OVERVIEW


Welcome to our programme, which fills a crucial gap in the availability of PhD programmes in Social Sciences, particularly in private universities in Malaysia. With the increasing importance of social research and advocacy, this PhD programme continues to attract strong interest from aspiring scholars committed to making a difference.

 

We are dedicated to providing a highly sought-after educational pathway for social science graduates, supporting their growth into public intellectuals and thought leaders. As a graduate, you'll have the opportunity to further enhance your knowledge in specific fields of social sciences, while gaining expertise in designing advanced research methodologies. Our programme strengthens your ability to apply academic insights to real-world challenges, enabling you to drive meaningful impact across academic and professional communities.

School
Liberal Arts and Sciences

Intake Month

February, April, June, September and October

Study Options

Full time & part time

Study Programme

3-6 years (Full time)

4-8 years (Part time)

Research-focused

Curriculum

PhD by Prior Publication Mode

Available

Interested to know more? Start your journey with us now.

Unsure about your next step? 
 

Book a personalised counselling session from May 13 to 24, and June 9 to 21 (Monday – Saturday, 10AM – 5PM). Explore how the world-class learning environment, exclusive scholarships, and industry network at Taylor's, ranked among Asia’s Top 40 and the World’s Top 1%, help you rise to success.

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Key Highlights of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences

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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
FUTURE CAREERS
MEET OUR LECTURERS

Duration

Duration

Full time

3 – 6 years 

Part time

4 – 8 years

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.
Key Research Areas

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment.

 

Find out more about our research areas.

 

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Social Anthropology
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • International Relations
Hiring Graduate Students

Hiring Graduate Students

More than 300 postgraduates have chosen Taylor's to fulfil their research aspiration. Join us and contribute to our innovative and progressive research projects here.
Who Should Join This Programme?

Who Should Join This Programme?

  • Candidates who want to pursue an academic and/or research career in social science-related fields.
  • Candidates who want to succeed in professional careers and aspire to take advisory and/or consultant roles in the industry.
  • Candidates who have passion for new knowledge and self-development.
Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the following modules (6 credit hours) in the first year of their candidature:

 

Year 1

  • Research Method for Social Science (Core Module)
  • Qualitative Research Methods / Quantitative Research Methods

We offered two entry pathway for this PhD programme, which is normal mode and prior to publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

 

Masters: 

 

A Master’s Degree in the field or related fields accepted by Senate; or Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) recognised by the Government of Malaysia.

 

Bachelor’s Degree

 

A Bachelor's Degree (Level 6, MQF) in the field or related fields with first-class (Cumulative Grade Point, CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme; Undergo internal assessment; and any other requirements of the HEP

 

Other equivalent qualification

 

Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.

 

Students without a qualification in the related field but with relevant working experience requires to fulfil the following conditions:

  • CGPA above 2.50 must have at least one (1) year of relevant working experience; or
  • CGPA 2.00 to 2.50 must have at least five (5) years of relevant working experience;

 

In addition, students will need to undergo a rigorous internal assessment

 

English Requirement for international students: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 (Internet Based Test) 600 (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score). The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Note: All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

When you've successfully completed this programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

  • Academician (higher education institutions)
  • Postdoctoral research fellow in the area of social sciences
  • Social researcher in research institutes
  • Advocators of social issues and independent agent of change
  • Management and administration positions in multinational corporations, international organizations and GLCs
  • Business and market Analysts
  • Media, social, and cultural analysts
  • Writer, publisher, editor, corporate communications and public relations officer
  • Trainer and talent development in business entities, governmental agencies and civil society organizations
  • Policy developer, coordinator and implementor
  • Social worker and public welfare officer
  • Management / organizational consultant and strategist
  • Senior officer, researcher, mediator and advisors to governmental agencies
  • Senior personnel, researcher and advisors to civil society organizations

Experience Taylor's University Through the Eyes of Our Students

 

Are you curious about what life is really like at Taylor's? Do you have questions about our Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences programme that only a current student can answer? Our Unibuddy programme is here to connect you with our friendly and knowledgeable student ambassadors. 

 

Why Talk to a Unibuddy?

  • Real Insights: Get honest, firsthand experiences about studying and living here.
  • Personalised Advice: Whether it’s about course workload, best study spots, or student clubs, get the lowdown on what interests you.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Our student ambassadors come from various backgrounds and study different courses. Find someone who shares your interests or challenges!

 

Ask anything you like about studying with us. Our student will get back to you within 24 hours.

Embarking on your journey towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science represents an exhilarating advancement in your educational and professional career. We are here to guide you through the application process, ensuring it is as seamless and straightforward as possible. To discover more about the procedure and the documents required, please visit our Admissions website for further information.

For 2025 April Intake

For 2025 April Intake

Descriptions

  1. Application deadline
  2. Shortlisting Outcome
  3. Interview timeline
  4. Outcome
  5. Pay enrollment fee
  6. Scholarship deadline

First Deadline

  1. 31 December 2024
  2. 15 January 2025
  3. 16 to 31 January 2025
  4. 10 February 2025
  5. 10 to 15 February 2025
  6. 9 March 2025

Second Daadline

31 January 2025

15 February 2025

16 to 28 February 2025

3 March 2025

3 to 9 March 2025

9 March 2025
For 2025 September Intake

For 2025 September Intake

Descriptions

  1. Application deadline
  2. Shortlisting Outcome
  3. Interview timeline
  4. Outcome
  5. Pay enrollment fee
  6. Scholarship deadline

First Deadline

  1. 31 May 2025
  2. 15 June 2025
  3. 16 to 30 June 2025
  4. 10 July 2025
  5. 10 to 15 July 2025
  6. 3 August 2025

Second Daadline

30 June 2025

15 July 2025

16 to 22 July 2025

28 July 2025

28 to 3 August 2025 

3 August 2025

Note: Taylor's University reserves the right to invalidate the second application deadline if the programme reaches its target student number before the second deadline. Applicants are advised to submit their applications before the first deadline to ensure consideration. The University’s decision in this regard shall be final.

Looking for more information?


If you require additional information about the programme, our friendly team is always on hand to assist and answer any queries you may have. Additionally, you can also book a 1:1 appointment with our team for guidance in structuring your preferences and understanding the entry pathways.

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences

I am Approximate Total Fees (Normal Mode) Approximate Total Fees (Prior Publication Mode)
Local Student
MYR 49,050 (Full-Time) 
MYR 39,400 (Part-Time)
MYR 32,968
International Student
USD 16,033 
USD 11,526

We offer scholarships to help brightest minds

reach their fullest potential.

Note: Fees will be reviewed annually. For the avoidance of doubt, Taylor’s reserves the right to revise the fee payable for any given semester.

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