| Synopsis

The demand for postgraduate programmes in Social Sciences (Anthropology/Sociology) with a focus on policy-oriented research is growing, in line with the national need to understand and address complex societal issues such as social inequality, climate change, community development, food security, and community-based governance.

National and international policy documents such as the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2.0), the National Anti-Corruption Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the need for interdisciplinary expertise capable of integrating social science with evidence-based public policy formulation.

This programme differs from conventional sociology or anthropology programmes as it offers a policy research approach that is both cross-disciplinary and contextual. It combines critical theoretical analysis, advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and grassroots community engagement along with stakeholder participation in the research process.

Through this approach, graduates are not only skilled in academic social research but are also equipped with competencies in policy analysis, community advocacy, public communication, and the ability to build networks with government agencies, civil society organisations, industry, and international bodies. This significantly enhances graduates' employability in the public sector, research institutions, NGOs, and regional and global development organisations.

Research Programmes / Graduate opportunities include:

• Micro Credit and Poverty Studies
• Ethnicity and Identity
• Development Sociology
• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and Philanthropy
• Multi-religious and Multi-cultural Studies
• Social Anthropology
• Critical Policy Research

| Education, Learning, And Course Outcomes

There are 3 main components that are given high attention in CPR when developing academic programs, namely Program Educational Objectives (PEO), Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLO).

The PEO is a list of target achievements for each student from the program after graduation. For this programme, there are 5 PEOs that have been established to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to drive innovation, foster sustainability, and provide leadership within diverse organizational and societal context. Table 1 lists the PEOs of this programme.

There are 3 main components that are given high attention in CPR when developing academic programs, namely Program Educational Objectives (PEO), Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLO).

The PEO is a list of target achievements for each student from the program after graduation. For this programme, there are 5 PEOs that have been established to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to drive innovation, foster sustainability, and provide leadership within diverse organizational and societal context.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for the Research Methodology course outline the specific competencies students are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the course. These outcomes will be clearly communicated and explained by the course lecturer at the beginning of the course.

| Synopsis

The Master of Economics programme at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is uniquely designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world policy application. Unlike traditional economics programmes that often focus on theoretical modelling and abstract analysis, the research-based programme at CPR emphasizes policy relevance, interdisciplinary insights, and a strong evidence-based analytical approach.

Students are not only equipped with a solid understanding of fundamental economic principles but also provided with the analytical tools necessary to examine contemporary economic issues through a policy-oriented and data-driven lens. With a strong emphasis on policy-based research, this programme prepares candidates to address socio-economic challenges, thereby qualifying them for careers in public policy, consultancy, development agencies, and academia.

The research programme/graduate opportunities include:

• Business Economics
• Development Economics
• Environmental and Resources Economics
• International Economics and Trade
• Labour Economics
• Public Economics
• Tourism Economics

| Education, Learning, And Course Outcomes

There are 3 main components that are given high attention in CPR when developing academic programs, namely Program Educational Objectives (PEO), Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLO).

The PEO is a list of target achievements for each student from the program after graduation. For this programme, there are 5 PEOs that have been established to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to lead innovation, promote sustainability, and demonstrate leadership across various organizational and societal settings. 

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) define the essential the knowledge, skills, and competencies that students are expected to attain upon successful completion of the programme. These outcomes are structured to ensure that graduates are equipped to address complex economic challenges with innovative solutions, exhibit strong leadership abilities, thrive in team-oriented environments, and communicate effectively both in writing and orally. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for the Research Methodology course outline the specific competencies students are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the course. These outcomes will be clearly communicated and explained by the course lecturer at the beginning of the course.

| Synopsis

The Master of Social Science (Political Science) programme is designed to meet the nation’s needs in developing research capacity and producing experts in political science who can contribute to public policy formation, governance, and community development at both national and international levels.

The demand for graduates with knowledge in political science is increasing in line with the challenges of globalization, regional geopolitics, political stability, social policy, and the growing need for evidence-based policy making. This programme produces graduates capable of analysing and formulating government policies, equipped with strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and a deep understanding of governance, international relations, security, and community development.

Graduate opportunities include:

• Political Economy
• Local Government Studies
• Public Management
• Political Science

| Education, Learning, And Course Outcomes

In the development of academic programmes under the Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research (CPR), three key components are given significant emphasis: Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs), Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs).

The PEOs outline the intended accomplishments of graduates after completing the programme. For the Master of Social Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, five PEOs have been formulated to ensure that graduates are equipped to lead innovation, advance sustainable practices, and demonstrate leadership within diverse organizational and societal contexts. The PEOs for this programme are presented in Table 5.

Table 5

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) articulate the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies that students are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the programme. These outcomes are designed to ensure that graduates are equipped to critically address complex political and societal issues, apply innovative and evidence-based solutions, demonstrate effective leadership and collaboration, and communicate ideas clearly through both written and oral forms. The full list of PLOs for this programme is presented in Table 6 below.

Table 6

| Synopsis

The demand for a Masters and PhD programme in Marine Science with a focus on policy-oriented research is growing, in line with national priorities for sustainable marine resource management, climate change adaptation, seafood security, and coastal policy development. National and international policy documents, such as the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2.0), the Malaysian Blue Economy Policy, and SDG 14, highlight the urgent need for interdisciplinary expertise capable of linking marine science with policy-making and governance.

This programme differs from conventional marine science programmes by offering a transdisciplinary research approach that integrates scientific knowledge with resource management and public policy. Through this approach, graduates are not only equipped with strong scientific research skills but also gain competencies in policy analysis, science communication, and industry engagement. This enhances their employability in government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, and the marine-related industry.

Students will have the opportunity to explore specialised fields through research-based learning under the guidance of experienced academic staff. The areas of research offered in this programme include, but are not limited to, the following:

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

| Education, Learning, And Course Outcomes

In designing academic programmes under the Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research (CPR), three core components are given particular focus: Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs), Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs).

The Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs) outline the core competencies and accomplishments expected of graduates after completing the programme. For the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Sciences, the PEOs have been designed to ensure graduates are equipped to bridge scientific research with sustainable marine policy, contribute to effective governance, and lead in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary settings. These objectives support national and international priorities, including climate adaptation, food security, and marine resource management. The detailed PEOs for this programme are presented in

Table 7.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) outline the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies that students are expected to attain upon successful completion of the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Sciences programmes. These outcomes are designed to equip graduates to address complex marine and environmental challenges through critical thinking, the application of evidence-based and innovative solutions, effective leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clear communication, both written and oral. A comprehensive list of the programme’s PLOs is provided in Table 8 below.

| Research Methodology

| PEO - Master of Anthropology and Sociology

• Program Educational Objectives (PEO) Master – Anthropology and Sociology

| PLO- PEO - Master of Economics

• Objektif Pendidikan Program (PEO), Ekonomi (Versi Bahasa Melayu)
• Program Educational Objectives (PEO) – Economics (English Version)
• Mapping of Program Educational Objectives (PEO) with IEG and the HEBAT Agenda
• Mapping of MQF 2.0 Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) with USM Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

| PLO- PEO - Master of Social Sciences

• Objektif Pendidikan Program (PEO), Social Sciences (Versi Bahasa Melayu)
• Program Educational Objectives (PEO) – Social Sciences (English Version)
• Mapping of Program Educational Objectives (PEO) with IEG and the HEBAT Agenda
• Mapping of MQF 2.0 Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) with USM Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

| PLO- PEO - Master of Marine Sciences

• Objektif Pendidikan Program (PEO), Marine Sciences (Versi Bahasa Melayu)
• Program Educational Objectives (PEO) – Marine Sciences (English Version)
• Mapping of Program Educational Objectives (PEO) with IEG and the HEBAT Agenda
• Mapping of MQF 2.0 Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO) with USM Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)