Master of Science (MSc) by research in the fields of Medical Sciences and Community Health and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical & Health Sciences (by Research) KPT/JPS(KR 10618)6/2014

Postgraduate research forms a major and expanding part of the IMU’s academic development. Working for a research degree gives students the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of a discipline and to become familiar with current techniques and methodologies.

The Faculty has high teaching standards and attracts first-class teaching staff from Malaysia and abroad. It prides itself of the facilities and support it gives to students and on the calibre and dedication of its academic and clinical staff. The Faculty fosters a broad range of active research programmes in its campuses in Bukit Jalil and Seremban.

Much of its success in research and teaching results from the Faculty’s capacity to attract external research funds. The IMU faculty has strong national and international connections and is involved in collaborative projects with other leading medical research institutions. Many staff have made major international contributions in their respective fields and are very experienced in supervising postgraduate students.

Today, more than RM1 million internal funds have been allocated for research every year. Research activities have increased substantially, especially in externally-funded collaborative research projects. IMU was designated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia (MOSTI), as a private university that is allowed to apply directly for and receive research funds. Our researchers have received funding for collaborative research projects in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, breast cancer, infectious diseases and environmental health. Other external funding agencies of IMU are Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, MAKNA, Toray Foundation and many other private research institutions. In 2010, IMU received 12 externally sponsored projects amounting to RM809,272 and another eight in the first half of 2011 totalling RM867,150.

FAQs on Master of Science (MSc) by research in the fields of
Medical Sciences and Community Health and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical & Health Sciences (by Research)

1. What postgraduate programmes are offered by IMU?
   The Postgraduate School of IMU offers the Master of Science (MSc) by research in the fields of Medical Sciences and Community Health and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical and Health Sciences (Research) .
2. What are the main features of the programmes?
   Both programmes are research-based and the degrees will be awarded by the IMU on the successful completion of a thesis. Examination is by assessment of the thesis, the research on which it is based and a viva voce.
3. What is the duration of each course on full-time basis?
   
   MSc

   • Minimum of 1 year (2 semesters)
   • Maximum of 4 years (8 semesters)

   PhD

   • Minimum of 2 years (4 semesters)
   • Maximum of 6 years (12 semesters)
4. What is the duration of each course on part-time basis?
   MSc

   • Minimum of 2 year (4 semesters)
   • Maximum of 6 years (12 semesters)

   PhD

   • Minimum of 4 years (8 semesters)
   • Maximum of 8 years (16 semesters)
5. How are supervisors selected?
   
   The selection of supervisor(s) will depend very much on the research area and be based on mutual agreement between both parties. The principal supervisor must be engaged within IMU whereas a co-supervisor can be from any established institution. All supervisors are subject to the credentialling guidelines of IMU.
6. Who will award the Degree?
   
   The degrees will be awarded by the successful completion of a thesis. Examination is by assessment of the thesis and includes an oral examination concerning the thesis and the research on which it is based. The evaluation comprises examination of the thesis and a viva voce.
7. What are the areas of research available at the IMU?
   
   The areas of expertise of the IMU faculty are as follows: IMU academic staff members who supervise the research candidates have wellestablished reputations nationally and internationally in their areas of expertise. These senior faculty take part in international conferences and are in touch with key researchers form other countries.
   

   • Environmental Health
   • Human and Medical Genetics
   • Biochemistry
   • Cancer/Oncology
   • Molecular Biology/Biotechnology
   • Pharmaceutical Science
   • Chronic Diseases
   • Community Health
   • Building-Related Illnesses
   • Microbiology
   • Clinical Research
   • Infectious Diseases
   • Psychology (Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Industrial/Organisational Psychology, Criminal Psychology)

   IMU academic staff members who supervise the research candidates have well-established reputations nationally and internationally in their areas of expertise. These senior faculty take part in international conferences and are in touch with key researchers form other countries.
8. Minimum Entry Requirement
   
   Applicants who apply for admission into the IMU must meet the minimum entry requirement and the English language requirement.
   A. Academic Requirements

   • i. Admission as a candidate for the degree of MSc.
     Applicants are required to have obtained:
     • A candidate who does not hold a BSc with at least a Second Class Honours Division or equivalent qualification may, in exceptional circumstances, be permitted to register for the degree of MSc upon demonstrating adequate research or work experience for research studies at this level as determined.
     • Applicants with 1st class undergraduate degree are no longer allowed to enroll directly into a PhD programme, Instead, the applicant should first enroll into a MSc programme and convert into PhD after one year of good progress and with recommendation by the supervisors. However, the candidate must indicate the intention to convert to a PhD programme at the time of candidature and the process should be completed within the first 18 months of the MSc.
   • ii. Admission as a candidate for the degree of PhD.
     • Applicants are required to have obtained Master of Science (MSc) or a Master’s degree in a field related to the medical sciences from a recognised university.
     • Applicants with 1st class undergraduate degree are no longer be allowed to enroll directly into a PhD programme, Instead, the applicant should first enroll into a MSc programme and convert into PhD after one year of good progress and with recommendation by the supervisors. However, the candidate must indicate the intention to convert to a PhD programme at the time of candidature and the process should be completed within the first 18 months of the MSc.

   B. English Language Requirements
   All candidates should possess a standard passing mark of at least 6.5 in IELTS (Individual band score of not less than 6.0), 550 (Paper based test) or 79-80 (Internet based test) in TOEFL or equivalent.
9. When do I apply?
   
   Throughout the year
   
10. What are admission procedures?
    
    • Applications for admission are accepted continuously throughout the year.
    • An interview with the faculty is required and is part of the evaluation process.
    • The completed application and all supporting materials (transcripts, research proposal) must be on file before the application can be processed and evaluated.
    • Successful applicants are notified of their acceptance by letter.