Postgraduate Handbook 2015 - UTAR Research Portal
Postgraduate Handbook 2015 Prepared by :Amirtha Sangeetha Version:1.0 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK DECLARATION The University reserves the right to amend the Postgraduate Handbook from time to time at its sole discretion, based on Senate approval of the amendment made to the Postgraduate Rule and Regulations, Guidelines and SoP when deemed necessary. CONTACTS Prof Dr. Faidz bin Abd Rahman Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Tel: 03-79582628 Ext 7138. Email: [email protected] Dr. Chong Yee Lee Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Tel: 05-4688888 Ext: 4359 Email: [email protected] Engr. Dr Lee Sheng Chyan Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Tel: 05-4688888 Ext: 4496 Email: [email protected] Mr Loh Yeong Ying Assistant General Manager Tel: 03-79582628 Ext: 8207 Email: [email protected] Programme Officers Perak Campus Ms Loo Jun Yi Tel:605-468 8888 Ext: 2229 Email: [email protected] Ms Vani a/p Ramu Tel:605-468 8888 Ext: 2229 Email: [email protected] Programme Officers at PJ Campus Ms Wong Fook Moi Tel: 03-79582628 Ext: 8203 Email: [email protected] Puan Zuraini Binti Mohmad Shari Tel: 03-79582628 Ext: 7131 Email: [email protected] Ms Tan Lee Teng Tel: 03-79582628 Ext: 8203 Email: [email protected] Ms Amirtha Sangeetha Ganesan Tel: 03-79582628 Ext: 7131 Email: [email protected] Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page i POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Table of Contents 1.0 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Definitions........................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Postgraduate Administrative Structure ............................................................................ 2 2.0 Master‟s and Ph.D. Programmes ......................................................................................... 3 2.1 Postgraduate Programmes and Mode of Study ................................................................ 3 2.2 Duration of Study ............................................................................................................. 5 3.0 ADMISSION ....................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Entry Requirement ........................................................................................................... 6 3.2 English Language Requirement ....................................................................................... 8 3.3 Application Procedure ..................................................................................................... 8 3.4 Deferment of Admission .................................................................................................. 9 4.0 REGISTRATION .............................................................................................................. 10 4.1 New Candidate ............................................................................................................... 10 4.1.1 Checklist for New Student .......................................................................................... 10 4.2Active Candidate ............................................................................................................. 11 4.2.1 By Research ................................................................................................................ 11 4.3.2 By Mixed Mode and By Coursework ......................................................................... 11 4.3 Dissertation for Mixed Mode and Project Registration for Courswork ......................... 12 4.4 Application for Unit Waiver .......................................................................................... 12 4.5 Progress of Studies ......................................................................................................... 12 5.0 FEES .................................................................................................................................. 13 5.1 Payment of Fees ............................................................................................................. 13 5.2 Fees Breakdown ............................................................................................................. 13 5.3 Recurring Fees ............................................................................................................... 14 5.4 Refund of Fees ............................................................................................................... 14 5.5 Late Payment/Reinstatement Fees ................................................................................. 14 5.6 Transfer of Fees ............................................................................................................. 15 6.0 Supervision ........................................................................................................................ 15 6.1 Supervisor Appointment ................................................................................................ 15 6.3 Supervisor to Candidate Ratio ....................................................................................... 15 6.4 Supervisor Selection Criteria ......................................................................................... 15 6.5 Change/Addition of Supervisor(s) ................................................................................. 16 6.6 Role of Supervisor ......................................................................................................... 16 6.7 Absence of Supervisor ................................................................................................... 16 7.0 Monitoring and Grading System ....................................................................................... 17 7.1 6th monthly Progress Monitoring for By Research, By Published Work and Mixed Mode .................................................................................................................................... 17 7.2 Grading System for Mixed Mode and Coursework ....................................................... 17 7.3 Appeal for Review of Unit Examination Results .......................................................... 19 8.0 ADD AND DROP, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, EXTENSION OF CANDIDATURE AND WITHDRAWAL...................................................................................................................... 20 8.1 Add and Drop of Unit .................................................................................................... 20 8.2 Withdrawal of Unit ........................................................................................................ 20 8.3 Leave of Absence ........................................................................................................... 20 8.4 Extension of Candidature ............................................................................................... 21 8.5 Withdrawal of Candidature ............................................................................................ 21 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page ii POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 9.0 CHANGE AND CONVERSION ...................................................................................... 21 9.1 Change of Title and Area of Research ........................................................................... 21 9.2 Approval and Change of Dissertation/Thesis Title ........................................................ 21 9.3 Approval and Change of Research Project Title............................................................ 22 9.2 Change of Mode of Study .............................................................................................. 22 9.3 Conversion from Master‟s Degree to PhD Degree Programme .................................... 22 10.0 EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................. 23 10.1 Eligibility of Entry into Examinations....................................................................... 23 10.1.1. Absence from Examination...................................................................................... 23 10.1.2 Incomplete Units ....................................................................................................... 23 10.1.3 Repeat of Unit ........................................................................................................... 24 10.1.4 Board of Examiners (for Coursework) ..................................................................... 24 10.1.5 Research Project Submission .................................................................................... 24 10.2 Proposal Defence ......................................................................................................... 25 10.3 Work Completion Seminar .......................................................................................... 25 10.3.1 Early Submission of Dissertation/Thesis .................................................................. 26 10.4 Appointment of Examiners .......................................................................................... 26 10.5 Submission for Thesis/Dissertation for Examination .................................................. 26 10.6 Member of Board of Examiners (Thesis/Dissertation) for By Research and Published Work .................................................................................................................................... 27 10.7 Viva Voce .................................................................................................................... 27 10.7.1 Viva voce assessment ............................................................................................... 27 10.7.2 Dissertation/ Thesis Assessment ............................................................................... 28 10.11 Graduation.................................................................................................................. 29 10.11.1 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (by Research) ........................................ 29 10.11.2 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (By Mixed Mode and Coursework) ...... 29 10.11.3 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (By Published Works) ........................... 29 11.0 Termination and Reinstatement ....................................................................................... 30 11.1 Termination of Candidature ......................................................................................... 30 11.2 Reinstatement ............................................................................................................... 30 12.0 Intellectual Property ......................................................................................................... 31 12.1 Plagiarism .................................................................................................................... 31 12.1.1 Plagiarism Checking ................................................................................................. 31 13.0 Publication ....................................................................................................................... 31 13.1 Publication requirement – By Research ....................................................................... 31 14.0 Online resources............................................................................................................... 32 14.1 UTAR Student Portal ................................................................................................... 32 14.2 Unit registration ........................................................................................................... 36 14.3 Progress report system ................................................................................................. 37 14.4 WBLE .......................................................................................................................... 39 14.5 Postgraduate Studies related form and guidelines ....................................................... 41 Appendix 1 -Progress of Studies By Research ........................................................................ 43 Appendix 2 Progress of Studies By Coursework ..................................................................... 44 Appendix 3- Progress of Studies By Mixed Mode .................................................................. 45 Appendix 4 – Academic Calender ........................................................................................... 46 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page iii POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 1.0 GENERAL 1.1 Definitions Applicant BOE Candidate Candidature CGPA Coursework Programme FBO FRDPC FGO MUET Mixed Mode Programme HoP IELTS IPSR LoA PSC PD Research Programme Senate TOEFL Viva Voce WCS WBLE : means a person who submits an application to the IPSR to be considered for Admission in UTAR to pursue a postgraduate programme. : Board of Examiners. : refers to a student who has registered and is in the process of preparing or conducting his/her research work. : means a status of a registered student. : Cumulative Grade Point Average : refers to postgraduate programme with a research component of less than fifty (50) percent : Faculty Board : Faculty R&D and Postgraduate Committee : Faculty General Office : Malaysian University English Test :refers to postgraduate programme with at least a fifty (50) percent research component. : Head of Programme : International English Language Testing System : Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research. : Leave of Absence, refers to a period during which a student has been granted permission to temporarily suspend his/her studies. : Postgraduate Studies Committee : Proposal Defence. : refers to postgraduate programme where candidates are required to contribute to original research in a research environment. : refers to the Senate the highest authority on academic matters in the University. : Test of English as A Foreign Language : refers to an oral examination in which the examiners assess the research work on the basis of the student‟s defence of his/her research. : Work Completion Seminar : Web Base Learning Environment Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 1 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 1.2 Postgraduate Administrative Structure Senate Chairman: VP(R&D and Commersilization. Members: Director of IPSR, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institution, Academic Centers Secretariat:IPSR The Postgraduate studies Committee shall: (a) Formulate vision and mission of UTAR‟s postgraduate studies for Senate approval; (b) Consider and recommend the curriculum and development of postgraduate programmes to Senate; (c) Consider and recommend on examination matters of postgraduate programmes to Senate; (d) Evaluate and recommend to Senate research proposal/application of postgraduate candidate submitted by Faculty Board; (e) Coordinate any other academic matters relating to postgraduate studies; (f) Review of Rules/Regulations regarding postgraduate studies and make recommendations to Senate; and (g) Carry out any other duties as directed by Senate. Provides the administrative services needed for the setting up, running and continuous quality assurance and enhancement for postgraduate studies Chairman: Dean of Faculty To recommend all matters pertaining to the postgraduate programme to FBO for PSC and Senate for approval. Chairman: Deputy Dean (R&D) of Faculty Povides the core academic and research content of the programmes Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 2 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 2.0 Master’s and Ph.D. Programmes 2.1 Postgraduate Programmes and Mode of Study The UTAR offers postgraduate programmes for both Master„s and PhD Degrees.Programme offered by the respective faculty are as follows: Programme Institute of Chinese Studies Master of Chinese Studies Structure Mode of study by Mixed Mode Full Time Part Time Master of Arts (Chinese Studies) by Research Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Studies) by Research by Published work Full Time Part Time Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science by Full Time Master of Information Coursework Systems Part Time Master of Mathematics by Coursework Full Time Part Time Master of Engineering (Electrical) by Coursework Full Time Part Time Master of Engineering (Mechanical) by Coursework Full Time Part Time Master of Project Management by Coursework Full Time Part Time Master of Science by Research Full Time Part Time Master of Engineering Science by Research Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Science) Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) by Research by Published work Full Time by Research by Published work Full Time Part Time Part Time Duration Classes Conducted Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 6 years Petaling Jaya Campus Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min:1 years Max:4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 4 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Petaling Jaya Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Kuala Lumpur Campus Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 3 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Programme Structure Faculty of Creative Industries by Mixed Master of Communication Mode Mode of study Full Time Part Time Master of Arts (Communication) by Research Full Time Part Time Faculty of Accountancy and Management by Master of Business Coursework Administration Full Time Part Time Master of Business Administration (Corporate Governance) by Coursework Master of Business Administration (Building Management) by Coursework Master of Philosophy by Research Full Time Part Time Full Time Part Time Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy by Research Full Time by Published Part Time work Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology by Research Full Time Master of Engineering by Published Science work Part Time Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems) by Coursework Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) by Research Full Time by Published work Part Time Faculty of Business and Finance by Master of Business Coursework Administration (Corporate Management) Master of Philosophy by Research Full Time Part Time Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy by Research Full Time by Published work Part Time Duration Classes Conducted Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Petaling Jaya Campus Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2.5 years Max: 6 years Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2.5 years Max: 6 years Min: 1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2.5 years Max: 6 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Petaling Jaya Campus Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Perak Campus Min: 1.5 years Max: 2.5 years Min: 2 years Max: 5 years Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Perak Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Petaling Jaya Campus Sungai Long Campus Sungai Long Campus Perak Campus Perak Campus Perak Campus Perak Campus Faculty of Science Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 4 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Programme Structure Master of Science by Research Mode of study Full Time Duration Part Time by Research Full Time by Published work Faculty of Medicine and Health Science by Research Master of Medical Sciences Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Science) Full Time Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) by Research Full Time by Published Part Time work Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Full Time Master of Science (Computer by Research Science) Part Time Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) by Research Full Time Part Time Faculty of Arts and Social Master of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research Full Time Part Time Master of Psychology (Industrial Organisational Psychology) by Mixed Mode Full Time Doctor of Philosophy(Social Science) by Research Full Time by Published work Part Time Part Time Classes Conducted Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Perak Campus Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max:6 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Sungai Long Campus Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 5 years Max: 8 years Perak Campus Min: 1 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 4 years Min:1.5 years Max: 4 years Min: 2 years Max: 6 years Min: 2 years Max: 4 years Min: 4 years Max: 8 years Perak Campus Perak Campus Sungai Long Campus Perak Campus Perak Campus Perak Campus 2.2 Duration of Study Programmes Full-time Part-time Min Dur. Max Dur. Min Dur. Max Dur. 1 or 1.5 4 2 6 Master’s by Mixed Mode 1.5 4 2 6 Master’s by Coursework 1 or 1.5 2.5 or 4 2 or 2.5 5 or 6 2 or 3 5 or 6 4 or 5 6 or 8 Master’s by Research PhD by Research PhD by Published Work Min Dur. Max Dur. 12 24 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 5 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 3.0 ADMISSION 3.1 Entry Requirement To be admitted into UTAR Master‘s or PhD programme, applicant should meet the following requirement: Structure Entry Requirements (a) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.75 and above or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.75 and above in a related field from UTAR; or (b) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 in a related field from UTAR and subjected to rigorous internal assessment; or By Coursework By Mixed Mode By Mixed Mode for MPsy(IOP) (c) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 in a related field from UTAR, show evidence of at least five (5) years of relevant working experience and subjected to rigorous internal assessment; or (d) (any other academic qualifications equivalent to (a), (b) or (c) from another recognised University as approved by the Senate (a) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.75 and above or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.75 and above in a related field from UTAR, or (b) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 in a related field from UTAR and subjected to rigorous assessment; or (c) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 in a related field from UTAR, show evidence of at least five (5) years of relevant working or research experience and subjected to rigorous assessment; or (d) any other academic qualifications equivalent to (a), (b) or (c) from another recognised University, as approved by the Senate (a) A Bachelor‟s Degree in Psychology or its equivalent with minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00; or Note: A Bachelor‟s Degree in Psychology not meeting CGPA of 2.75 (but not lower than 2.5) can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment by an independent review panel. (b) A Bachelor‟s Degree with minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00 in any field, and a minimum 45 credits of prerequisites modules in Psychology or its equivalent (covering all eight Knowledge Areas highlighted in pages 13 – 14 of Programme Standards: Psychology) with a minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00 in the prerequisites modules; or (c) A Bachelor‟s Degree with minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 6 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK in any field, and a minimum 30 credits of prerequisites modules in Psychology or its equivalent (covering all eight Knowledge Areas highlighted in pages 13 -14 of Programme Standards: Psychology) with a minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00 in the prerequisites modules, and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Subject Test (Psychology) with a minimum score of 550; or (d) Other relevant or equivalent qualification, (a) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.75 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.75 and above, in a related field from UTAR; or (b) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75, in a related field from UTAR and subjected to rigorous assessment; or Master By Research (c) a Bachelor‟s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 or a Bachelor‟s Degree with CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50, in a related field from UTAR, show evidence of at least five (5) years of relevant working or research experience and subjected to rigorous assessment; or (d) any other academic qualifications equivalent to (a), (b) or (c) from another recognised University, as approved by the Senate. (a) A Master‟s Degree from UTAR and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to satisfaction of Senate; or PhD By Research PhD By Published Work (b) A Master‟s Degree of another university or equivalent qualification from an institution as approved by Senate and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to satisfaction of Senate; or (c) Any other qualifications equivalent to (a) or (b) from as approved by the Senate (a) a Master‟s degree from UTAR and shows evidence of adequate (b) related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; or (c) a Master‟s degree of another university or equivalent qualification from an institution as approved by the Senate and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; or (d) (c) any other qualifications equivalent to (a) or (b) as approved by the Senate, Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 7 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 3.2 English Language Requirement In addition to the academic requirement required for the respective postgraduate programme, an applicant is also required to possess any one of the following: a) a minimum overall score of 580 in TOEFL (paper-based) or 237 in TOEFL (computer-based) or 92 in TOEFL (internet-based testing); b) a minimum overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS; c) a minimum grade B in Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE); d) a minimum score of 980 in English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT); e) a minimum score of 500 in Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) (Critical Reading); f) a minimum score of 22 in American College Testing Assessment (ACT); g) a credit in English 1119; h) a minimum credit C4 in SPM English Language / "O" level English Language; i) a minimum overall band score of 4 in MUET; or j) any other qualification which is of equivalent level as determined by the Senate of the University. All applicants must meet the required English Language requirement before being admitted to the approved programme of study. Upon the recommendation of the Faculty, the Senate may exempt a candidate from the English requirement if the candidate had obtained the Bachelor's degree using English as the sole medium of instruction or as one of the media of instruction. The Faculty shall interview the candidate and recommend to the Senate for exemption, where appropriate. There shall be no English language requirement for entry into all programmes for the award of a degree in Master of Arts (Chinese Studies) or Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Studies). 3.3 Application Procedure (a) Form can be download from IPSR website under “How to Apply” section. (b) Fill up and complete the application form. For application by Research, you are required to attach your research proposal together with the application form. (c) Get 2 referees to complete your referee forms (Referees shall not be the proposed supervisor for application by Research Programme). (d) Prepare a non-refundable processing fee of RM60 (for Malaysian applicant) or RM300/USD100 (for International applicant) in Money/Postal Order/Bank Draft/Banker‟s Cheque or Personal Cheque (where drawee bank is in Malaysia) made payable to “Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman”. (Please note that payment by cash or Public Bank credit card or Public Bank debit card can be made at Division of Finance counter in any UTAR campus). Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 8 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK (e) Submit the completed application form, the non-refundable processing fee and all supporting documents as per stated in the form to IPSR Office (for Malaysian Applicant) and to Division of Programme Promotion (for International Applicant) (f) OR can be mailed to the below address : Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman No 9, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak Other forms for International Application Health Examination Report for International Applicant No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Sub-Shara Applicant 3.4 Deferment of Admission To defer registration to later intake/trimester a Candidate is requiring submitting an request letter address to the Director of IPSR (hardcopy or by email) together with justification. The appeal will be considered on a case by case basis. If the candidate fails to register or apply for a deferment of admission within the allowed period, the offer of admission is automatically lapsed. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 9 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 4.0 REGISTRATION 4.1 New Candidate 4.1.1 Checklist for New Student No 1 Things that Require Your Attention Collecting Offer Letter for Admission and 1st Student Bill For international student Your Action and Duration/ Deadline Given After receiving notification email from Institute of Postgraduate Studies & Research (IPSR), you can either collect your offer letter within 1 week at IPSR office or request the offer letter to be sent to you. You‟ll be notified by the Department of International Student Services (DISS). 2 Pay for the 1st Student Bill at Division of Finance or via e-banking Make payment before the due date as stated in the Student Bill. (Please inform IPSR officer through email or via phone call after you had made payment) For international student The student bill consists of 2 parts: 1stbill for administrative fees and 2nd bill for tuition fees 3 Photo taking for student ID Card at Multimedia Division, Photo Studio, Level 2, PD Block, UTAR, PJ campus Within 2 weeks after settling the 1st student bill. For international student Within 2 weeks after settling the 2nd student bill. If you’re unable to come for the photo taking, you may send a digital passport-sized photo (must be in formal dress code) to IPSR officer for further action 4 Appointment letter of Research Supervisor(s) (For the programme by research only) You will receive the letter within 1 week after registering as a student (i.e. after settling the 1st student bill) For international student Within 1 week after settling the 2nd student bill. 5 Submitting Medical Check-up report to IPSR Within 1 month after registering as student 6 Add/Drop of Subject/Unit To add or drop the pre-registered subject(s) as stated in the 1st student bill, please submit add/drop form within 2 weeks after commencement of new trimester. Candidate by research and Mixed Mode is requested to refer to QP-IPSR-PSU-004 - Unit Registration for Postgraduate Programmes (for New Students) You may scan the form and email it as attachment to IPSR officer if you’re not able to Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 10 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK submit it in person. Please take note that you are required to register at least 1 subject in a trimester. Refund for dropped unit(s) will be kept in your account for future off-setting) 7 Timetable of Classes for your postgraduate programme Please view and download from IPSR webpage under info for current student 8 To access Student portal You may access within 1 week after registering as a student https://portal.utar.edu.my/loginPage.jsp Username : Student Id without alphabet Password : Your IC with hyphen 9 To access Library OPAC : http://library.utar.edu.my/ Username : Student Id without alphabet Password : Your IC with hyphen You may view the following in Student Portal (i) Course structure (ii) Unit syllabi (iii) UTAR Rules & Regulations (iv) Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) related to Postgraduate Programme, etc (Refer Section 6.0 in Handbook on Online resources ) You may access within 1 week after registering as a student 4.2Active Candidate 4.2.1 By Research Active candidates must register within TWO (2) weeks before the registration date of each subsequent academic year. Should a candidate fail to register after the add/drop period, the candidate‟s candidature shall be automatically be terminated. See related SoP, “QP-IPSRPSU-005-Unit Registration for Postgraduate Programmes (for Existing Student)”. Link to unit registration https://unitreg.utar.edu.my/portal/courseRegStu/login.jsp Candidates who have previously registered for Thesis/Dissertation must continuously registered for the same unit in every subsequent trimester until completion of study. Candidate in By Research programmes are not allowed to drop any pre-registered units. Any of the compulsory units which cannot be completed within the trimester in which the students enrolled can be carried forward to the following trimester. 4.3.2 By Mixed Mode and By Coursework Active candidates must register within TWO (2) weeks before the registration date of each subsequent academic year. Should a candidate fail to register after the add/drop period, the candidate‟s candidature shall be automatically be terminated. See related SoP, “QP-IPSRPSU-005 - Unit Registration for Postgraduate Programmes (for Existing Student)”. Link to unit registration https://unitreg.utar.edu.my/portal/courseRegStu/login.jsp Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 11 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 4.3 Dissertation for Mixed Mode and Project Registration for Courswork Candidates are requested to refer to SoP, “QP-IPSR-PSU-019 - Completion of Project & Submission of Project Report for Examination” on the process of project registration and research proposal submission. No candidate with CGPA below 3.0000 shall be eligible to register for project unless recommended by the Board of Examiners, duration for completion of research project is the number of trimesters stated in the approved course structure. Student is required to submit his/her project report at the end of the duration for completion of Project. Failure to do so will lead to student being failed in the Project unit. 4.4 Application for Unit Waiver For the application for Unit waiver the candidate must submit the following (a) (b) (c) (d) “Postgraduate Unit Waiver Application” form, Receipt of payment of RM100 per unit, Academic transcript, and Syllabus of unit(s) for evaluation. See related SoP, QP-IPSR-PSU-013 - Application for Unit Waiver in Postgraduate Programmes to know more on the application flow An expert will be appointed by the Faculty to assess whether the evaluated unit from the awarding institution can be given equivalent standing as the UTAR unit. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate for approval. 4.5 Progress of Studies Candidate are requested refer to the flow of studies of the programmes they had enrolled (a) Progress of Studies By Research (Appendix 1) (b) Progress of Studies By Coursework (Appendix 2) (c) Progress of Stuides By Mixed Mode (Appendix 3) Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 12 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 5.0 FEES 5.1 Payment of Fees It is the responsibility of a candidate to ensure that payment of fees is settled within the stipulated due date. Scholarship holders or those with sponsorship are responsible to ensure that payment of fees is settled within the due date. Candidate can view their Student bill from Student Portal under “My Billing” (refer section 6.1 of handbook on step by step instruction) Payment of fees can be made:(a) at the Division of Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (b) by Bank draft/money order/cheque for the exact amount as stated on the student bill made payable to "Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman" and sent by mail. Do not remit cash. (c) at any Public Bank branch throughout Malaysia (d) through Public Bank's e-Banking Service known as PBeBank.com 5.2 Fees Breakdown Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 13 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 5.3 Recurring Fees Recurring fees of RM1,000.00 for local and RM 1,200.00 for international student will be chargeable after the minimum duration of study. The recurring fees will be refund to the candidate by pro-rated once the candidate (by research/ mixed mode) submitted his/her dissertation/thesis for examination or once the candidate (by coursework) has been approved graduation by Senate. 5.4 Refund of Fees Where a student withdraws before the commencement of the trimester, there will be a 70% refund of tuition fees and full refund on Caution Money upon a written request. For withdrawal upon the commencement of the trimester, only the Caution Money will be refunded upon the written request. Below are the link to download the form: Application for Refund of Caution Money (Malaysian Student) Application for Refund of Caution Money (International Student) 5.5 Late Payment/Reinstatement Fees A candidate who has been terminated by the University due to non-payment of trimester/semester fees (by 5th day of Week 5 for Short Trimester or 5th day of Week 6 for Long Trimester/Semester from the commencement of each trimester/semester) and applies for reinstatement of study is required to pay the following fees stated in the Reinstatement Bill issued by the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation: (a) (b) (c) Course fee of the trimester/semester Late payment charge of RM10.00 per week Reinstatement fee of RM100.00. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 14 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 5.6 Transfer of Fees For a candidate who is granted a Leave of Absence, 100% of fees paid would be transferred to the trimester where the student rejoins if the Application for Leave of Absence received before the 5th week of commencement date. There will be no transfer of fees paid if the application for Leave of Absence is received after 4th week of the commencement date.Fees transferred will not be refunded when the students withdraw from the University. 6.0 Supervision 6.1 Supervisor Appointment There shall be a Supervisor and a Co-supervisor, who are full-time academic staff of the University and appointed by the Senate, for each candidate for a postgraduate degree by research. The Supervisor and Co-Supervisor shall be practitioners or experts in the field which they are expected to supervise. Upon the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty/Institute, the Senate may appoint an External Consultant/External Co-Supervisor for a candidate for a postgraduate degree by research. 6.3 Supervisor to Candidate Ratio Discipline Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer Lecturer Adjunct Professor/Adjunct Specialist Staff/Student Ratio 1:10 1:7 1:5 1:3 1:2 6.4 Supervisor Selection Criteria Master’s Degree by Research 1) A supervisor must have a minimum qualification of one level higher than the degree level enrolled in by the candidate i.e. a doctoral degree. 2) Where a supervisor is without the required qualification, a supervisor must have at least 5 years‟ experience: a) in teaching and research; or b) as a co-supervisor. 3) The additional criteria are subjected to the approval of the University. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 15 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Doctoral Degree by Research 1) A supervisor must have a minimum qualification of the equivalent degree level enrolled in by the candidate and at least 2 years‟ experience: a) in teaching and research; or b) as a co-supervisor. 2) Where a supervisor is without the required qualification, extensive experience in research and supervision are additional criteria and are subjected to the approval of the University. 6.5 Change/Addition of Supervisor(s) If candidate intended to apply for a change or for additional supervisor, the “Application for change form” should be filled and submitted to the Faculty from FRDPC & FBO recommendation. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate for approval. 6.6 Role of Supervisor The Supervisor shall be responsible for the following: (a) ensure that the candidate has relevant information regarding his/her own research and professional plans for the period of the candidate‟s project; (b) meet the candidate at frequent intervals to discuss, assess and guide the progress of the work; (c) advise the candidate on the scope and presentation of the thesis/dissertation and on any publication likely to arise from the work; (d) assist the candidate in developing standards of achievement that will result in a thesis/dissertation of merit; (e) liaise with the University‟s Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research; (f) keep in regular contact with the Co-Supervisor (if any); (g) encourage and facilitate the candidate‟s participation in conferences where some results of the research may be presented; and (h) encourage and assist, where appropriate, the candidate in the publication of his/her research during his/her candidature. (i) submit to the Board of the Faculty/Institute a report every six (6) months on the progress of the candidate‟s research. If at any stage of the research, the progress of the candidate is unsatisfactory, the Supervisor must ensure that corrective measures are taken. 6.7 Absence of Supervisor In the event of a supervisor being away from the University for more than a trimester/semester, the Dean shall arrange for appropriate arrangements for supervision to be provided during that period. In the event of the supervisor(s) leaving the employment of the University, the Board of the Faculty/Institute shall appoint a replacement supervisor as soon as possible. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 16 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK In the event that there is no suitable candidate to be appointed as supervisor, the Dean shall assume the role of the Supervisor in the interim until a suitable Supervisor is appointed and a qualified academic. 7.0 Monitoring and Grading System 7.1 6th monthly Progress Monitoring for By Research, By Published Work and Mixed Mode (a) A candidate (by research and by mixed mode) is required to submit Research Progress Report every 6 months (via on-line) at http://research.utar.edu.my/ipsr/projSystem/login.jsp (b) Supervisor and co-supervisor evaluate research progress of student based on Progress Report submitted by the student (c) Faculty BOE considers recommendations from FRDPC, and makes necessary decision. (d) Special Senate considers Faculty BOE‟s decision on student‟s progress status. (e) IPSR issues warning letter to student graded as “unsatisfactory” or did not submit progress report. (f) FRDPC convenes meeting between student, Supervisor and Co-supervisor to discuss corrective measures to improve the student‟s research work (g) Student (non-submission case) re-submits progress report via on-line (h) Supervisor and co-supervisor (if any) evaluates research progress submitted by student who did not submit previously. (i) FRDPC reviews the evaluation report on research progress of student who had resubmitted (j) BoE verifies and confirms the progress reports. (Once BoE confirmed the progress report as “satisfactory”, the previous warning given to the student for non-submission will be retracted. However, if BoE confirmed the progress report as “unsatisfactory”, the previous warning given to the student will stay. (k) Student continues with study/research work If a student accumulates 3 consecutive warnings, FRDPC will initiate action to recommend to PSC and Senate to terminate candidature of the student Candidature should refer to the related SoP: “QP-IPSR-PSU-006 - Monitoring of Research Progress for Postgraduate Programmes (By Research or Mixed Mode)” 7.2 Grading System for Mixed Mode and Coursework For Taught Unit, a candidate will be evaluated through two (2) evaluation component as follows: (a) Final Examination which is constitute 40% to 60% of the total marks, Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 17 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK (b) course work which include test, assignment, etc., which shall constitute 40% to 60% of total marks, (c) for subject where the evaluation component do not follow the percentage, prior approval of Senate must be obtained. Scheme of marks and grades applicable to intakes before January 2010: Grade Marks Points Description A A- 80 - 100 75 - 79 4.0000 3.6700 Excellent Excellent B+ B BC+ C D F 70 - 74 65 - 69 60 - 64 55 - 59 50 - 54 40 - 49 0 - 39 3.3300 3.0000 2.6700 2.3300 2.0000 1.0000 0.0000 Very Good Good Good Satisfactory Pass Passing Fail Scheme of marks and grades applicable to intakes January 2010 onwards: Grade A+ A AB+ B BC+ C F Marks 90 - 100 80 - 89 75 - 79 70 - 74 64 - 69 60 - 64 55 - 59 50 - 54 0 - 49 Points 4.0000 4.0000 3.6700 3.3300 3.0000 2.6700 2.3300 2.0000 0.0000 The following codes shall be used to indicate a candidate's status: Status S/U AU NA EX BR RP AB I P Description Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory Audit Not Applicable Exempted Barred Repeat Absent Incomplete In Progress Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 18 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK CT W Credit Transfer Withdraw For more details, please refer to “Rules XVI - Examination Rules for Master's Degree by Taught Course.” 7.3 Appeal for Review of Unit Examination Results Review of marks includes a re-evaluation of answer scripts and re-checking of the marks recorded by the Examiners to ensure there are no mistakes in the addition of marks and no part of an answer submitted by a candidate has been omitted. How to appeal for review of examination unit(s) results? A candidate, who may have sufficient reason to believe that he has been unjustiy graded or that an error has occurred in the marking of his paper or in the computing of grades, may appeal to the relevant Board of Examiners through DEAS. Appeal Procedure Appeals for a review of examination results can be made by submitting the application through UTAR Portal. The procedure for submission of online application for appeal for review of examination results is as follows: Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 19 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK *Once students have submitted their appeal for review of unit examination results via Online and fully paid the fees, neither withdrawal nor refunding of fees will be entertained. The fee for the review of unit examination results shall be refunded to the student if the appeal is successful. In the event where the appeal is rejected, the fee shall be forfeited. (a) The appeal shall be in writing and submitted to the respective Dean through the DEAS together with payment of a prescribed appeal fee which fee shall only be refunded if the appeal is successful. (b) All appeals shall reach DEAS within one (1) week from the date of announcement of the results appealed against. Appeals submitted after the lapse of the said period shall not be entertained. (c) The Dean shall, together with the Examiner concerned, review the answer script of the candidate. The Dean may direct that the candidate‟s answer script be reexamined by a second examiner. (d) After the review, if there is a change of mark and/or grade, the change shall be submitted to the Senate, through the Board of Examiners, for approval. 8.0 ADD AND DROP, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, EXTENSION OF CANDIDATURE AND WITHDRAWAL 8.1 Add and Drop of Unit Add/Drop of units should be done within 2 weeks upon the commencement of each trimester/semester. It shall be a prerequisite for a student to pay the pre-registered trimester/semester fees first before proceeding to add/drop units, unless it is exempted by the University. 8.2 Withdrawal of Unit Withdrawal of registered course unit(s) is allowed up till 2 weeks before the commencement of the Main Examination subject always that the academic load does not fall below the prescribed minimum load for that trimester/semester. 8.3 Leave of Absence Candidate are required to submit a duly completed “Application for Leave of Absence Form” downloadable from the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE) or Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) website. Approval for such applications is not automatic but determined by the University on a case-to-case basis An application for Leave of Absence must be made before the end of Week10 of a Long trimester or Week 5 of a Short trimester. The maximum duration of Leave of Absence is as follows: (a) Master Level (maximum 1 year) (b) Doctoral Level (maximum 2 years) Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 20 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK *The Leave of Absence can only be allowed up to a minimum of ONE Trimester. 8.4 Extension of Candidature If candidate intended to apply for extension of max candidature, the “Application for Change Form” form attached with completion timeline must be submitted minimum 2 months before the end of max candidature to faculty for FRDPC and FBO recommendation. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate for approval. Candidate should refer to the related SoP, “QP-IPSR-PSU-015 - Application for Extension of Maximum Candidature Period” to know more on the application flow. *Late submission will not be considered. 8.5 Withdrawal of Candidature Candidate are required to submit a completed “Notification to Withdraw from the University form” obtainable from the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE). An official letter from will be issue to the candidate once the withdrawal has been approved. 9.0 CHANGE AND CONVERSION 9.1 Change of Title and Area of Research If candidate intended to apply for change of Research Title before WCS, a request must be made through faculty for FRDPC and FBO recommendation. The recommendation of the change then should be forwarded to IPSR for noting. If candidate intended to apply for change of Research Area, it need to be endorsed by FRDPC and FBO. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate for approval, 9.2 Approval and Change of Dissertation/Thesis Title Once candidate has submitted his/her intent to submit Dissertation/Thesis, the faculty (FRDPC and Faculty Board) will recommend to PSC and Senate for it approval for the Dissertation/Thesis title. For thesis title which had been approved by Senate (during Dissertation/Thesis Submission), any change or deviation from it must be informed to PSC and Senate for approval again via FRDPC and Faculty Board. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 21 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 9.3 Approval and Change of Research Project Title Below are the steps for the Approval and Change of Research Project title (i) Candidate fills up the "Application for Change Form" (ii) Submit the form to faculty. (iii) FRDPC to make a recommendation of changing title (iv) FBO to consider recommendation of FRDPC (v) HoP/ FGO to notify the student for the approval/disapproval of changing title (vi) FGO to send in agenda paper for PSC & Senate noting. 9.2 Change of Mode of Study If candidate intended to apply for change of mode of study Full-time to Part-time or vice versa, the “Application for Change Form” must be filled and submitted to faculty for FRDPC and FBO recommendation. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate for approval. 9.3 Conversion from Master’s Degree to PhD Degree Programme A Bachelor‟s degree holder must first enroll to do a Master‟s programme. With the requisite approval of his supervisor, he may at any time during the Eligible Period make an application for conversion from a Master‟s degree candidature to a degree of the Doctor of Philosophy candidature. Upon the recommendation of the Faculty Board, UTAR Senate may permit a Master‟s degree candidate to be admitted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Condition for Conversion CGPA: 3.67 and above Eligible Period: min 6 month before 18 months Publication: Candidate is requested to refer to QP-IPSR-PSU-014 - Application for Conversion of Candidature from Master's to PhD for the application process. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 22 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 10.0 EXAMINATION 10.1 Eligibility of Entry into Examinations Candidate under the coursework and by mixed mode should refer to “Rule XVI Examination Rules for Master’s Degree by Taught Course” on matter related to examination. (1) No candidate shall be eligible to be admitted to the examination:(a) is officially registered in that unit; (b) has paid the tuition fees; and (c) has attained at least 70% attendance at lectures and tutorials classes or the unit. (2) Every candidate who is eligible to sit for an examination shall be given an authorisation Slip by DEAS as proof of eligibility to sit for the examination 10.1.1. Absence from Examination Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any unit due to medical (upon submission of a full medical report) or humanitarian reasons, the status of that candidate for that particular unit shall be recorded as „Incomplete‟ ( I ), and he shall be allowed to sit for the replacement examination for that particular unit as the main examination. Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any unit due to the reasons that are not acceptable to the Board of Examiners, the Board may decide to record the status of the candidate for that particular unit as „Fail‟ ( F ). Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any unit without any reason, the Board shall record the status of the candidate for that particular unit as „Absent ( AB )‟, which carries 0 marks. Where a candidate is required or allowed to repeat a unit, he shall be required to redo the entire course work and examinations for that particular unit. 10.1.2 Incomplete Units The status of „Incomplete‟ ( I ) may be recorded for an incomplete unit if the candidate had attended at least 70% of the module. The candidate shall be allowed a maximum duration of one academic year to convert the status, failing which the status for the unit shall be converted to „F‟. The Senate upon the recommendation of the Board of Examiners shall decide on the exact period the assessment should be completed. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 23 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 10.1.3 Repeat of Unit If a candidate repeats any unit the most recent grades shall be taken into the CGPA Calculation. A candidate who fails in the examination for any core unit in the third attempt shall be terminated from the programme. Candidature should refer to the related rule: “Rule XVI – Examination Rules for Master’s Degree by Taught Course” 10.1.4 Board of Examiners (for Coursework) There shall be a Board of Examiners for taught units and Project, appointed by the Senate, for the degree of Master‟s Degree by Coursework. The membership of the Board of Examiners shall comprise of the following: (a) Dean of Faculty/Institute or his representative as Chairman; and (b) All members of the Academic Staff who are involved in teaching the units and/or supervising the Project 10.1.5 Research Project Submission Candidate is required to submit the Research Project at respective faculties. Duration for completion of Project is the number of trimesters stated in the approved course structure. Candidate is required to submit his/her project report at the end of the duration for completion of Project. Failure to do so will lead to student being failed in the Project unit Candidate who failed in the Project will have to re-take the Project unit in the subsequent trimester at their own cost Candidate is allowed 3 attempts to pass the Project unit within 2 years from the date of 1st registration for Project and subject to availability of candidature period. *Student who failed in the 3rd attempt for Project shall be terminated from the programme Examination of Research Project The examiners for Project shall be appointed by the Senate and shall comprise: (a) Supervisor of the Project; (b) Co-Supervisor of the Project (if any), and (c) an Internal Examiner. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 24 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 10.2 Proposal Defence Candidates should adhere to Proposal Defence (PD) timeline; IPSR will not send any reminder on the due dates of 1st, 2nd or 3rd attempts. 1st attempt within 6 months* Master‟s By Research (Full-time) Master‟s By Research (Part- within 12 months* time) Master‟s By Mixed Mode within 3 months# (Full-time) Master‟s By Mixed Mode within 6 months# (Part-time) PhD (Full-time) within 9 months* PhD (Part-time) within 15 months* * from date of registration # from date of registration of dissertation Maximum duration within 12 months* within 18 months* within 9 months# within 12 months# within 18 months* within 24 months* (a) Candidate will be graded “Q1” for their proposal defence within their 1 attempt duration. (b) Candidate who could not carry out his 1st attempt for proposal defence in the given duration is deemed to have failed his 1st attempt. Candidate will be graded “Q2” (c) A candidate shall be given THREE attempts to pass the proposal defence. Should a candidate fail to conduct the proposal defence within the stipulated maximum periods of proposal defence, or cannot pass their PD at the 3rd attempt the candidate is deemed to have failed and shall automatically terminated. Candidature should refer to the related SoP: “QP-IPSR-PSU-007 - Proposal Defence” for the full process flow. 10.3 Work Completion Seminar Upon completion of the course of study and research a candidate shall be required to present his research results in a work completion seminar before he/she is allowed to submit his dissertation for examination. Related SoP to refer: “QP-IPSR-PSU-008 - Work Completion Seminar” Candidate should submit “Intent for Work Completion Seminar form” together with an abstract/summary of the Dissertation/Thesis. Abstract/Summary of the Dissertation/Thesis should contains at least the following: a) Research Project Title b) Objectives c) Research Background / Literature Review d) Research Methodology e) Project Implementation f) Research Outcome Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 25 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 10.3.1 Early Submission of Dissertation/Thesis Upon the recommendation of the Supervisor, through the Faculty/Institute Board, the Senate may allow a candidate to submit his dissertation for examination earlier than the minimum duration. 10.4 Appointment of Examiners After Candidate submit the notice of Intent to submit Thesis/Dissertation, the main supervisor nominates Internal and External Examiners and completes the “Nomination of Internal and External Examiners for Thesis/Dissertation” form. Guidelines for nomination (i) Internal examiner (at least a PhD holder); (ii) External examiner(s) from overseas with at least 5 recent publications in International Journals (a) For Master‟s degree dissertation – 1 external examiner who is at least an Assoc Prof ; (b) For PhD thesis – 2 external examiners : one must be Prof, another at least an Assoc Prof 10.5 Submission for Thesis/Dissertation for Examination After obtaining a Satisfactory in the WCS the candidate can proceed by submitting his intent by giving 3 month‟s notice, candidate is requested to refer to the “QP-IPSR-PSU-009 Submission of Notice of Intent to Submit Thesis/Dissertation. and Nomination of Internal and External Examiners for Thesis/Dissertation Examination” Once Senate has approved the Thesis/Dissertation title and appointment of External and Internal examiner, IPSR will notify the candidate to submit the following from examination: (a) soft-bound dissertation (5 copies) (b) Submission of thesis Dissertation for Examination form (c) Turnitin Originality Report - Supervisor's Comments Form Candidate should refer to the following SoP and Guideline before submission the Dissertation/Thesis for examination (a) QP-IPSR-PSU-010 - Submission of Thesis/Dissertation for Examination (b) GD-IPSR-PSU-001 UTAR Thesis/Dissertation Guidelines (c) GD-IAD-003 Generating Originality Report for Thesis/Dissertation/Project Report Using Turnitin Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 26 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Non-Submission of thesis/dissertation If student did not submit thesis/dissertation within 3 months after notification of intent to submit thesis/dissertation, IPSR will send reminders to student as follow: At the end of 3rd month from the date of submission of notification of intent to submit thesis/dissertation, send 1st reminder to student to submit within 1 month If no respond or submission by the end of 2nd week after 1st reminder, send 2nd reminder to student – reminding student that he/she has 2 more weeks to submit If still no respond or submission at the end of 1st week after 2nd reminder, send final reminder to student to submit within 1 week At the end of 1 month from the date of 1st reminder, send notification to the student to re-submit the notice of intent to submit thesis/ dissertation form. 10.6 Member of Board of Examiners (Thesis/Dissertation) for By Research and Published Work The Board of Examiners for a Master's dissertation shall comprise: (a) the Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR) or in his absence, the Director of IPSR‟s representative, who shall be the Chairman; (b) the External Examiner (or his report in lieu of); (c) the Internal Examiner; (d) a representative of the Senate; and (e) a representative of the Faculty/Institute. The Board of Examiners shall invite the Supervisor / Co-Supervisor(s) / External CoSupervisor(s) (if appointed) and may invite the Dean of the Faculty/Institute / Head of Department to attend the Board of Examiners meeting as invited members. 10.7 Viva Voce The viva will be scheduled by IPSR as soon as all reports from the External Examiner and Internal Examiners have been received. Related SoP to refer : QP-IPSR-PSU-012 - BOE & Viva-Voce for Thesis/Dissertation Examination During the viva, the student will appear before a BoE which consisting of the following: External Examiner (if applicable), Director of IPSR, Internal Examiners, Senate Representative, Faculty Representative and Supervisors. 10.7.1 Viva voce assessment The following decisions shall be made on the dissertation/thesis at the conclusion of the vivavoce. (a) Satisfactory (b) Satisfactory. Candidate may be required to attend the 2nd Board of Examiners meeting to clarify revisions made to the dissertation (c) Unsatisfactory. Candidate shall be required to repeat the viva voce Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 27 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 10.7.2 Dissertation/ Thesis Assessment RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES PASSED The candidate is recommended PASS for the dissertation, if the dissertation− (1) does not require revision or correction; (2) does not require additional experiments, collections of new data or extensive revision PASSED, subject to minor changes The candidate is recommended PASS subject to MINOR CHANGES to be made to the dissertation, if the dissertation(1) Requires minor text editing, formatting of tables and/or figures, corrections of grammar, spelling, or typographical mistakes; (2) Requires additional information and data to overcome minor technical errors that does not require additional work; and/or (3) Requires further explanations on several short sections in the dissertation which does not affect the overall conclusion The candidate is required to do MAJOR CORRECTIONS to the dissertation, if the dissertation(1) Requires major revision on the analysis of data that is not due to errors in the research methodology/approach; (2) Requires major text editing, formatting of tables and/or figures, corrections of grammar, spelling, or typographical mistakes ; and/or (3) Requires further explanations on large body of the sections in the dissertation which does not affect the overall conclusion. The candidate is required to undertake further work and submit the thesis for RE-EXAMINATION, if the dissertation (1) Requires major revision on data analysis that is due to errors in the research methodology/approach; (2) Requires major revision that can be addressed and improved with additional experiments, statistical analysis; and/or (3) Requires further explanations on large body of dissertation which affects the overall conclusion. The candidate has failed to attain sufficient academic standard for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and recommended for a Master‟s degree to be awarded in the appropriate field, if the thesis 1. Has not achieved academic merit equivalent to the level of PhD in terms of novelty, significant contribution to the body of knowledge; 2. Has only achieved the quality expected for a Master‟s degree level; and/or 3. Has weaknesses that can be corrected and sufficient to be awarded a Master‟s degree The candidate has failed if the dissertation 1. Has substantial weaknesses and below acceptable standards which cannot be addressed even with additional work or corrections; or 2. Has been plagiarised from other work or text. RESUBMISSION of dissertation to Board of Examiners, subject to major changes/ corrections RESUBMISSION of dissertation for reexamination RECOMMENDATION FOR MASTER’S DEGREE (for PhD candidates only) FAILED Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 28 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK After the viva, the candidate must obtain the information/comments and report for making the necessary corrections and improvements to the dissertation/thesis as directed by the Board of Examination Panel. This can be obtained directly from the Secretary of the BoE. The candidate will be given a specific period to correct and complete the dissertation/thesis for the submission of the final revised copies. 10.11 Graduation 10.11.1 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (by Research) The Senate shall award the degree upon the recommendation of the BOE once all requirements for Conferment of Degree have been met. A candidate shall be awarded a Master‟s degree / Degree of Doctor of Philosophy if he/she has: (a) passed all the compulsory modules and the dissertation; (b) fulfilled all the requirements of the Laws of the University and paid all the outstanding fees to the University. 10.11.2 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (By Mixed Mode and Coursework) A candidate shall be awarded the Master‟s Degree if he has: (a) passed all the modules and the Project; (b) attained a minimum CGPA of 3.0000 for the programme; and (c) fulfilled all the requirements of the Laws of the University and paid all the outstanding fees to the University. 10.11.3 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (By Published Works) A candidate shall be awarded the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy if he has: (a) passed the thesis; (b) fulfilled all the requirements of the Laws of the University and paid all the outstanding fees to the University. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 29 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 11.0 Termination and Reinstatement 11.1 Termination of Candidature The candidature of a student shall be terminated for any one of the following reasons: (a) Receiving two consecutive probation grade during the duration of his study (for coursework programmes); or on the recommendation of termination from his Supervisory Committee (for research programmes). (b) Fails to re-register by the FIFTH (5) weeks of new academic calendar. (c) Violates any rule or regulation as stipulated by the University. Candidate is requested to refer to QP-IPSR-PSU-016 - Termination of Candidature of Postgraduate Student due to Poor Academic Achievement 11.2 Reinstatement Termination due to Fees A Candidate who had been terminated due to fees, is requested to refer to “QP-IPSR-PSU017 - Appeal for Re-instatement by Terminated Postgraduate Candidate” on the process to reinstate their candidacy. After the candidature will be reinstate after the following fees stated in the Reinstatement Bill issued by the Department of Admissions and Credit Evaluation has been paid: (a) (b) (c) Course fee of the trimester/semester Late payment charge of RM10.00 per week Reinstatement fee of RM100.00. Termination due to poor academic and maximum candidature A candidate, whose candidature has been terminated due poor academic and maximum candidature, may appeal to the President of the University for reinstatement of his candidature. The decision of the President shall be final. The appeal to the President shall be in writing and submitted to the Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research together with payment of a prescribed appeal fee within two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of the termination notice or notification of result. Appeals submitted after the lapse of the said period shall not be entertained. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 30 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 12.0 Intellectual Property 12.1 Plagiarism As stated in “Rule XXV- Prohibition Of Plagiarism”, the University views as very serious acts of plagiarism which amounts to academic fraud and blatant or outright dishonesty. Plagiarism shall be deemed as an act of cheating within the ambit of the Examination Regulations. If the student is found guilty of plagiarism and depending upon the severity thereof, the Committee can impose, in addition to or substitution of the penalties stipulated in Section 55 of the Student Code of Conduct Rule, any one of the following penalties :(a) order the student to re-do or amend parts that were plagiarized; (b) deduct marks on the chapter or portion which the student plagiarizes; or (c) award a Grade “F” for the unit concerned. 12.1.1 Plagiarism Checking UTAR now subscribes to Turnitin, which is a web-based application that checks for the originality of submitted materials, for the use of academic staff and students. To verify the level of originality of the content in the thesis/dissertation/project report submitted, UTAR now requires every student from postgraduate and undergraduate programmes to submit his thesis/dissertation/project report to Turnitin for originality check before the student formally submits the thesis/dissertation/project report for examination. Candidate are advised to refer to the guideline “GD-IAD-003 Generating Originality Report for Thesis / Dissertation / Project Report using Turnitin” to generate the originality report. 13.0 Publication 13.1 Publication requirement – By Research Publication Requirement for Graduation Master’s candidate PhD candidate Encouraged to publish in an international refereed journal Shows proof of acceptance of at least one paper for publication in an international refereed journal. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 31 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 14.0 Online resources 14.1 UTAR Student Portal From UTAR main page : www.utar.edu.my select the UTAR Portal icon or from the drop down list under “Student” The UTAR Portal window will open in a new window, to login key in your username and password ID: student id without alphabet pw: ic with hyphen example: ID: 1400031 pw: 881226-08-5430 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 32 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK To view your course structure, click the Course tab then select Course Structure To view your trimester timetable for unit you had registered select “Timetable” under the Course Tab. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 33 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK To view the SoP, Rule and Regulation, SoP click the Guidelines tab then select “Rule and Regulation.” Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 34 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK To view your student Bill, click the Billing tab then select “My Billing” to login key in your username and password From My Billing screen you may view your current bill, Payment history and guide on how to make the payment Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 35 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 14.2 Unit registration From you student Portal login screen click “Course Registration” The course registration screen will open in a new window, login using the same username and password as your UTAR portal login. Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 36 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 14.3 Progress report system From IPSR website, under Quick Link , click “6 Monthly Progress Report” . To login key in your username and password ID: student id without alphabet pw: ic with hyphen example: ID: 1400031 pw: 881226-08-5430 Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 37 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK You are required to complete the online Survey before proceeding to submit your progress report, Click OK Click on the pop up that was block. Then select the 1st link to complete the survey Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 38 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 14.4 WBLE From the UTAR Student Portal login page, click Web-based Learning Environment To login key in your username and password Log in using your user name and password, same as how you log in into your student portal Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 39 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Click Here to view unit You may view and download your Lecture Note, for each study week Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 40 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK 14.5 Postgraduate Studies related form and guidelines From IPSR website, under Quick Link, click “Info for current Student” . Click here for Guidelines Click here for Forms C Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 41 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK List for Forms List of Guidelines, you may view and download Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 42 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Appendix 1 -Progress of Studies By Research Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 43 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Appendix 2 Progress of Studies By Coursework Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 44 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Appendix 3- Progress of Studies By Mixed Mode Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 45 POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK Appendix 4 – Academic Calender (a) Trimester 1 Teaching Week Examination Break 14 weeks 3 weeks 4 weeks 21 weeks (b)Trimester 2 Teaching Week Examination Break 14 weeks 3 weeks 3 weeks 20 weeks (c) Trimester 3 Teaching Week Examination Break 7 weeks 3 weeks 2 weeks 13 weeks Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 46
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