The decision to pursue a Master's by research in social science is rooted in a deep appreciation for the complexity of societal structures, human behavior, and the need for nuanced insights to address contemporary social challenges. This program is tailored for individuals who aspire to contribute significantly to the social sciences through rigorous inquiry, original research, and the development of innovative solutions to pressing societal issues. This program provides a unique opportunity to delve deeply into specific aspects of human society, interrogate existing theories, and generate new knowledge. This research-intensive approach allows individuals to develop advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of social dynamics. It is fully accredited by MQA (ref: MQA/FA6973) since 11th September 2013. This program is open to local and international students.

The fields and sub-fields of study offered by FSSH consists of, but not limited to:​

• Political Studies: Electoral studies, public administration, political economy, policy studies​
• International Relations: Strategic and security studies, foreign policy studies​
• Anthropology: Borneo ethnography, anthropology of development, medical anthropology, media anthropology, indigenous communities, cultural studies​
• Social Work: Disability studies, criminology, social policy, youth studies​
• Sociology: Community development, sociology of development, gender studies​
• Development Studies: development and poverty studies, human geography and demographic studies, urbanisation and community development, planning and management​
• Industrial and Employment Relations: Industrial sociology, labour studies, labour economics, labour law​
• Geography Information System and Remote Sensing: spatial social science, spatial modelling​

​You may find our expert and your potential supervisor here https://www.fssh.unimas.my/index.php/home/the-people/lecturers

The aim of the Master of Social Science program is to produce: ​

1. competent professionals who have contemporary knowledge with practical skills capable of using advanced numerical techniques and digital skills in the field of social sciences.​
2. competent professionals who are able to communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders in offering innovative solutions to solve societal problem using social sciences methods. ​
3. competent professionals who lead and uphold professionalism, ethical practices and integrity in the field of social sciences in all settings. ​
4. competent professionals who demonstrate positive attitudes, with entrepreneurial mindset and globalised outlook in progressing their career and profession. ​

Upon graduating from this programme, the students are able to:​

1. Critically evaluate current knowledge that address issues and challenges in society. ​
2. Formulate social scientific research to address societal issues.​
3. Conduct outcome-based research by employing the methods of social sciences to strengthen knowledge and practices for the benefit of the society.​
4. Illustrate commendable interpersonal skills in diverse communities and dynamic organizational context.​
5. Perform effective communication skills in presenting ideas with peers and members of the public competently and respectfully.​
6. Demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the field of social sciences by incorporating digital technologies in analytical tasks.​
7. Demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the field of social sciences by incorporating advanced analytical and numerical techniques.​
8. Adapt leadership style that promote autonomy and responsibility in a dynamic social or organisational setting.​
9. Exhibit positive attitude and commitment to life-long learning for professional advancement.​
10. Display ability in identifying and addressing needs, risks and resources and able to frame data and information to achieve goals with allocated resources.​
11. Uphold legal, ethical, and professionalism while conducting research. ​

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A student’s progress is evaluated through the submission of a progress report which is done twice a year. As part of the requirements to successfully graduate from this program, students are required to pass GSF6011: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, pass their proposal defence, publish in Indexed journals, submit a full thesis for internal and external examinations, and pass their viva-voce examination. A student who has satisfied the Examination Committee for Postgraduate Studies in all aspects of their work is eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Social Science.​

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Supervision​

In this program, students are closely guided by their respective supervisors. The supervisory team usually consists of one main supervisor and one co-supervisor; they are selected from the academics of this faculty, or within or outside the University, who are experts in the student’s field of study. In some cases, a student may have more than two supervisors in his/her panel of supervisors. It is also common for students to have only the main supervisor with them. ​