PREREQUISITE COURSE

Malaysian Culture and Malay Language (LKM111):

Compulsory for all international students and must be passed before graduation. The minimum required passing grade is C. Registration for the course is through the Online Registration System (ORSPG) during the stipulated time for course registration. Classes are online and accessible through the student e-learning portal.

Exemption can be given to students who have taken and passed the equivalent course. An application for exemption must be submitted to the Dean, School of Languages, Literacies, and Translation, for approval.

For any enquiries, please e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research Methodology for Research Mode Students (POL500):

Synopsis

This course aims to develop students’ research and analytical skills. In enhancing students’ paradigms of research methodology in the social sciences, this course is designed to deepen the understanding of research strategies and philosophies as well as the underlying debates. Students will also be equipped with the logic of inquiry as well as the ethics to guide their research process. Emphasis will also be given to the knowledge of research design, data collection, foundational data analysis, and report writing. While deliberating on the quantitative and qualitative methods, the course includes an overview of specific methodological approaches. It also gives special attention to the practical knowledge of the research process and prepares students to conduct their own basic research projects. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of the ways to conduct their own research in various fields. This is a foundational course that will prepare students for advanced research courses in their chosen fields.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)

Upon completion of the POL500 course, students should be able:
- To construct the research scope by relating it to relevant theories and works related to the research objectives and sustainability issues.
- Develop a suitable research problem and research questions based on a relevant and comprehensive literature review.
- Presenting the research proposal in the postgraduate level.
- Propose a proper research design to carry out the proposed research while keeping ethics in place.
Requirement

A student is required to attend all 14 weeks of scheduled lectures, which include participation in research seminar activities (events) and student presentation sessions. In addition, a student must complete two (2) written assignments. One of these must be an individually prepared research proposal that demonstrates the student’s ability to formulate a research question, conduct a literature review, and outline an appropriate methodological approach. Student is also expected to deliver two presentations related to their assignments.

CANDIDATURE MATTERS

Postponement of Studies

Postponement of studies is only allowed after registration and completion of at least one (1) semester, except for medical or valid personal reasons. Students are allowed to postpone their studies maximum of two (2) semesters throughout the entire duration of the candidature period. Postponement application must be submitted through CampusOnline portal.

Tuition and Retaining Fees charges are subjected to the date of postponement application:

Note: Retaining Fee is to ensure student’s candidature status remain ACTIVE

Conversion of Status

Student can apply for conversion of status from full-time to part-time or vice versa. Application must be made using the Conversion of Status Form available at https://ips.usm.my/index.php/download/candidature

The conversion of status is only permitted twice during the entire period of candidature.

Conversion of Degree Level

Research mode Masters degree students are eligible to apply for conversion to Doctor of Philosophy level. Students can apply for conversion within the first 12 months (full-time student) or 24 months (part-time student) from registration date by submitting an official request to the School/Centre/Institute.

Students are required to submit the development of research progress proposal to be evaluated by the main supervisor and present the research output in a seminar. The School/Centre/Institute may request the student to sit for examination (if necessary).

The application will be reviewed by the School/Centre/Institute and endorsed by the University. Student candidature for Doctor of Philosophy will be calculated from the registration date of Master’s degree.

Extension of Candidature

Application for extension of candidature must be made two (2) months before the date of expiration of a student’s candidature. The maximum period of extension allowed is two (2) semesters only. Application must be made using the available form at https://ips.usm.my/index.php/download/candidature.

Withdrawal from The Programme

Withdrawal from programme can be made by sending a withdrawal letter to Dean/Director of School/Centre/Institute.

Research mode student - Refund of all fees (except registration and smart card fees) will be made for withdrawal up to two (2) months from the date of registration.

Change of Mode of Study

Student must submit a new application for admission together with the processing fees for change of mode of study.

Termination of Candidature

The University reserves the right to terminate a student’s candidature based on:
- Student’s failure to renew the registration.
- Unsatisfactory academic performance (Coursework/Mixed mode)/research progress (Research mode)
- Failure to pay the tuition fees
- Reach maximum candidature period
Reactivation of Candidature

All students may reactivate their candidature within 1 year after termination subjected to period of candidature. Reactivation for research mode student (terminated due to maximum period of candidature) will only be considered if the student submits draft of thesis within one (1) year from the date of maximum candidature. The reactivation of the candidature is subjected to the decision of the University.