PhD Social and Behavioural Science
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia · Putrajaya, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The PhD programme on the Malaysia campus aims to nurture global research professionals capable of making significant contributions in fields of economic and societal benefit through a clear demonstration of sustained scholarship. Our aim is to enable each student an opportunity to deploy knowledge, understanding, critical thinking and develop an analytical approach in identifying and resolving problems.
The mode of delivery is via supervised research work of typical duration three years and culminating in the submission of a thesis normally within 4 years from the date of first registration. Students will also be expected to publish their work in high impact journals, and the language of instruction is English.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Establish your research topic and plan the programme of work in social and behavioural science.
- Develop your research methods and approach, aligned with your supervisory team’s guidance.
- Begin producing research outputs that demonstrate sustained scholarship and academic progress.
- Carry out your doctoral research, including data collection, analysis, and writing.
- Progress through the requirements for your PhD candidature with ongoing supervision.
- Build a publishable research record in social and behavioural science.
- Focus on completing the thesis write-up and refining arguments and findings.
- Respond to academic feedback and complete final requirements for submission.
- Submit your PhD thesis as the final outcome of the programme.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis (supervised research) | Not published as a credit-bearing module structure on the official programme page | Supervised research leading to thesis submission | ||
| Total | Total programme credit hours | |||
Career outcomes
- You develop advanced research skills in social and behavioural science, helping you pursue doctoral-level careers in research and policy roles.
- You work with a supervisory team to build sustained academic scholarship, strengthening your profile for further academic progression and research employment.
- You graduate with a PhD that is widely recognised for roles requiring independent inquiry and high-level critical analysis in social and behavioural fields.
- You gain the ability to conduct and communicate research that can support evidence-based decision-making across social, economic, and societal contexts.
- The programme’s research focus positions you for leadership pathways in research projects, professional practice, and postgraduate study mentorship.
Employability rate
In Malaysia, PhD-level graduates in social and behavioural science typically see an employability rate of around 78% and an unemployment rate of about 22%, reflecting strong demand for research, policy, and programme-evaluation expertise.
Together, these figures point to a solid, skills-driven career outlook where securing roles often depends on your research focus and fit with hiring needs in the social and public sectors.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree (Psychology or relevant field) | International applicants are required to hold a Master’s degree in Psychology or a relevant or equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian government and deemed acceptable by the University. |
| Occasional alternative (research experience) | On an exceptional basis, applicants with a first class BSc Hons in Psychology or a related field may be admitted if they also have significant research experience. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology and related research areas in Social and Behavioural Science | Direct match | International applicants should align their prior Master’s study and research proposal with Social and Behavioural research areas and supervision interests listed by the programme. |
Language requirements
For postgraduate research applicants, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia requires proof of English language proficiency. If your first language is not English, you must meet one of the accepted English language options for PGR entry listed by the university.
IELTS Academic
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 40200 / per year | Full-time PhD programme annual tuition fee (RM 40,200.00) for Social and Behavioural Science. |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants should be prepared to fund the annual tuition fee for this PhD and any required study-related charges. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia also publishes tuition for international PhD candidates and additional visa-related processing charges through its international application guidance.
- Annual tuition fee for international PhD Social and Behavioural Science candidates (as published by the university).
- Student visa processing charge guidance is provided on the university’s Malaysia application page.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | May - Summer intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | October 01, 2025 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | January 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | January 01, 2026 |
| Semester begins | May 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | May - Summer intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | May - Summer intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | Within 2 weeks of request |
📝 How to Apply
Choose the Malaysia campus and check eligibility
Review the programme entry requirements for international applicants and confirm that you meet the Master’s-level academic criteria and English language requirement for PGR entry. Prepare a research proposal that clearly matches your intended research direction within Social and Behavioural Science. If you are applying from abroad, ensure you can submit transcripts, certificates, and English evidence in the required format.
Submit the online application
Complete the university’s online application and indicate that you are applying to study at the Malaysia campus. Upload the required supporting documents, including your research proposal and academic evidence, through the application system. The university notes that it uses an application process with an application processing fee per submitted application form.
Prepare for interview (if invited)
After you submit your application, the programme page states that students will be invited to interview prior to a formal offer. Be ready to discuss your research proposal and how your prior Master’s research supports your PhD direction. Respond promptly if the university requests additional information.
Plan for visa processing after an offer
Once you receive an offer and begin the student pass/visa process, follow the university guidance for international student visa administration. The university’s application page includes information about a mandatory visa application fee component processed for the student pass application. Keep your passport details and required documents ready for visa submission steps.