Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The programme is designed to prepare postgraduates for careers in academia, or non-academic careers where in-depth research training is required. It is a research-intensive programme with the aim to produce postgraduates with critical knowledge to evaluate current issues in the various psychology fields. It would also equip postgraduates with the skills to conduct and manage advanced and independent research which will contribute to valuable, significantly new and original knowledge and/or professional practice in psychology. Postgraduates work closely with the faculty supervisor to develop and conduct specialized (often multidisciplinary) research that would ultimately culminate in a written dissertation and final oral examination. The postgraduates can apply technology to support their research activities and communicate their research findings effectively with peers, scholarly communities, and society at large. They also can pursue lifelong learning and drive their research and contribution to the field ethically and professionally. Our faculty and postgraduate students incorporate a range of research methodologies including traditional quantitative and qualitative techniques along with mixed-methods and community-engaged research.

Minimum Entry Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Psychology with a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent (Level 7, MQF) as accepted by the HEP Senate;

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (non-psychology, Level 6, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a minimum of 45 credits of prerequisites modules in Psychology or a graduate diploma in Psychology or its equivalent as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR

Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements.

English Language Requirements

1) Malaysian Students

MUET Band 3.5 or IELTS Band 5.0 or CEFR High B1 or TOEFL iBT 40 or equivalent ; OR

Exemption of English Language requirement if the medium of instruction during Master studies was in English

2) International Students

IELTS Band 5.0 or CEFR High B1 or TOEFL iBT 40 or equivalent; OR

Exemption of English Language requirement if the medium of instruction during Master studies was in English

Compulsory

• Research Methods

• Advanced Data Analysis for Psychological Research

• Doctoral Research

Graduates of this programme can be employed as:

• Education (e.g., Senior Lecturer, Researcher, Research Consultant)

• Consultant/ Coach/ Trainer/ Programme Developer/ Analyst in a specialized area

• Social Entrepreneur