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Research Mode Programme

The Master of Science in Sustainability, Master of Arts in Sustainability, and Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability are research programmes offered throughout the year. These programmes are offered as full-time and part-time modes to qualified Malaysian and international students to carry out independent research supervised by respective lecturers in various specialisations in the field of Sustainability.

As concerns and interest in sustainability issues increased, potential areas of studies of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & WEHAB+3- Water, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Biodiversity + Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management, Production & Consumption, Population & Poverty are explored. Upon graduation, postgraduate students can pursue their careers in academic as well as industry-based research. Research Thrust Areas: 1. Sustainable Development Goals 2. WEHAB+3 (Water, Energy, Health, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management, Production & Consumption, Population & Poverty)


Admission Requirements

Master

I. Qualification: Bachelor degree
   A) CGPA of at least 2.75

  •  Subject to additional requirement(s) by the School; OR,

   B) CGPA of 2.5 - 2.74

  •  Research experience – 1 year; OR,
  •  Professional experience in related field- 1 year; OR,
  •  Two (2) academic publications (journals, not proceeding(s) in related field; OR,
  •  Grade B for major/ elective courses; OR,
  • Grade B+ for final year project; OR,

   C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49

  •  Research experience - 5 years or professional experience in related field- 5 years, AND
  • Two (2) academic publications (journal, not proceeding(s) in related field; OR,
  • Grade B+ for major / elective courses; OR,
  • Grade A- for final year project.

PhD

I. Qualification: Master degree (Coursework or Mixed Mode)

   A) CGPA of at least 3.00; OR,

   B) CGPA of 2.75 - 2.99

  • Research experience – 2 years; OR,
  • Professional experience in related field – 2 years; OR,
  • Two (2) academic publications (journals, not proceedings) in the field applied; OR,
  • Grade B+ for major/elective courses; OR,
  • Grade B+ for Coursework Mode or P for Mixed Mode dissertation/project; OR,

   C) CGPA of 2.5 - 2.74

  •  Research experience – 2 years OR professional experience in related field- 2 years; AND,
  • Two (2) academic publications (journals, not proceedings) in the field applied for; OR,
  • Grade A- for major/elective courses; OR,
  • Grade A for Coursework Mode or P for Mixed Mode dissertation/project; OR,

II. Qualification: Master degree (Research Mode) OR,

III. Qualification: Bachelor degree

Language Requirements

Applicable for International Applicants Only

  • A minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) (Internet-based); OR
  • A minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); OR
  • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; OR
  • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and Master level is English; OR
  • English courses offered by British Council. (The level of qualification and the relevant courses are to be identified by the University Postgraduate Studies Council); OR
  • English courses offered by School of Languages, Literacies and Translation (The level of qualification and the relevant courses are to be identified by the University Postgraduate Studies Council); OR
  • English courses from selected Malaysian public/private university or institution. (The level of qualification and the relevant courses should be previously identified and approved by the University Postgraduate Studies Council).
Duration

Master

Full Time: Mininum 2 semesters / Maximum 6 semesters
Part Time: Mininum 4 semesters / Maximum 12 semesters


PhD

Full Time: Mininum 4 semesters / Maximum 10 semesters
Part Time: Mininum 6 semesters / Maximum 15 semesters

Fees

Local Student

 Research Programme  TUITION FEES (RM) / SEM 
 FULL TIME  PART TIME
 Arts   3,050  2,515
 Science   3,550  2,975

Other Fees:

 Type of Fees   Amount (RM)
 Registration   340
 Convocation   120
 Thesis   Master  750
 PhD  1,000

International Student

 Research Programme   TUITION FEES (USD) / SEM
 FULL TIME  PART TIME
 Arts  1,150  1,025
 Science  1,325  1,188

Other Fees:

 Type of Fees   Amount (USD)   
 Registration   227.50
 Convocation   30
 Personal Bond (Refundable upon completion of study)  475
 Thesis   Master  250
 PhD  375

  • Tuition fees are calculated based on minimum semester
  • Fees are subject to change by University without prior notice. Candidates are advised to check the rates before making any transactions

QUICK LINKS

CENTRE FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES (CGSS) 
PUSAT KAJIAN KELESTARIAN GLOBAL
Level 5, Hamzah Sendut Library,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 USM, Penang
Tel : +604 653 2461 / 5429 / 4165  |  Fax: +604 653 5273 
Email : dir_cgss@usm.my 

Monday - Thursday
08:10 - 17:10
(13:00 - 14:00 closed)

Friday
08:10 - 17:10
(12:15 - 14:45 closed)

Weekend & Public Holidays
Closed