Doctor of Philosophy (PhDPhil)
(Arts and Humanities)
JPT/BPP(PA0863)06/16

Programme description
Both programmes are conducted based mainly on research work. In both programmes, student will learn how to investigate a selected research topic using a variety of reliable, scholarly resources. With guidance from academic supervisors, they will learn how to search for, review, evaluate; analyze the information, and draw new conclusions.

These programmes are designed to:

• To enable students to research a topic of interest to considerable depth and to write a thesis that is expected to contribute to new knowledge in a specific area.

• To produce qualified scholars, researchers or professionals who are able to undertake research projects in relevant areas of specialization.

• Upgrade the knowledge and skills of students in the areas of humanities, education and social science to help them advance further in their careers.

• To enable students to gain academic insight into the subject matter and to be capable of communicating their research findings in peer-reviewed and refereed publications.

Entry Requirements

Master Of Philosophy
Candidates must possess at least one of the below to be eligible to be considered for admission:
• A Bachelor’s Degree with Honours
• A Bachelor’s Degree with minimum CGPA of 2.75
• A Bachelor’s Degree or professional qualification, subject to completing and passing the prescribed courses at Honours level, if required by Senate of the University

Doctor of Philosophy
Candidates must possess at least one of the below to be eligible to be considered for admission:
• A Master’s Degree
• A First Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree with prior registration for a Master Degree and with approved research experience in the relevant area
• Any other equivalent academic or professional qualifications with the relevant research or industrial experience approved by the Senate of the University

How To Pursue This Programme

1. Take some thought to consider a specific field of research you wish to undertake. Try to identify and scope your research topic as clearly as possible. You may wish to seek out an academic staff in WOU to have a preliminary discussion about your research interest with him/her.
2. Go to the nearest Regional Office and fill up the MPhil/PhDPhil Application Form accordingly.
3. The University will process your application and confirm whether your research topic is appropriate and whether there are available supervisors in WOU. You may also be contacted for an interview to further evaluate your candidature. This process could take about a month or so.
4. If your candidature is approved, you will be contacted to enrol for this programme and pay the necessary fees to start your first semester.
5. You will then begin your research with the guidance of your supervisor. If it is deemed necessary, your supervisor may prescribe supplementary courses to provide you training or knowledge in areas you may need.
6. Submit your initial thesis for examination
7. Attend a viva voce or oral examination where your thesis is evaluated
8. Update your thesis accordingly and submit it, making sure it meets the requirements of the University
9. Graduate!

Note: For Master level students, if your work in progress has been proven or recognized to be of near PhD level and quality, your Supervisor may submit a recommendation for you to be assessed by a specially appointed committee in a degree conversion exercise to PhD level which you would have to take part and pass.

Duration
This programme is offered both in full-time and part-time. The minimum study period for Master degree is 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time) whereas a Doctor degree will take 24 months (full-time) or 48 months (part-times).

It is advised that students consider taking full-time only if they are unemployed and have no other time commitments.