POSTGRADUATE STUDIES STUDENT HANDBOOK · The research proposal is expected to reﬂect a solid written conceptualisa - tion of the research being attempted. Hence, its evaluation

www.ipptn.usm.my

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

II

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

2

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.

3

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

4

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.

5

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

6

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

7

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.

8

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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

10

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

11

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/

12

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

13

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.

14

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


• Graduate Skills and

Competencies

• Curriculum and Pedagogy

• English Language in Higher

Education

DR. WAN CHANG DA • Ext: 5764

• E-mail:

[email protected]

• Doctorate Education

• Economics of Higher Education

• Internationalisation

DR. MAJID GHASEMY • Ext: 5769

• E-mail:

[email protected]

• Academic Leadership and

Management

• Quantitative Research Methods

• Higher Education Policy and

Issues

ASSOCIATE

PROFESSOR DR.

HAZRI JAMIL

• Ext: 5759

• E-mail:

[email protected]

• Education Policy Studies

• Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Qualitative Research

Methodology

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Administrative staff

Noorazmahani Md. Kasim

• Assistant Registrar


• Ext: 5754

Noraini Mohamad Yusof

• Social Research Officer


• Ext: 5763

Ooi Poh Ling



• Ext: 5760

Clarene Tan Chern Chieh



• Ext: 5765

Ahmad Firdaus Ahmad Shabudin



• Ext: 5765

Wan Luqman Alhakim Abd Rahim

• Assistant Secretary


• Ext: 5758

Kamsiah Ishak

• Assistant Engineer


• Ext: 5752

Julia Ahmad

• Administrative Assistant


• Ext: 5751

Abdul Nassier A.Rahim

• Social Research Assistant


• Ext: 5751

Noraziera Syafiqah Mazaki

• Administrative Assistant


• Ext: 5752

Muhamad Azrain Shukor

• Operational Assistant


• Ext: 5757

Mohammad Hizir Ibrahim

• Driver


• Ext: 5757

Documents

POSTGRADUATE STUDIES STUDENT HANDBOOK · The research proposal is expected to reﬂect a solid written conceptualisa - tion of the research being attempted. Hence, its evaluation