Gain an PhD in Behavioural and Social Science via Research

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Academic Vacancy

Corporate Vacancy

Healthcare Vacancy

Schools & Centres

International Students

Centre for Pre-University

Postgraduate Studies

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

School of Business and Technology

School of Dentistry

School of Health Sciences

School of Medicine

School of Pharmacy

School of Psychology and Social Sciences

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pre-University

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Open & Distance Learning

Executive Education

Admission Procedures

Payment Information

Academic Calendar

Scholarship & Bursary

Financial Aid

International Placement

International Students

Visa Application

Accommodation

Student Counselling Services

Career Development

Student Activities

Accommodation

Virtual Tours

Aflame Student Award

Community Engagement

IMU Healthcare is an integrated healthcare facility in Malaysia offering a comprehensive range of services, from basic healthcare to advanced specialties and sub-specialties.

Research & Commercialisation

Academic Members

Chancellors and Pro-Chancellors

Principal Officers & Senior Management

Governance & Leadership

Academic Council (AC)

Professional Education Advisory Committee (PEAC)

Industry Advisory Board

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Industry Partners

Partner Universities

Corporate Governance

The Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) was established in 2012, we are a hub of Innovation and Research Excellence in Asia.

Turn your ideas into real world impact.

Explore the latest news, announcements, and stories from IMU, covering everything from academic achievements and research breakthroughs to campus events and student life.

Entry Requirement

Programme Structure

Fee Structure

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd) In Behavioural And Social Science

(N/0310/8/0016) (07/33) (MQA/PSA19404)

Commencement

Throughout the year

Degree/Duration

3 years (Full-time)

4 years (Part-time)

Advancing Behavioural And Social Science Research

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Behavioural and Social Science at IMU is designed for aspiring scholars, researchers, and professionals who are passionate about advancing knowledge and addressing complex behavioural and societal challenges through interdisciplinary, impactful and industry-relevant research.

The programme provides the opportunity to develop advanced expertise in behavioural and social sciences while engaging in rigorous scholarly inquiry under the guidance of experienced academics and researchers.

With the flexibility to pursue research aligned with your interests and career aspirations, you will build critical research, analytical, and problem-solving skills that enable you to contribute to evidence-based policy, practice, and innovation across diverse fields. Through a vibrant research environment, you will collaborate with fellow researchers, present your work to national and international audiences, and generate new knowledge that promotes individual, community, and societal well-being. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, healthcare, industry, or consultancy, this programme equips you with the expertise, confidence, and leadership capabilities to influence positive social change and make meaningful contributions to addressing contemporary behavioural and social issues at both local and global levels.

Why Study Behavioural And Social Science At Imu?

Thrive in an Interdisciplinary Research Environment

Benefit from IMU University’s unique multidisciplinary ecosystem, where behavioural and social sciences converge with health sciences. Collaborate with experts across diverse fields to develop innovative solutions to complex real-world issues that no single discipline can solve alone.

Strong Supervisory Support Throughout the Journey

With the support of dedicated supervisors, an active research community, and a structured yet flexible learning environment, candidates will receive personalised mentorship that nurtures intellectual independence, methodological rigour, and research excellence from proposal to publication.

Build Advanced Research and Leadership Skills

The programme develops advanced expertise in research design, critical analysis, strategic thinking, and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates with knowledge, confidence, and leadership capabilities to excel in academia, policymaking, consultancy, and industry.

Create Research That Matters

The programme empowers students to investigate today’s pressing behavioural and social challenges through evidence-based research that can contribute to shaping public policy, advancing professional practice, enhancing health and wellbeing, and creating lasting positive impact for communities locally and globally.

Transform Ideas into Lasting Impact

Whether exploring human behaviour, mental health, communication, education, ageing and organisational behaviour, digital society, sustainability or social equity, students are encouraged to pursue original research that advances knowledge and contributes meaningful solutions to society’s evolving needs.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants are required to have obtained:

PhD in Behavioural and Social Science

• A master’s degree in the field or related fields accepted by the University’s Senate; OR​

• Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree recognised by the Malaysian Government and accepted by the University’s Senate.​

1. A Bachelor’s degree with the following conditions:​

• a bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme that is accepted by the University’s Senate; ​

2. The eligible candidates will undergo an internal assessment to evaluate their suitability for direct entry.​

3. Bachelor’s degree candidates who are registered for master’s degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes, subject to the following conditions:​

• within 1 year for full-time and within 2 years for part-time candidates;​

• having shown competency and capability in conducting research at the doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation by the University; and​

• approval of the University’s Senate.​

English Language Requirements

For Malaysian Students

Not applicable​

For International Students

• IELTS: Band score 6.0; or​

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 60 / Scale score of 4.0; or​​

• MUET: Band 4​​

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge Linguaskill: Overall score of 169; or​​

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 59;​​

• ELS (CIEP Level): 109​​

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

• International students from countries in which English is the first language.​​

• International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English​

Note: Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes. Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Programme Structure

• Full Time

• Part Time

—

— CITI Modules (Compulsory)

• Research Study Design​

• Qualitative Data Analysis​

• Introduction to Quantitative Research​ and

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence​

— — Semester 1 — Semester 1 & 2

—

— Proposal Development and Proposal Defence Application for IMU University Joint Committee on Research and Ethics (IMU-JC) Approval

• Submission and presentation of PhD research proposal to IMU-JC (target: Semester 1; Semester 2 reserved for revisions/resubmission if required)​

— — Semester 1

(Semester 2, if revisions/resubmission are required)

— Semester 3

(Semester 4, if revisions/resubmission are required)

—

— Data Collection and Mid-Term Progress Review

• Data Collection​

• Presentation of preliminary research findings at Research Colloquium / to academic peers​

— — Semester 2 & 3 — Semester 4 & 5

—

— Data Analysis and Thesis Preparation

• Data Analysis and Thesis Writing​

• Publication Preparation​

— — Semester 4 & 5 — Semester 6 & 7

—

— Viva Voce and Final Submission of Thesis

• Thesis Submission​

• Proof of two (2) submitted papers, with at least one (1) accepted for publication or published in a reputable indexed journal (e.g., ISI, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), or MyCite)​

— — Semester 6 — Semester 8

CITI Modules (Compulsory)

• Research Study Design​

• Qualitative Data Analysis​

• Introduction to Quantitative Research​ and

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence​

Proposal Development and Proposal Defence Application for IMU University Joint Committee on Research and Ethics (IMU-JC) Approval

• Submission and presentation of PhD research proposal to IMU-JC (target: Semester 1; Semester 2 reserved for revisions/resubmission if required)​

Data Collection and Mid-Term Progress Review

• Data Collection​

• Presentation of preliminary research findings at Research Colloquium / to academic peers​

Data Analysis and Thesis Preparation

• Data Analysis and Thesis Writing​

• Publication Preparation​

Viva Voce and Final Submission of Thesis

• Thesis Submission​

• Proof of two (2) submitted papers, with at least one (1) accepted for publication or published in a reputable indexed journal (e.g., ISI, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), or MyCite)​

Research Areas

Explore how people, teams, and organisations create high-performing workplaces. Research focuses on employee behaviour, talent management, workplace well-being, organisational culture, leadership effectiveness, and the future of work.

Examples include:

• Mental health and psychological wellbeing

• Child and adolescent development

• Ageing and psychological health

• Stress, coping, and burnout

Research applying behavioural theories to understand and influence human behaviour.

Examples include:

• Health behaviour and lifestyle modification

• Vaccine acceptance and health decision-making

• Digital health and technology adoption

Research examining social structures, institutions, and societal influences on behaviour and wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Gender and society

• Ageing populations and social care

• Education and social mobility

Research exploring culture, beliefs, and lived experiences that shape health and social behaviours.

Examples include:

• Cultural beliefs and health practices

• Cross-cultural communication

• Migration and cultural adaptation

Research on how communication shapes behaviours, health outcomes, and social change. (Interdisciplinary)

Examples include:

• Health communication

• Misinformation

• Crisis and risk communication

Research addressing contemporary health and social challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Examples include:

• Healthy ageing

• Mental health promotion

• Community-based

Fee Structure

• Fee

• Malaysian Student (RM)

• International Student (RM)

— Application Fee — 150 — 500

— Registration Fee — 1,100 — 3,400

— Refundable Caution Deposit — 2,000 — 2,000

— Student Association Fee per Semester** — 60 — 60

• All IMU Alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a bursary of 15%

• Application fee is payable upon submission of application

• Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office

• Students must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees

• For information on Student Visa Administration fee, please refer to Visa and Immigration on the IMU website, imu.edu.my

• International students will need to pay a Student Visa Administration Fee of up to RM3,500 (depending on nationality) and a personal bond fee when they register. There’s also an annual Student Visa Renewal Fee that applies each year

• **Subject to annual increase

• Study Mode

• Malaysian Student Tuition Fees

• International Student Tuition Fees

— Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) — —

— Tuition Fee — RM7,500 per semester — RM14,800 per semester

— Fees Per Year — RM15,000 — RM 29,600

— Examination Fees — RM2,500 — RM2,600

— — —

• All listed fees are exclusive of the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST), which will be applied to all international students where applicable.

• Total fees will vary based on the duration required to complete the research programme.

• All IMU Alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a bursary of 15%

Get All The Facts About Our Programme

Explore in-depth information on our programme, including intake dates, curriculum, partner universities, career pathways, and admissions requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a research-based doctoral programme focused on understanding human behaviour, society, and social systems. It allows candidates to conduct original research that addresses real-world issues such as wellbeing, communication, education, inequality, organisational behaviour, and community development.

The programme is fully research-based. Candidates are required to conduct independent research under supervision and submit a doctoral thesis and Viva Voce as the main requirements for completion.

Candidates may explore a wide range of topics within behavioural and social sciences, including social behaviour, health and wellbeing, communication, education, organisational studies, policy-related research, and other interdisciplinary areas aligned with their research interests.

A full research proposal is not required at the point of application if the applicant does not yet have a potential supervisor. In such cases, the faculty will provide a list of available supervisors and research areas for the applicant to select from. Once a preferred supervisor and project are identified, the application will proceed to the Selection Committee review. However, if the applicant already has a confirmed potential supervisor at the time of application, the case may proceed directly to the Selection Committee stage.

The duration of the programme generally ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the research progress and mode of study.

The programme offers a supportive and interdisciplinary research environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and engagement with real-world social issues.

A Word From The Programme Director

A PhD in Behavioural and Social Science at IMU is where curiosity about people, society, and everyday human experiences is transformed into impactful research. It is designed for those who want to go beyond understanding social issues and actively contribute to generating knowledge that can shape communities, inform policy, and improve lives.

This programme offers a dynamic and engaging research environment where candidates are encouraged to explore real-world issues such as social behaviour, communication, inequality, wellbeing, education, and organisational life, among others. With strong supervisory guidance and an interdisciplinary culture, candidates are supported in developing rigorous methodologies and original perspectives that ensure their research is both meaningful and relevant.

More than just a doctoral degree, it is a journey towards becoming an independent thinker and researcher, someone who can translate complex social realities into evidence-based insights that matter in academia, practice, and society at large.

Dr Arlini Binti Alias

Programme Director , Behavioural and Social Science (PhD)

PhD, M.Ed. (Educational Psychology), Bachelor of Human Sciences (Honours)

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Business Administration in Healthcare Management (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters)

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Counselling (Master)

Diabetes Management & Education (Postgraduate Diploma)

Endodontics (Postgraduate Diploma)

Health Informatics & Analytics (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Health Professions Education (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Implant Dentistry (Postgraduate Diploma)

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By Research Programme

Behavioural and Social Science (PhD)

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Medical & Health Sciences (MSc/PhD)

Behavioural and Social Science (PhD)

Business and Management (PhD)

Health Professions Education (PhD)

Healthcare Management (PhD)

Medical & Health Sciences (MSc/PhD)

Academic Requirements

Applicants are required to have obtained:

PhD in Behavioural and Social Science

• A master’s degree in the field or related fields accepted by the University’s Senate; OR​

• Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree recognised by the Malaysian Government and accepted by the University’s Senate.​

1. A Bachelor’s degree with the following conditions:​

• a bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme that is accepted by the University’s Senate; ​

2. The eligible candidates will undergo an internal assessment to evaluate their suitability for direct entry.​

3. Bachelor’s degree candidates who are registered for master’s degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes, subject to the following conditions:​

• within 1 year for full-time and within 2 years for part-time candidates;​

• having shown competency and capability in conducting research at the doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation by the University; and​

• approval of the University’s Senate.​

English Language Requirements

For Malaysian Students

Not applicable​

For International Students

• IELTS: Band score 6.0; or​

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 60 / Scale score of 4.0; or​​

• MUET: Band 4​​

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge Linguaskill: Overall score of 169; or​​

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 59;​​

• ELS (CIEP Level): 109​​

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

• International students from countries in which English is the first language.​​

• International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English​

Note: Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes. Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

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