Doctor of Philosophy (Arts)

Programme Synopsis

220 Humanities
310 Social and Behavioural Science

220 Humanities

The Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) programme is a generic Ph.D programme offered by the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Open University Malaysia (OUM). It is a programme that links a variety of disciplines in religion, languages, history and philosophy. This programme focuses on specialised areas where OUM has a wide range of academic expertise that will add value to the learning experience of each candidate.

Fields of Study:	· Religion · Languages · National Languages · Other Languages · History and Archaeology · Philosophy and Ethics · History, Philosophy and Related Subjects
MOHE/MQA REFERENCE	(R/210/8/0017 (MQA/FA5488) 02/27)

310 Social and Behavioural Science

The Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) programme is a generic Ph.D programme offered by the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Open University Malaysia (OUM). It is a programme that links a variety of disciplines in psychology, sociology, cultural studies and political science. This programme focuses on specialised areas where OUM has a wide range of academic expertise that will add value to the learning experience of each candidate.

Fields of Study:	· Psychology · Sociology and Cultural Studies · Political Science and Civics
MOHE/MQA REFERENCE	(N-DL/310/8/0044 (MQA/PA14812) 08/28)

Prof. Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Bin Md Ninggal
Program Director

Tel (Office) :
03 780 13911

Email :
tajudin
@oum.edu.my

PEO &PLO, Fees, Entry Requirement

220 Humanities
310 Social and Behavioural Science

220 Humanities

PEO & PLO

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

PEO 1: To produce intellectuals in the field of humanities who are able to undertake sound, intensive and in-depth research and writing using digital and numeracy skills to continuously advance their academic scholarships and skills.
PEO 2: To produce intellectuals in the field of humanities who are able to lead with autonomy, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders when working in various settings
PEO 3: To produce intellectuals in the field of humanities who are able to demonstrate a positive attitude, entrepreneurial mindset, and sustainable career practices in their professions.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

PLO1: Critically synthesise and evaluate current knowledge and those emerging from research that is related to humanities.
PLO2: Design and develop studies or research creatively to address humanities issues, demonstrating mastery of knowledge, incorporating state of the art analytical, numerical and digital techniques.
PLO3: Organise and design outcomes-based research employing advanced techniques, including digital technology to enhance the body of knowledge and practices humanities.
PLO4: Adapt suitable leadership styles and balance autonomy with responsibility in emerging and dynamic humanities settings
PLO5: Adapt to situations when delivering tasks either individually or through multidisciplinary teams with good communication and interpersonal skills in humanities settings.
PLO6: Uphold and defend professionalism and ethics to fulfill research standards in ensuring the integrity of the profession at all times.
PLO7: Advocate a positive attitude and commitment to life-long learning with an entrepreneurial mindset in response to the changing world of humanities and for professional advancement.

Fees

Malaysian Learner Fees

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Sem 1	RM3,678	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Sem 2	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Sem 3	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Total	RM27,878

Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens

* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

The University offers 50% discount for:

1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and
2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) ID is required.

The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects.
Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.

Note

Processing fee: RM50

International Learner Fees

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Sem 1	RM4,414	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Sem 2	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Sem 3	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200	RM2,200
Total	RM28,614

Notes:

1 – Fees applicable to International applicants
2 – Registration Fee: RM1,500. Processing Fee: RM200 (first semester only-non refundable exclude semester fee)
3 – Financial method: Telegraphic Transfer, PayPal (Invoice will be prepared in MYR and will be added 6% to cover PayPal transaction fees).
4 – The fees are for subject fees only and are not applicable for research, registration, repeating of subjects and other fees.
5 – 60% payment of the semester fees must be made before the semester starts, 40% payment before the examination week.

Entry Requirement

Normal Entry

a. Master degree (KKM Level 7) in related field; or
b. Other qualifications recognized as equivalent by the Malaysian Government.

NOTE: Intake is subject to the approval of the Post-Graduate Committee of the faculty.

Note:

1. The provisional offer of admission will be revoked if the candidate:

Fails to submit evidence of qualification within the stipulated date; or
Does not meet the entry requirements of the University.

2. Entry requirements are subject to change as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

310 Social and Behavioural Science

PEO & PLO

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

PEO 1: To produce intellectuals in social and behavioural sciences who are able to undertake sound, intensive and in-depth research and writing using digital and numeracy skills to continuously advance their academic scholarships and skills.
PEO 2: To produce intellectuals in social and behavioural sciences who are able to lead with autonomy, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders when working in various settings.
PEO 3: To produce intellectuals in social and behavioural sciences who are able to advocate professional and ethical practices in various settings, and defend the integrity of the profession at all times.
PEO 4: To produce intellectuals in social and behavioural sciences who are able to demonstrate a positive attitude, entrepreneurial mind set, and sustainable career practices in their professions.

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

PLO1: Critically synthesise and evaluate current knowledge and those emerging from research that is related to social and behavioural science.
PLO2: Design and develop studies or research creatively to address social and behavioural science issues, demonstrating mastery of knowledge, incorporating state of the art analytical, numerical and digital techniques.
PLO3: Organise and design outcomes-based research employing advanced techniques, including digital technology to enhance the body of knowledge and practices in social and behavioural science.
PLO4: Adapt suitable leadership styles and balance autonomy with responsibility in emerging and dynamic humanities settings
PLO5: Adapt to situations when delivering tasks either individually or through multidisciplinary teams with good communication and interpersonal skills in social and behavioural science research settings.
PLO6: Uphold and defend professionalism and ethics to fulfill research standards in ensuring the integrity of the profession at all times.
PLO7: Advocate positive attitude and commitment to life-long learning with entrepreneurial mindset in response to the changing world of social and behavioural science and for professional advancement.

Fees

Malaysian Learner Fees

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Sem 1	RM3,696	RM2,210	RM2,210	RM2,210
Sem 2	RM2,210	RM2,210	RM2,210	RM2,210
Sem 3	RM2,210	RM2,210	RM2,210	RM2,210
Total	RM28,006

Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens

* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

The University offers 50% discount for:

1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and
2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) ID is required.

The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects.
Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.

Note

Processing fee: RM50

International Learner Fees

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4
Sem 1	RM4,434	RM2,652	RM2,652	RM2,652
Sem 2	RM2,652	RM2,652	RM2,652	RM2,652
Sem 3	RM2,652	RM2,652	RM2,652	RM2,652
Total	RM33,606

Notes:

Fees applicable to International applicants
Registration Fee: RM1,500. Processing Fee: RM200 (first semester only-non refundable exclude semester fee)
Financial method: Telegraphic Transfer, PayPal (Invoice will be prepared in MYR and will be added 6% to cover PayPal transaction fees).
The fees are for subject fees only and are not applicable for research, registration, repeating of subjects and other fees.
60% payment of the semester fees must be made before the semester starts, 40% payment before the examination week.

Entry Requirement

Normal Entry

A master’s degree (Level 7 MQF) in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate; or
Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree (Level 7 MQF) recognised by the Goverment of Malaysia.
Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the HEP.

A Bachelor’s degree (Level 6, MQF) with the following conditions:

A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with first-class (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.

Bachelor’s degree candidates who are registered for master’s degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions;

Within 1 year for full time and within 2 years for part-time candidates;
Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation by the HEP; and
Approval of the HEP Senate.

Program Structure

Part 1: Compulsory Core Courses

Course title	Credit Hours
APRM7104 Research Methodology	4
APDS7104 Doctoral Seminar: Literature Review	4

Part 2: Thesis Writing

After completing the required courses (Part 1) learners will begin the research and thesis work (Part 2) under the guidance of a supervisor. Each learner will meet the assigned supervisor at least 4 times in a semester and achieve satisfactory progress in the research / thesis work before being allowed to register in the subsequent semester.

Areas of specialisations in research / thesis:

Religion
Languages
National Languages
Other Languages
History and Archaeology
Philosophy and Ethics
History, Philosophy and Related Subjects
Psychology
Sociology and Cultural Studies
Political Science and Civics

Part 3: Thesis Examination

When the learner has completed the thesis and is ready for examination, an examining committee consisting of an internal examiner and an external examiner will be appointed to assess the thesis (Part 3). The learner will be examined in the Viva Voce session.

FAQs

1. What is OUM PhD Arts?
OUM PhD Arts Programme is an extensive, independent research project on an agreed topic, supported by a minimum of two expert academic supervisors (internal and external) in the field of humanities and social sciences.

2. What is PhD Arts entry requirement?
Candidate should have a master’s degree in the related field of studies from an accredited university and recognized by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).

3. How long is the PhD Arts study duration?
It is a four-year-programme of studies. PhD students spend the first two years of the programme completing valuable coursework, doing extensive reading and writing literature reviews, working closely with their supervisors in finalizing their proposals (Chapters 1,2 and 3), and sitting for their Proposal Defence. The final two years will be doing their data collection and reporting, and working on their Chapters 4 and 5. However, candidates may take up to a maximum of eight years to complete their doctoral studies.

4. What is the medium of instruction of the programme?
The medium of instruction is in English. However, students may write their assignments and theses in English or Bahasa Melayu (Malay language).

5. When is PhD Arts intake?
January or May or September intake.

6. How much are PhD Arts fees?
Kindly refer to the OUM portal. The fees will subject to OUM policy. You can make partial payment and need to settle the balance payment before the final examination in each semester.

7. What are the field of studies offered in the PhD Arts programme?

Here is the list of fields of studies offered:

a.   Religion
b.   Languages
c.    National Languages
d.   Other Languages
e.   History and Archaeology
f.     Philosophy and Ethics
g.   History, Philosophy and Related Subjects
h.   Psychology
i.     Sociology and Cultural Studies
j.     Political Science and Civics

8. Can I apply as a student using my working experience?
Yes, your working experience would be an added value to be considered together with your master’s degree.

9. What is the assessment structure in this program?
Students need to register and pass these two mandatory courses offered in the first semester. APRM7104 (Research Methodology – 4 credit hours) and APDS7104 (Doctoral Seminar: Literature Review – 4 credit hours). The two courses offered in the first semester shall carry 100% grade. There are no final exams for those courses

10. How do the courses in PhD Arts conduct?
It is blended learning (face-to-face tutorials, online or e-tutorial learning support and self-managed learning). However, due to Covid-19, all course tutorials at OUM are conducted via google-meet.

11. Who can I contact for further enquiries regarding the PhD Arts programme?

*Academic Matters*	*Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal* *(Programme Director)*	*+6 03-7801 3911* *tajudin@oum.edu.my*
*Research & Project Management Unit*	Mr. Mohamed Fauzi Hassan	+6 03-7801 1811 mdfauzi@oum.edu.my
*Finance Matters*	Madam Haslinda Haron	+6 03-7801 2076 haslindaharon@oum.edu.my
*Marketing Department*		+6 03 7801 2000 enquiries@oum.edu.my

Application Requirements

Application Requirements:

Every applicant must send a research proposal together with his/her application; OR
Every applicant must send a research proposal 2 weeks after his/her application.
Important Skills for Ph.D. Candidates

In order to successfully complete a Ph.D. programme, learners will need a diverse set of skills. A Ph.D. candidate needs to:

Practice independence and self-reliance:

A Ph.D programme requires a learner to study and conduct research with the assistance of a supervisor. While the supervisor will provide support and guidance in all areas of the programme, a learner needs to be aware of all stipulated guidelines and expectations and determine what needs to be achieved in different stages of study and research.

Have determination:

A learner must have the determination and commitment to keep going and not give up, as preparing a Ph.D research thesis will take up to four years.

Know how to manage time:

This is especially crucial for candidates taking up a PhD programme in open and distance learning (ODL) as it is up to the learner to prioritise and manage study-related tasks with personal and professional commitments to ensure that each task can be completed.

Know how to accommodate challenges and seek solutions:

A learner will face many obstacles and challenges throughout a PhD research project. Thus, each learner needs to be flexible enough to adapt to these challenges and find solutions to issues that may appear during the project.

Have good verbal and written communication skills:

A learner needs to leverage on communication skills in all areas of research, not only for discussions with peers and supervisors but especially in research proposal defense and viva voce. A learner also needs to know how to communicate clearly and effectively in the writing of the PhD thesis.

Pick up new skills along the way:

The PhD journey is long and challenging, and while the University will do its best to help, each learner must be open to learn new skills and develop new approaches and perspectives, such as in critical thinking, managing the research and ensuring personal effectiveness.