POSTGRADUATE STUDIES STUDENT HANDBOOK · The research proposal is expected to reflect a solid...
Transcript of POSTGRADUATE STUDIES STUDENT HANDBOOK · The research proposal is expected to reflect a solid...
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STUDENTHANDBOOK
POSTGRADUATESTUDIES
National Higher Education
Research Institute
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Center of Excellence
I
Welcome Aboard!
This guidebook contains valuable information pertaining to the requirements to
complete your study successfully at the National Higher Education Research
Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). It gives you information
pertaining to processes and procedures of your research programme. It is also a
guideline as it allows you to chart your own progress which should permit you to
complete your study in the stipulated time and in a pleasant and congenial
manner.
Foreword from the Director
Dear Students,
Welcome to the National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti
Sains Malaysia. Our research mode programmes aim to provide students with
research skills and experiences to prepare them for both academic and non-aca-
demic (e.g. administrator) careers in higher education.
Whether you were a student at USM or are a first timer at USM, this handbook is
meant to serve as a guide for your postgraduate embarkation. This handbook
covers the overall structure of the programmes, academic requirements, admin-
istrative matters, and general information which will help you plan your research
path and prospect better.
We understand that there is only so much a handbook could give; thus we
encourage students to approach us should you need further assistance and
detailed information about the programmes. We look forward to your joining of
IPPTN research community and contribute towards new knowledge and capaci-
ty building nationally and internationally.
Director
National Higher Education Research Institute
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword from the Director
Table of Contents
Introduction
Research Fields & Sub Areas
Programme Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Period of Candidature
Admission Requirements
Conversion of Candidature
Publication Requirement
Research Proposal Presentation
Viva Voce
Candidature Timeline
Career Opportunities
Facilities in USM
Facilities in IPPTN
Financial Support
FAQs
Our People
Administrative Staff
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1. Introduction
The MA (Higher Education) and PhD (Higher Education) programme for gradu-
ates are tailored to specific areas in the field of higher education research. Some
of the issues highlighted in the field of higher education are (but not limited to)
policy, governance, leadership, curriculum, pedagogy, innovation and the
internationalisation of higher education at the national and international levels.
Higher education is an area that faces constant change and influences from
globalization, politics, and society. As the world changes and develops, higher
education is defined in varied roles and functions within national, regional and
international realms.
2. Research Fields & Sub-Areas
The table below shows the research fields and sub areas covered in the
programme.
Research Fields Sub Areas
Policy, Governance and
Leadership in Higher
Education
Higher Education Policy Studies
Issues on governance in higher education
Leadership and management of higher
education
The delivery system of higher education
•
•
•
•
Curriculum, Pedagogy and
Innovation in Higher
Education
Curriculum design of higher education
Pedagogy and innovation in higher
education
Issues on teaching and learning in higher
education
Online learning in higher education
Evaluation and assessment in higher
education
•
•
•
•
Internationalisation in
Higher Education
Comparative studies in higher education
Globalisation in higher education
International perspectives in
the development of higher education
•
•
•
Table 1: Research Fields
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3. Programme Objectives
i. To equip graduates with in-depth knowledge, research capacity,
improvement of intellectual capital and development of knowledge and new
ideas in the field of higher education.
ii. To enhance graduates’ research ability to critically analyse issues related
to higher education through research scholarship that can contribute to 21st
century knowledge, ethics and professionalism in the field of higher education at
national and international levels.
iii. To develop graduates’ soft skills and equip them with relevant knowl-
edge on higher education at both national and international levels in accordance
with the aspirations of the Malaysian Education Blueprint (Higher Education)
2015-2025.
4. Learning Outcomes
At the end of each programme, graduates will be able to:
Contribute knowledge, ideas and solutions to problems in the field of higher
education
Acquire the skills to conduct research in the field of higher education competent-
ly, professionally, ethically and independently
Generate information and knowledge of the principles, theories and research
methodology to solve problems through research
Demonstrate effective communication and high quality intellectual and
academic capacity in the community of researchers and scholars in the field of
higher education and establish cooperation between researchers
Disseminate research results holistically to practitioners, researchers and the
public
Raise awareness about the career development of professionals in the field of
higher education
Improve the capacity, knowledge and skills in governance, leadership, policy,
curriculum, pedagogy and international perspectives in higher education.
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5. Period of candidature
Each degree programme has minimum and maximum candidature as
displayed below:
Table 2: Period of candidature
Programme
Master
Full-time 12 months 36 months
24 months 72 months
24 months 60 months
36months 90 months
Part-time
Full-time
Part-time
PhD
Type of
Candidature
Period of Candidature
Minimum Maximum
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6. Admission Requirements
To be admitted to a Master or PhD programme, applicants will need to have
completed a recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field of higher
education and to have obtained a better than average cumulative grade point
average (CGPA) as explained below :
7. Conversion of Candidature
Bachelor equivalent with a
minimum CGPA of 2.75; OR
Other equivalent qualifications
accredited and approved by
the Senate / Board of Directors
from time to time.
For international candidates, a
TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS 6.0
or equivalent
Master degree in related field
of higher education or recon-
ized equivalent from an accred-
ited institution; OR
Other equivalent qualifications
accredited and approved by
the Senate / Board of Directors.
For international candidates, a
TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS 6.0
or equivalent
Master PhD
Applications for conversion from Master to PhD
must be done within the first year of the Master
candidature period. Applications must be submitted
to IPPTN. Approval for conversion must be endorsed
by the Academic Council of the institute and
forwarded to the University Postgraduate Council,
for approval.
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8. Publication Requirement
All postgraduate (research mode) candidates must fulfill the following
publication requirement for graduation:
Publications accepted must be related and conform to the candidate’s
current research in his/her thesis, and must carry IPPTN, USM affiliation.
Plagiarized articles will not be accepted for graduation requirement.
Master
PhD
At least one (1) full length article, accepted or published in any
categories listed below:
Journals indexed by ISI/SCOPUS/ERA
Journals by the University or listed in myJurnal (Malaysian Journal
Management System) from MyCite (Malaysian Citation Centre)
Book chapters published by publishers listed in the Thomson
Reuters Web of Science (WoS) Master Book List or Penerbit USM or
MAPIM
At least one (1) full length article, accepted or published in any
journals indexed by ISI/SCOPUS/ERA
OR
at least two (2) full length articles, accepted or published in the
following categories:
Journals by the University or listed in myJurnal (Malaysian Journal
Management System) from MyCite (Malaysian Citation Centre)
Book chapters published by publishers listed in the Thomson Reuters
Web of Science (WoS) Master Book List or Penerbit USM or MAPIM
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9. Research Proposal Presentation
You are required to present the following parts of your thesis: Introduc-
tion, Literature Review, and Methodology. The results of your pilot study
may, at times, be needed as well. Your presentation should last for 20 to
25 minutes. IPPTN academic staff will be present to give you feedback.
The research proposal is expected to reflect a solid written conceptualisa-
tion of the research being attempted. Hence, its evaluation will depend
heavily on your academic writing skill and oral communication skill to
present and defend your proposal.
Your research proposal has to be presented within 6 to 18 months from
your student registration date. You may book your presentation date with
IPPTN.
The items needed for your presentation are as follows:
Proposal Presentation Form (provided at IPPTN)
Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology chapters
(4 hardcopies to be submitted to IPPTN)
Slide presentation
10. Viva Voce
Viva voce is the final presentation where you present your research in its
entirety. Internal and external examiners will be present.
Prior to your viva voce
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Tips for your viva voce:
Know your thesis thoroughly
Answer questions clearly and calmly
Defend your thesis but do not become defensive
11. Candidature timeline
IPPTN places importance on the submission of a thesis within the stipu-
lated time. Candidates are expected to strive for timely completion. The
following table displays a general guide on candidature timeline.
Your thesis will have to have been completed by this stage.
Have your thesis checked with the TURNITIN software.
1
3
2
Complete and submit the Thesis-Notification Form (provided at
IPPTN). You will be required to submit your thesis within 3
months of form submission (as stated in the form).
4
Complete and submit the Thesis Submission Form (provided at
IPS) with 10 hardcopies of your thesis. You will receive notifica-
tion to present your viva voce in around 3 months of form and
thesis submission.
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12. Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this programme, you can have career
opportunities in research and management, specializing in the field of
higher education. You will be ready to serve as an academic at govern-
ment and private higher education institutions. Government education
ministries would also be a good option where your expertise and special-
ty could be fully utilized and leadership potential fulfilled.
13. Facilities in USM
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers a range of facilities and services around
the campus, including:
1) Student hostels / International House
2) USM panel clinics and campus health services
3) 24/7 free wifi access
4) Resource centre, library and carrel rooms
5) Inter campus shuttle service
6) Banks/ATMs/CDMs
7) Cafes and Bistros
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14. Facilities in IPPTN
15. Financial support
IPPTN offers limited financial
assistance to candidates for confer-
ence participation and journal publica-
tion purposes. Such provision is
subject to change.
To support candidates’ study and to
help candidates’ experience pleasant
and conducive learning, IPPTN
provides the following facilities:
1) Learning station
2) Printing station
3) Discussion room
4) Meeting room
5) Relaxing corner
6) Sports and recreation
7) Pantry
8) Prayer room
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16. FAQs
How are IPPTN postgraduate candidates selected?
Candidates are selected according to the following criteria:
1) academic qualifications
2) relevant working experience
3) fulfill the admission requirement
Q1
What are the requirements to graduate from this programme?
To graduate, candidates must fulfill the following:
1) Submit thesis
2) Undergo viva voce
3) Fulfill the publication requirement
Q2
Q3How do I maintain an active student status throughout the
semesters?
Candidates are to register through IPS. Registration is based on
the semester system, and the date will be determined when the
candidate registers. The period for Semester I is from September
to February and Semester II, March to August.
Publication note:
1) Publications must be related to the candidates’ master or PhD research
and be affiliated to IPPTN
2) Publications with the following two lists of journals are not accepted:
• List of blacklisted journal publishers by Ministry of Higher Education,
Malaysia
h t t p s : / / r e f e r e n c e p h s u s m . fi l e s . w o r d p r e s s . c o m / 2 0 1 3 / 0 6 / -
four-4-publishers-notrecognized-by-malaysia-ministry-of-education.pdf
•Beall’s List of Predatory Publishers
https://clinicallibrarian.wordpress.com/2017/01/23/bealls-list-of-
predatorypublishers/
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16. FAQs
When should I present my research proposal?
For full time PhD candidates, the recommended duration is within
eight months after registration, while for part time PhD candidates,
the recommended duration is within one year and a half after
registration. For full time Master candidates, the recommended
duration is six months after registration, while part time Master
candidates may present within one year after registration.
The registration date will take effect based on the following:
If the student registers on or before the 15th of the month, the effective
date is the 1st of that month. If the candidate registers after the 15th of
the month, then the effective date is the 1st of the following month.
Candidates are to renew their registration every semester and make
payment of tuition fees within the renewal registration period.
If candidates fail to renew their registration, a show-cause letter will be
issued. A candidate is given two weeks to respond to the show-cause
letter. Failure to respond will lead to USM initiating:
• candidature termination
• penalty of RM200 (subject to permission granted for late registration)
Candidates are required to renew their registration and pay fees until
such time that they have submitted ten copies of their thesis.
Q4
How do I extend my candidature?
An application for extension must be made two months prior to
the expiration date of the candidature. This application must be
made officially to the Director of IPPTN using IPS/HEP – 03 form.
The duration for the extension applied should be stated. The
completed form is to be submitted to IPS. The maximum period of
extension allowed is two semesters only.
Q5
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16. FAQs
Q6
Q7
Q9Where can I get more information about conducting postgrad-
uate study?
You may refer to USM Code of Good Practice for Postgraduate
Research Studies available at http://www.ips.usm.my/index-
.php/download/category/40-research-studies
How do I withdraw from the programme?
Withdrawal from a programme can be made to IPS based on
acceptable reasons. Refund of fees (tuition fees and caution
money) can be made for withdrawals of candidature up to the
second month after registration. No refund of fees will be given to
a candidate who withdraws from the third month onwards except
for the refund of caution money.
How do I postpone my studies?
Candidates can apply to postpone their studies for a period not
exceeding one year. The postponement is only allowed after
registration and completion of at least one semester except for
medical or valid personal reasons. Application for postponement
can be made using IPS/HEP – 03 form. Approval must be obtained
from the Director of IPPTN. The endorsed form must be submitted
to IPS.
Q8How do I change supervisors, research topics, and fields?
Permission to change supervisors, topics, or fields of research must
be approved by the IPPTN council. Candidates must specify their
intention to apply for a change in the area of study or topic. The
form must be submitted to the supervisor for approval before it is
submitted to IPPTN for endorsement.
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17. Our people
PROF. DATO’ DR.
MORSHIDI SIRAT
NAME AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE EXT. & EMAIL
• Ext: 5768
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Higher Education Policy
ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR DR.
MUNIR SHUIB
• Ext: 5756
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Graduate Skills and
Competencies
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• English Language in Higher
Education
DR. WAN CHANG DA • Ext: 5764
• E-mail:
• Doctorate Education
• Economics of Higher Education
• Internationalisation
DR. MAJID GHASEMY • Ext: 5769
• E-mail:
• Academic Leadership and
Management
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Higher Education Policy and
Issues
ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR DR.
HAZRI JAMIL
• Ext: 5759
• E-mail:
• Education Policy Studies
• Curriculum and Pedagogy
• Qualitative Research
Methodology
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Administrative staff
Noorazmahani Md. Kasim
• Assistant Registrar
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5754
Noraini Mohamad Yusof
• Social Research Officer
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5763
Ooi Poh Ling
• Social Research Officer
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5760
Clarene Tan Chern Chieh
• Social Research Officer
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5765
Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Shabudin
• Social Research Officer
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5765
Wan Luqman Alhakim Abd Rahim
• Assistant Secretary
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5758
Kamsiah Ishak
• Assistant Engineer
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5752
Julia Ahmad
• Administrative Assistant
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5751
Abdul Nassier A.Rahim
• Social Research Assistant
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5751
Noraziera Syafiqah Mazaki
• Administrative Assistant
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5752
Muhamad Azrain Shukor
• Operational Assistant
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5757
Mohammad Hizir Ibrahim
• Driver
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Ext: 5757