or equivalent in a related field; or
  • Any Bachelor's degree with working experience related to the field of study.
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) : 1,088.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 963.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

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

** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

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

Tel : +604 653 2606
Fax : +604 653 2940

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Last Update: Friday 14 March 2025.

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