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PhD (Political Science) - School of Social Sciences


OVERVIEW

Postgraduate students at the School of Social Sciences undertake research in a wide range of disciplines, namely Anthropology & Sociology, Economics, Development Planning and Management, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Work, Islamic Development Management, European Studies and Psychology. Our postgraduate degrees comprise degrees by research, by coursework and by "mixed mode" (combining coursework and research leading to the submission of a dissertation).

Research Thrust Areas:

1. Political Science

  • Political Thoughts
  • Comparative Politics
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy
  • International Relations
  • Conflict & Peace
  • Public Sector Management
  • Local Government
  • Leadership Studies
  • Political Science

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Social Sciences

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should possess one of the following:

  • A Master's degree in research mode; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; 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)
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 : 1,000.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00 
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
  • 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: 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 963.00   
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

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

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 330.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00 
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 330.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00 
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 225.00
  • 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 : 225.00
  • 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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