Doctor of Philosophy (Marine Science)

Program Synopsis

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.

The research programme/graduate opportunities include:

• Marine Policy
• Marine Management and Conservation
• Coral Reef Ecosystem
• Marine Science

Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology/Sociology)

Program Synopsis

As an APEX-status university in Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) focuses heavily on sustainability and social transformation. Centre for Policy Research (CPR) functions primarily as a policy-oriented research centre. Because of this, its postgraduate offerings are curated to bridge the gap between social theory and actionable public policy.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology and Sociology at the CPR is designed for scholars, policy strategists, and social innovators determined to push the frontiers of social science knowledge. In a rapidly changing world, our programme empowers you to synthesise cutting-edge theoretical debate with rigorous empirical inquiry.

We welcome doctoral proposals that align with our eight specialised research thrusts, each addressing critical socio-economic and cultural issues in contemporary society:

1. Poverty Studies & Micro Credit
2. Ethnicity & Identity
3. Development Sociology
4. Critical Policy Research
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Philanthropy
6. Multireligious & Multicultural Studies
7. Social Anthropology
8. Migration Studies

The Policy Takeaway:

By housing these focus areas under CPR rather than a standard social sciences school, USM ensures that your Master's or PhD research doesn't sit forgotten on a library shelf. Instead, the curriculum is designed to produce specialists capable of transforming deep ethnographic insights into real-world state and national policy frameworks.

Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)

Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science)