Doctor of Philosophy In Psychology

Highlights about course

Program Level

PhD

Duration

3 Years

Tuition Fees

RM57,490

Intake

Rolling Intake

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree is a research higher degree. This research postgraduate programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge of research methods and the skills to independently conduct research in many areas of behavioural science. Students conduct original research which extends the frontiers of knowledge in a specialised area of Psychology. As a result of acquiring the abilities needed to undertake independent research, graduates will also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills which can be applied in their future learning and work environments.

The core domains of Psychology are: Biological Psychology (which includes the areas of hormones and behaviour, brain function, and genetics), Cognitive Psychology (which includes the areas of attention, perception, learning, and language), Developmental Psychology (which includes the areas of lifespan development, and the social and cultural contexts of development), Individual Differences (which includes the areas of personality, intelligence, motivation, and mental health), Social Psychology (which includes the areas of attribution, attitudes, group processes and intergroup relations, and close relationships), and Research Methods (which includes the techniques for the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem).

Completion of the programme allows students to become experts who are able to facilitate and contribute to the advancement of Psychology. This is a required qualification for people who wish to go onto a career as an academic or independent researcher in Psychology.

Programme Structure

Prior to starting their thesis, students complete two taught modules: Advanced Research Methods and Advanced Statistics. These modules help students develop the necessary skills to complete their research proposal. 

In consultation with their research supervisors, students identify a research problem based on findings from existing research. They then design and conduct research on the identified problem or issue using a range of scientific techniques while following the required ethical standards. They, therefore, make a unique contribution to understanding the issue under consideration or developing new solutions to address the identified problem.

tment has three research groups: Well-being & Community Psychology, Organisational & Work Psychology, and Cognitive & Experimental Psychology. This broad range of expertise means we have research supervision in the following areas:

Healthy Ageing
Mental Health and Well-being
Organisational Health
Individual and the Workplace
Psychology and Sustainability
Education

i.e. learning environment & technology, Inclusive education, etc.

Parenting

i.e socioemotional development, family mealtime, etc

Sexual and Reproductive Health
Cognitive Experimental

i.e. face perception, sense of agency, speech perception, body image, etc.

Psychometrics/Validation Studies

Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or equivalent with a CGPA of 3.00 AND

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in Psychology

Other Qualifications

Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-to-case basis*

*For case-to-case basis an interview may be required and will  subject to the approval and acceptance by the University Senate. 

English Language Requirements

Any of the following:

  • IELTS: 7.0
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 95 (Internet-based)
  • PTE Academic: 65
  • MUET: Band 5
  • Cambridge English: Advanced/CEFR 185 (Grade A)/C1
  • SPM English 1119: 2A

Note: Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Procedure

Initial enquiries should be made to the Programme Coordinator (email:[email protected]). If the potential student is eligible for the programme, they will then meet with the Programme Leader to discuss their area of research interest and potential research supervisors.

Details on the specific documents required to complete the Sunway Postgraduate Application Form will be provided once the student has been assigned a research supervisor and agreement has been reached on the research topic.

Research Proposal

The research proposal should comprise between 1,000 and 1,500 words (excluding references), and covers the following structure:

  1. An appropriate title for the research project (designated supervisor if known)
  2. Introduction and justification of the study, which includes
    • Research background
    • Problem statement
    • Research objective(s)
    • Research question(s)/hypothesis
  3. Literature review
  4. Research methodology
  5. Proposed research schedule
  6. List of references

     

About University

Sunway University

Malaysia

Best countries for overseas education

Explore the best countries for overseas education and get the latest updates and insights on studying abroad. From top universities to the admission process and beyond, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the exciting realm of international education.

Our students love us

Here’s What our students say about us .

Creative Consultancy Blogs

Dive in to stay updated on the latest international education trends and job opportunities

FAQs

What is overseas education?

Overseas education is leaving your home country and going abroad to pursue further education. Through overseas education, you can avail of long-term degree courses as well as short-term certificate courses to learn a language or upskill yourself.

 

If you are aiming to study abroad, identify your career goals, look for relevant courses and universities abroad, know the tuition fees and other expenditures, prepare well for the entrance exams, apply to shortlisted universities, accept the offer letter from the desired university, apply for a student visa and get ready to jet off! 

The best way to study abroad for free is to avail of full-funded scholarships or university grants. The fully-funded scholarships are typically awarded to students who excel in academics or extracurricular activities and cover their tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and other living expenses.  

To get an education loan for studying abroad, you need to have the admission offer letter from the university and fulfill the eligibility criteria for securing the loan. In order to get an education loan at the best rate of interest, seek guidance from a reputed study-abroad consultant. 

Choose to study abroad to leverage better learning opportunities, see the world, meet new people, boost your resume, develop a broader perspective, become culturally competent, and avail yourself of lucrative job opportunities globally. 

Choose to study abroad to leverage better learning opportunities, see the world, meet new people, boost your resume, develop a broader perspective, become culturally competent, and avail yourself of lucrative job opportunities globally. 

The best way to go abroad for studies is to get in touch with reputed study-abroad consultants. They can help you explore courses aligned with your academic interests, guide you in preparing for entrance exams, help you with university and student visa applications, and even provide post-arrival assistance.

Interested in studying abroad?

Share your details & our experts will call to discuss your goals

Contact Form