Postgraduate Handbook 2018

Postgraduate
Handbook
2018
Prepared by :Amirtha Sangeetha

Revision date: 08 Jan 2018
Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page i

DECLARATION
The University reserves the right to amend the Postgraduate Handbook from time to time at
its sole discretion.
CONTACTS
Prof Dr.Faidz bin Abd Rahman
Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research
Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext395. Email: faidzar@utar.edu.my
Dr. Chong Yee Lee

Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studiesand Research
Tel: 05-4688888 Ext: 4359 Email: chongyl@utar.edu.my
Engr. Dr Lee Sheng Chyan

Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research
Tel: 05-4688888 Ext: 4496 Email: sclee@utar.edu.my
Dr Ezra Morris
Deputy Director of Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research
Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 852 Email: ezram@utar.edu.my
Programme Officers Kampar Campus

Ms Nurul Akmar binti Zainuddin
Tel:605-468 8888 Ext: 2229 Email: akmar@utar.edu.my
Mr Vani a/p Ramu

Tel:605-468 8888 Ext: 2229Email: vani@utar.edu.my
Kampar Campus Office Fax:05-466 7796
Programme Officers at Sg.Long Campus

Puan Zuraini Binti Mohmad Shari
Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 843 Email: zuraini@utar.edu.my
Ms Tan Lee Teng

Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 843 Email: lttan@utar.edu.my
Ms Amirtha Sangeetha Ganesan

Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 844 Email: amirtha@utar.edu.my
Ms Grace Lee Siew Wai

Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 844 Email: gracelee@utar.edu.my
Nor Azlan bin Hasan

Tel: 03-9086 0288 Ext: 845 Email: azlan@utar.edu.my
Sg.Long Campus Office Fax: 03-9019 7880
Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page ii

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 ............................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 Entry Requirement ........................................................................................................... 5
3.2 English Language Requirement ....................................................................................... 7
3.3 Application Procedure ..................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Deferment of Admission .................................................................................................. 9
4.0 Registration .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 New Candidate ................................................................................................................. 9
4.1.1 Checklist for New Student ............................................................................................ 9
4.2Active Candidate ............................................................................................................. 10
4.2.1 Programme by Research ............................................................................................. 10
4.3.2 Programmes by Mixed Mode and Coursework .......................................................... 11
4.3 Dissertation for Mixed Mode and Project Registration for Coursework ....................... 11
4.4Application for Course Waiver ....................................................................................... 12
4.5 Progress of Studies ......................................................................................................... 12
5.0 Fees .................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1 Payment of Fees ............................................................................................................. 12
5.2 Fees Breakdown ............................................................................................................. 13
5.3 Recurring Fees ............................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Refund of Fees ............................................................................................................... 14
5.5 Late Payment/Reinstatement Fees ................................................................................. 15
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 ......................................................................................... 16
6.5 Change/Addition of Supervisor(s) ................................................................................. 16
6.6 Role of Supervisor ......................................................................................................... 16
6.7 Absence of Supervisor ................................................................................................... 17
7.0 Monitoring and Grading System ....................................................................................... 17
7.1 6th monthly Progress Monitoring for by Research, by Published Work and Mixed
Mode programmes ............................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Grading System for Mixed Mode and Coursework ....................................................... 18
8.0 Add and Drop, Leave Of Absence, Extension of Candidature And Withdrawal .............. 19
8.1 Add and Drop of Course ................................................................................................ 19
8.2 Withdrawal of Course .................................................................................................... 19
8.3 Leave of Absence ........................................................................................................... 19
8.4 Extension of Candidature ............................................................................................... 20
8.5 Withdrawal of Candidature ............................................................................................ 20
9.0 Application for Field Trip and Attachment to other institution ......................................... 20
9.1 Application for Field Trip .............................................................................................. 20
9.2 Attachment to other institution ...................................................................................... 20
Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page iii

10.0 Change and Conversion ................................................................................................... 20
10.1 Change of Title and Area of Research ......................................................................... 20
10.2 Approval and Change of Dissertation/Thesis Title ...................................................... 21
10.3 Approval and Change of Research Project Title.......................................................... 21
10.4 Change of Mode of Study ............................................................................................ 21
10.5 Conversion from Master’s Degree to PhD Degree Programme .................................. 21
11.0 Examination ..................................................................................................................... 22
11.1 Eligibility of Entry into Examinations....................................................................... 22
11.1.1. Absence from Examination...................................................................................... 22
11.1.2 Incomplete Courses ................................................................................................... 22
11.1.3 Repeat of Course ....................................................................................................... 23
11.1.4 Board of Examiners (for Coursework) ..................................................................... 23
11.1.5 Research Project Submission (for Coursework) ....................................................... 23
11.2 Proposal Defence ......................................................................................................... 24
11.3 Work Completion Seminar .......................................................................................... 24
11.3.1 Early Submission of Dissertation/Thesis .................................................................. 25
11.4 Appointment of Examiners .......................................................................................... 25
10.5 Submission for Thesis/Dissertation for Examination .................................................. 25
11.6 Member of Board of Examiners (Thesis/Dissertation) for by Research and PhD by
Published Work.................................................................................................................... 26
11.7 Viva Voce .................................................................................................................... 26
11.7.1 Viva voce assessment ............................................................................................... 27
11.7.2 Dissertation/ Thesis Assessment ............................................................................... 27
11.8 Publication requirement – by Research programme .................................................... 28
11.9 Graduation.................................................................................................................... 29
11.9.1 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (by Research) .......................................... 29
11.9.2 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (by Mixed Mode and Coursework) ......... 29
11.9.3 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (PhD by Published Work) ....................... 29
12.0 Termination, Appeal and Reinstatement.......................................................................... 29
12.1 Termination of Candidature ......................................................................................... 29
12.2 Appeal and Reinstatement ........................................................................................... 30
12.2.1 Appeal from Termination due to Fees ...................................................................... 30
12.2.2 Appeal for Review of Course Examination Results ................................................. 30
13.0 Intellectual Property ......................................................................................................... 32
13.1 Plagiarism .................................................................................................................... 32
13.1.1 Plagiarism Checking ................................................................................................. 32
14.0 Online resources............................................................................................................... 33
14.1 UTAR Student Portal ................................................................................................... 33
14.2 Course registration ....................................................................................................... 37
14.3 Progress report system ................................................................................................. 38
14.4 WBLE .......................................................................................................................... 40
14.5 Postgraduate Studies related form and guidelines ....................................................... 42
Appendix 1 -Progress of Studies by Research ......................................................................... 44
Appendix 2 Progress of Studies by Coursework ..................................................................... 45
Appendix 3- Progress of Studies by Mixed Mode ................................................................... 46
.................................................................................................................................................. 46
Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page iv

1.0 General
1.1 Definitions
Applicant : Person who submits an application to IPSR to be

considered for admission in UTAR’s postgraduate
programme
BOE : Board of Examiners
Candidate : Student who has registered and is in the process of
preparing or conducting his/her research work.
Candidature : Status of a registered student
CGPA : Cumulative Grade Point Average
Coursework programme : Postgraduate programme with a research component of
less than fifty (50) percent
FBO : Faculty Board
FRDPC : Faculty R&D and Postgraduate Committee
FGO : Faculty General Office
MUET : Malaysian University English Test
Mixed Mode programme : Postgraduate programme with at least a fifty (50)
percent research component
HoP : Head of Programme
IELTS : International English Language Testing System
IPSR : Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research.
LoA : Leave of Absence refers to a period during which a
candidate has been granted permission to temporarily
suspend his/her studies.
PSC : Postgraduate Studies Committee
PD : Proposal Defence
Research programme : Postgraduate programme where candidates are required
to contribute to original research in a research
environment.
Senate : The highest authority on academic matters in the
University.
SoP : Standard Operating Procedure
TOEFL : Test of English as A Foreign Language
Viva voce : An oral examination in which the examiners assess the
candidate’s research work
WCS : Work Completion Seminar
WBLE : Web Based Learning Environment
Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 1

1.2 Postgraduate Administrative Structure
Senate 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
Chairman: VP(R&D and proposal/application of postgraduate candidate
Commersilization. submitted by Faculty Board;
(e) Coordinate any other academic matters relating to
Members: Director of IPSR, postgraduate studies;
Deans of Faculties, Directors of (f) Review of Rules/Regulations regarding postgraduate
Institution, Academic Centers studies and make recommendations to Senate; and
(g) Carry out any other duties as directed by Senate.
Secretariat:IPSR
Provides the administrative services

needed for the setting up, running and
continuous quality assurance and
enhancement of 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

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 Structure Mode of Campus
study
Institute of Chinese Studies
Master of Chinese Studies by Mixed Mode Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Arts (Chinese Studies) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Studies) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
by Published work Part Time Campus
Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science
Master of Information Systems by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Mathematics by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Engineering (Electrical) by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Engineering (Mechanical) by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Engineering (Electronic Systems) by Coursework
Master of Project Management by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long

Part Time Campus
Master of Architecture by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Campus
Master of Science by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Engineering Science by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Science) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Faculty of Creative Industries
Master of Communication by Mixed Mode Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Arts (Communication) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Faculty of Accountancy and Management
Master of Business Administration by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
(Corporate Governance) Part Time Campus
(Building Management) Part Time Campus
Master of Philosophy by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy by Research Full Time

Programme Structure Mode of Campus
study
by Published work Part Time Sungai Long
Campus
Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology
Master of Engineering Science by Research Full Time Kampar
Master of Engineering (Electronic by Coursework Full Time Kampar
Systems) Part Time Campus
Master of Environmental Technology by Coursework Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) by Research Full Time Kampar
Faculty of Business and Finance
Master of Business Administration by Coursework Full Time Kampar
(Corporate Management) Part Time Campus
Master of Philosophy by Research Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy by Research Full Time Kampar
Faculty of Science
Master of Science by Research Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Science) by Research Full Time Kampar
Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Master of Medical Sciences by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Part Time Campus
Master of Medical Science (Chinese by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Medicine) Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Medicine) by Research Full Time Sungai Long
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
Master of Science (Computer Science) by Research Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science) by Research Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Faculty of Arts and Social
Master of Philosophy (Social Science) by Research Full Time Kampar
Part Time Campus
Master of Psychology (Industrial by Mixed Mode Full Time Kampar
Organisational Psychology) Part Time Campus
Doctor of Philosophy(Social Science) by Research Full Time Kampar

2.2 Duration of Study
Duration of Study for candidate:
Programmes Full-time Part-time

Min/Normal Max Min/Normal Max
Master’s by Research 2 4 3 6
Master’s by Mixed Mode 1.5 4 2 6
Master’s by Coursework 1 4 2 6
PhD by Research 3 6 4 8
Min Max
PhD by Published Work 12 24
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
Master Programme (c) a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.00 and
by Coursework 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
above but less than 2.75 or a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA
Master Programme
of 2.50 and above but less than 2.75 in a related field from
by Mixed Mode
UTAR and subjected to rigorous assessment; or
(c) a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.00 and
of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50 in a related field from

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
Master Programme modules in Psychology or its equivalent (covering all eight
by Mixed Mode Knowledge Areas highlighted in pages 13 – 14 of
Master of Psychology Programme Standards: Psychology) with a minimum CGPA
(Industrial Organisational 2.75 out of 4.00 in the prerequisites modules; or
Psychology) (c) A Bachelor’s Degree with minimum CGPA 2.75 out of 4.00
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
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
Master by Research
of 2.00 and above but less than 2.50, in a related field from
working or research experience and subjected to rigorous
assessment; or
(d) any other academic qualifications equivalent to (a), (b) or (c)
Senate.
(a) a Bachelor’s Degree of Computing or in the area of science
and technology or related to computing, with a minimum
CGPA of 3.00; or
(b) a Bachelor’s Degree of Computing or in the area of science
Master by Research and technology or related to computing, with CGPA below
Master of Science 3.00 but above 2.50, can be accepted subject to rigorous
(Computer Science) internal assessment; or
(c) a Bachelor’s Degree of Computing or in the area of science
and technology or related to computing, with CGPA less than
2.50, with a minimum of 5 years working experience in a
relevant field and subjected to rigorous assessment; or

(d) any other academic qualifications equivalent to (1), (2) or (3)
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 2.00 and above
but less than 2.75 or a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA of 2.00
Master of Architecture By and above but less than 2.75 in the relevant field of study from
Coursework UTAR and subjected to rigorous assessment; or
(c) any other qualifications equivalent to (i) and (ii) as recognized
by the Senate and Board of Architects Malaysia; and
(d) at least six months of post degree Practical Experience in a
registered architect’s office evidenced in a log book; and
(e) a portfolio for submission and assessment
(a) A Master’s Degree from UTAR and shows evidence of
adequate related research or work experience to satisfaction
of Senate; or
(b) A Master’s Degree of another university or equivalent
PhD by Research 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
PhD by Published Work
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) any other qualifications equivalent to (a) or (b) as approved
by the Senate.
3.2 English Language Requirement
In addition to the academic requirements a applicant is also required to possess an English

Language certification as stated in the below table.
Programmes English Language Requirement

Business Programmes -IELTS: 6.0 /equivalent
Engineering Programmes -TOEFL:500 / IELTS :5.0 /equivalent
Computing Programmes -IELTS: 6.0 /equivalent
Media and Communication Studies - TOEFL: 600/ IELTS: 6.0 /equivalent
Programmes

Notwithstanding the above, English language requirement for programmes not stated in the
above table, candidate is required to possess any one of the following:
(a) a minimum overall score of 550 in TOEFL (paper-based) or 210 in TOEFL (computer-
based) or 78 in TOEFL (internet-based testing);
(b) a minimum overall band score of 6.0 in IELTS;
(c) a minimum credit B in SPM English Language/“O” level English Language;
(d) a minimum overall band score of 4 in MUET;
(e) a minimum of B2 level in CEFR;
(f) a credit in English 1119; or
(g) any other international English language certification which is of equivalent level as
determined by the Senate of the University.
If the applicant has obtained the Bachelor's or Master’s degree with English as the sole
medium of instruction, please provide the letter from the institution's Registrar
Upon the recommendation of the Faculty, the Senate may exempt a candidate from the English
requirement if the candidate is a native of an English speaking country or had obtained an
academic qualification at O-level or A-level or had obtained the Bachelor's or Master’s degree
using English as the sole medium of instruction or had obtained the Bachelor's degree from a
Malaysian recognized institution whereby English is one of the media of instruction.
The Faculty shall interview the candidate and recommend to the Senate for exemption, where
appropriate.
An International applicant who does not fulfil the English Language requirement will be
considered for Conditional Offers, whereby the applicant will undergo a Preparatory Course.
Applicant should then register and sits for either IELTS, TOEFL or MUET and achieved the
score as per programme standard/ UTAR English requirement within 12 months from the date
of entry into Malaysia.
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).

(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 :

Sg. Long Campus Kampar Campus
Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Institute of Postgraduate Studies and
Research Research
UniversitiTunku Abdul Rahman UniversitiTunku Abdul Rahman
Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, JalanUniversiti,
Cheras, 43000 Kajang, Bandar Barat,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 31900 Kampar, Perak Malaysia.
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 required to submit an official letter

addressed 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.
4.0 Registration
4.1 New Candidate
4.1.1 Checklist for New Student

No Items that Require Your Attention Your Action and Duration/
Deadline Given
1 Collecting Offer Letter for Admission and After receiving notification email from Institute
1st Student Bill of Postgraduate Studies & Research (IPSR),
you can either collect your offer letter within 1
For international student week at IPSR office or request the offer letter to
You’ll be notified by the Department of be sent to you.
International Student Services (DISS).
2 Pay for the 1st Student Bill at Division of Make payment before the due date as stated in
Finance or via e-banking the Student Bill.
(Please inform IPSR officer through email or
For international student via phone call after you had made payment)
The student bill consists of 2 parts: 1stbill for
administrative fees and 2nd bill for tuition fees
3 Make appointment for Photo taking for Within 2 weeks after settling the 1st student bill.
student ID Card with IPSR officer 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) You will receive the letter within 1 week after
(For the programme by research only) 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/Course To add or drop the pre-registered subject(s) as
stated in the 1st student bill, please submit
Candidate by research and Mixed Mode is add/drop form within 2 weeks after
requested to refer to commencement of new trimester.
QP-IPSR-PSU-004 - Course 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
submit it in person.
Please take note that you are required to

register at least 1 subject in a trimester. Refund
for dropped course(s) will be kept in your
account for future off-setting)
7 Timetable of Classes for your postgraduate Please view and download from IPSR webpage
programme under info for current student
8 To access Student portal You may access within 1 week after registering
https://portal.utar.edu.my/loginPage.jsp as a student
Username : Student Id without alphabet You may view the following in Student Portal
Password : Your IC with hyphen (i) Course structure
(ii) Course syllabi
(Refer Section 6.0 in Handbook on Online (iii) UTAR Rules & Regulations
resources ) (iv) Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs)
related to Postgraduate Programme, etc
If you experienced problem in accessing the

portal, please send an email to your IPSR
officer for advice/further action
9 To access Library OPAC : You may access within 1 week after registering
http://library.utar.edu.my/ as a student
Username : Student Id without alphabet
Password : Your IC with hyphen
4.2Active Candidate
4.2.1 Programme by Research

A full-time candidate shall register and be on campus for the whole duration of the
candidature while a part-time candidate shall register and be on campus at least 15 working
days a year for the duration of candidature.
A candidate is subject to sub-section above clause unless approval from Senate is obtained to
conduct the research in another institution/organization either locally or overseas.
Base on the above statement, a full-time candidates must meet their supervisors at least twice
a month until their final submission of Dissertation/Thesis. Supervisors needs to record the
meeting log in the Postgraduate Research Progress Monitoring System.
The Main Supervisors will notify IPSR if they are not able to contact the candidate for a
month.
While part -time candidates need to meet up with their supervisors at least 15 working days in
a year until their final submission of Dissertation/Thesis. Supervisors needs to record the
meeting log in the Postgraduate Research Progress Monitoring System
The Main Supervisors will notify IPSR if they are not able to contact the candidate for three
months.
Active candidates are also require to register within TWO (2) weeks before the registration
date of each subsequent academic trimester. Should a candidate fail to register after the
add/drop period, the candidate’s candidature shall be automatically be terminated. See related
SoP, “QP-IPSR-PSU-005-Course Registration for Postgraduate Programmes (for
Existing Student)”.
Link to course registration https://unitreg.utar.edu.my/portal/courseRegStu/login.jsp
Candidates who have previously registered for Thesis/Dissertation must continuously

registered for the same course in every subsequent trimester until completion of study.
Candidate in By Research programmes are not allowed to drop any pre-registered courses. Any
of the compulsory courses which cannot be completed within the trimester in which the
students enrolled can be carried forward to the following trimester.
4.3.2 Programmes by Mixed Mode and 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-IPSR-
PSU-005 - Course Registration for Postgraduate Programmes (for Existing Student)”.
Link to course registration https://unitreg.utar.edu.my/portal/courseRegStu/login.jsp
4.3 Dissertation for Mixed Mode and Project Registration for Coursework
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 0 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 course.
4.4 Application for Course Waiver
For the application for Course waiver the candidate must submit the following
(a) “Postgraduate Course Waiver Application” form,

(b) Receipt of payment of RM100 per course,
(c) Academic transcript, and
(d) Syllabus of course(s) for evaluation.
See related SoP, QP-IPSR-PSU-013 - Application for Course Waiver in Postgraduate

Programmes to know more on the application flow
Faculty shall assess whether the evaluated course from the awarding institution can be given
equivalent standing as the UTAR course. 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 Studies by Mixed Mode (Appendix 3)
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
Type of Fee Malaysian International
(RM) (RM)
Full-time Part-time Full-time Part-time
Technical Unit Fee
Master of Arts
(Chinese Studies) / 305 per credit hour 366 per credit hour
PhD(Chinese
Studies)
Other Master / PhD 405 per credit hour 486 per credit hour
Programmes
Research Component Fee : (per year)
Master’s by 2,000 1,340 2,400 1,600
Research
PhD 2,000 1,500 2,400 1,800
Master’s by Mixed 1,000 500 1,200 600
Mode
Other Fees Master PhD Master PhD
Activity & 120 per year 220 per 220 per 320 per
320 per year
Services Fee year year year
Resource Centre 240 per year 550 per 750 per 550 per 750 per
Fee year year year year
Exam and 380 per year 380 per 380 per 580 per
580 per year
Facility Fee year year year
Insurance 9 per year - - - -
Premium
Registration Fee
200 500 1000 500 1000
Caution Money 200 200 500 1,000

Administrative - - 5,000 5,000
Fee
Thesis/Dissertation Examination (upon submission):
Master’s by
Research / by
1,500 1,800
Mixed Mode
Programmes
PhD Programmes 2,500 3,000
Thesis/Dissertation Re-Examination (upon submission):
Master’s by 1,500 1,800
Research / by
Mixed Mode
Programmes
PhD Programmes 2,500 3,000
Fee for Appeal for Review of Examination Results:
Review of 100 per course 100 per course
Examination
Results
Review of 300 per dissertation/thesis 300 per dissertation/thesis
Dissertation/Thesis
Results
Fee for Appeal Against Termination of Study
Administrative Fee 100 100
(non-refundable)

5.3 Recurring Fees
(a) Master by Coursework

Technical unit fee + Recurring Fee (charged after the minimum period based on course
structure) whereby the itemization of recurring fee is as follows:
Malaysian International
Recurring Fee
(RM) (RM)
Activity & Services Fee 100 200
Resource Centre Fee 200 500
Exam and Facility Fee 300 300
Insurance Premium 9 -
Total 609 1,000
(b)Master by Research/Mixed Mode and PhD
Recurring Fee (charged after the normal period and based on course structure) whereby
the itemization of recurring fee is as follows:
By Research Mixed Mode PhD
Recurring Malaysian International Malaysian International Malaysian International

Fee (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM)
Full- Part- Full- Part- Full- Part- Full- Part- Full- Part- Full- Part-
time time time time time time time time time time time time
Research 1,000 670 1,200 800 500 250 600 300 1,000 750 1,200 900
Component
Fee
Resource 200 200 500 500 200 200 500 500 200 200 700 700
Centre Fee
Insurance 9 9 - - 9 9 - - 9 9 - -
Total 1,209 879 1,700 1,300 709 459 1,100 800 1,209 959 1,900 1,600
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.
Links to the application forms: Application for Refund of Caution Money

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) Course fee of the trimester/semester

(b) Late payment charge of RM10.00 per week
(c) Reinstatement fee of RM100.00.
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 Staff/Student Ratio
Professor 1:10
Associate Professor 1:7
Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer 1:5
Lecturer 1:3
Adjunct Professor/Adjunct Specialist 1:2

6.4 Supervisor Selection Criteria
Master’s Degree by Research and by Mixed Mode
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.
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.
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 programmes
(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 re-
submitted
(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 Course, 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,
(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 80 - 100 4.0000 Excellent
A- 75 - 79 3.6700 Excellent
B+ 70 - 74 3.3300 Very Good
B 65 - 69 3.0000 Good
B- 60 - 64 2.6700 Good
C+ 55 - 59 2.3300 Satisfactory
C 50 - 54 2.0000 Pass
D 40 - 49 1.0000 Passing
F 0 - 39 0.0000 Fail
Scheme of marks and grades applicable to intakes January 2010 onwards:
Grade Marks Points

A+ 90 - 100 4.0000
A 80 - 89 4.0000
A- 75 - 79 3.6700
B+ 70 - 74 3.3300
B 65 - 69 3.0000
B- 60 - 64 2.6700
C+ 55 - 59 2.3300
C 50 - 54 2.0000
F 0 - 49 0.0000
The following codes shall be used to indicate a candidate's status:
Status Description
S/U Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory
AU Audit
NA Not Applicable
EX Exempted
BR Barred
RP Repeat
AB Absent
I Incomplete
P In Progress
CT Credit Transfer
W Withdraw
FL Fail
PS Passed
For more details, please refer to “Rules XVI - Examination Rules for Master's Degree By
Coursework and Master's Degree By Mixed Mode”
8.0 Add and Drop, Leave Of Absence, Extension of Candidature And

Withdrawal
8.1 Add and Drop of Course
Add/Drop of courses 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 courses, unless it is exempted by
the University.
8.2 Withdrawal of Course
Withdrawal of registered course course(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
Candidates 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 Week 10 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)
*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 Application for Field Trip and Attachment to other institution
9.1 Application for Field Trip
Candidate are required to submit a completed “FM-IPSR-PSU-027- Application for Field

Trip form” with support from supervisors and attached with the field trip undertaking and
indemnity letter and a copy of UTAR SERC approval letter to Head of Programme (HoP),
Head of Programme (HoP) will notify the student once the application has been approved by
the Deputy Dean (R&D and Postgraduate studies). Candidate should refer to the related SoP,
“QP-IPSR-PSU-021-Application for Field Trip”
9.2 Attachment to other institution
Candidate are required to submit official request letter with the support from Supervisor(s)
attach with the copy of the approval letter/agreement form the foreign/local
University/Institution 3 months prior to the attachment to Faculty 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-020-
Application to Conduct research in Another Institution/University” to know more on the
application flow.
10.0 Change and Conversion
10.1 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 needs to be endorsed by FRDPC
and FBO. The recommendation from the Faculty will then be considered by PSC and Senate
for approval.
10.2 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.
10.3 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.
10.4 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.
10.5 Conversion from Master’s Degree to PhD Degree Programme
The Senate may, upon the recommendation of the Board of the Faculty/Institute permit a
Master’s degree (by research) candidate of the University to be admitted as a candidate for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy during the eligible period, i.e. between six (6) to eighteen
(18) months upon registration as a Master’s degree candidate.
Condition for Conversion
CGPA : 3.67 and above

Eligible Period : between six (6) to eighteen (18) months
Publication : Required to have work published or accepted for publication in a
peer-reviewed journal, and that the work or paper is related to his
Master’s project, prior to application for conversion.
Candidate is requested to refer to“QP-IPSR-PSU-014 - Application for Conversion of

Candidature from Master's to PhD for the application process.”

11.0 Examination
11.1 Eligibility of Entry into Examinations
Candidate under the coursework and by mixed mode should refer to “Rule XVI Examination
Rules for Rules XVI - Examination Rules for Master's Degree By Coursework and
Master's Degree By Mixed Mode” on matter related to examination.
(1) No candidate shall be eligible to be admitted to the examination:-

(a) is officially registered in that course;
(b) has paid the tuition fees; and
(c) has attained at least 70% attendance at lectures and tutorials classes or the
course.
(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
11.1.1. Absence from Examination
Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any course due to medical (upon
submission of a full medical report) or humanitarian reasons, the status of that candidate for
that particular course shall be recorded as ‘Incomplete’ ( I ), and he shall be allowed to sit for
the replacement examination for that particular course as the main examination.
Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any course 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 course as ‘Fail’ ( F ).
Where a candidate has been absent from the examination of any course without any reason, the
Board shall record the status of the candidate for that particular course as ‘Absent ( AB )’,
which carries zero (0) marks.
Where a candidate is required or allowed to repeat a course, he shall be required to redo the
entire course work and examinations for that particular course.
11.1.2 Incomplete Courses
The status of ‘Incomplete’ ( I ) may be recorded for an incomplete course 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 course 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.

11.1.3 Repeat of Course
A candidate who fails the examination for any core course in the third attempt or who has not
passed the Project after three (3) attempts within two (2) years from the date of first registration
of the course shall be terminated from the programme.
A candidate is not allowed to repeat the same elective course more than 4 times.
The calculation of GPA and CGPA shall be based upon grades obtained at the most recent
Repeat sitting. The total number of credit hours for a "repeat" course taken at all examinations
attempted shall be calculated only once.
Candidature should refer to the related rule: “Rule XVI – Examination Rules for Master’s
Degree by Coursework and Master’s Degree by Mixed Mode”
Eligibility for Repeat of Course
(a) A candidate who has obtained a final grade F/FL for any course after the Main/Replacement
Examination; and
(b) A candidate who wishes to repeat to improve the grade(s) of his course(s) with the
permission of the Dean of the respective Faculty/Institute.
11.1.4 Board of Examiners (for Coursework)
There shall be a Board of Examiners for taught courses 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 courses and/or
supervising the Project
11.1.5 Research Project Submission (for Coursework)
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 course
Candidate who failed in the Project will have to re-take the Project course in the subsequent
trimester at their own cost
Candidate is allowed 3 attempts to pass the Project course 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.
11.2 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 Maximumduration
Master’s by Research within 6 months* within 12 months*
(Full-time)
Master’s by Research (Part- within 12 months* within 18 months*
time)
Master’s by Mixed Mode within 3 months# within 9 months#
(Full-time)
Master’s by Mixed Mode within 6 months# within 12 months#
(Part-time)
PhD (Full-time) within 9 months* within 18 months*
PhD (Part-time) within 15 months* within 24 months*
* from date of registration
#
from date of registration of dissertation
(a) Candidate will be graded “Q1” for their proposal defence within their 1st 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 “Guidelines on Preparing for Proposal Defence (PD)” and
SoP: “QP-IPSR-PSU-007 - Proposal Defence” for the full process flow.
11.3 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/Thesis for examination. Please refer to “Guidelines on Preparing for Work
Completion Seminar (WCS)” and SoP: “QP-IPSR-PSU-008 - Work Completion Seminar”
for the full process flow.
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 contain at least the following:
a) Research Project Title
b) Objectives
c) Research Background / Literature Review
d) Research Methodology
e) Project Implementation /Results
f) Research Outcome
11.3.1 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/Thesis for examination earlier than the
minimum duration.
11.4 Appointment of Examiners
After the Candidate submits 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) preferably 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 Associate
Professor ;
(b) For PhD thesis – 2 external examiners : one must be Professor, another at least an
Associate Professor
10.5 Submission for Thesis/Dissertation for Examination
After obtaining a Satisfactory in the WCS the candidate can proceed by submitting his intent
to submit the Dissertation/Thesis by giving 3 months’ 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 for 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
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.
11.6 Member of Board of Examiners (Thesis/Dissertation) for by Research

and PhD by 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 Co-
Supervisor(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.
11.7 Viva Voce
The viva voce will be scheduled by IPSR as soon as all reports from the External and Internal
Examiners have been received. Related SoP and Guidelines to refer:
“QP-IPSR-PSU-012 - BOE & Viva-Voce for Thesis/Dissertation Examination”
“GD-IPSR-PSU-0010-Guidelines on Preparing for Viva-Voce of Thesis/Dissertation
Examination”
During the viva voce, the candidate 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.

11.7.1 Viva voce assessment
The following decisions shall be made on the dissertation/thesis at the conclusion of the viva
voce.
(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
If the Board of Examiners is not satisfied that a sufficient standard has been reached in the viva
voce, the candidate shall be required to repeat the viva voce. A candidate is allowed a maximum
of two (2) attempts to obtain a “satisfactory” grade for his viva voce.
If the Board of Examiners is not satisfied that a sufficient standard has been reached in the
dissertation/thesis and “viva voce” (after a maximum of two (2) attempts) for the award of the
degree of Masters/ Doctor of Philosophy, the Board shall either:
(a) report that the candidate has failed; or

(b) recommend that the candidate be required to pursue a further scheme of work over a period
to be specified by the Board of Examiners, at the end of which the candidate may resubmit his
dissertation for re-examination.
11.7.2 Dissertation/ Thesis Assessment
RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES

PASSED The candidate is recommended PASS for the Dissertation/Thesis, 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 The candidate is recommended PASS subject to MINOR CHANGES
changes to be made to the dissertation, if the Dissertation/Thesis -
(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
RESUBMISSION of The candidate is required to do MAJOR CORRECTIONS to the
dissertation to Board of Dissertation/Thesis, if the Dissertation/Thesis -
Examiners, subject to (1) Requires major revision on the analysis of data that is not due
major changes/ corrections 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.

RECOMMENDATION RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES
RESUBMISSION of The candidate is required to undertake further work and submit the
dissertation for re- thesis for RE-EXAMINATION, if the Dissertation/Thesis 
examination (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.
FAILED The candidate has failed if the Dissertation/Thesis 
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.
After the viva, the candidate will be given the information/comments and report for making
the necessary corrections and improvements to the dissertation/thesis as directed by the Board
of Examination Panel by the Secretary of the BoE meeting. The candidate will be given a
specific period to correct and complete the Dissertation/Thesis for the submission of the final
revised copies.
11.8 Publication requirement – by Research programme

Before September 2015
Publication Requirement for Graduation
Master’s candidate PhD candidate
Encouraged to publish in an international Shows proof of acceptance of at least one

refereed journal paper for publication in an international
refereed journal.
Candidates registered from September 2015 onwards shall have the following publication
requirements:
Publication Requirement for Graduation

Master’s candidate PhD candidate
Show proof of acceptance of one paper Show proof of acceptance of at least one
published in refereed journal or refereed paper for publication in an international
conference proceedings refereed journal.
Candidates are required to consider the University’s policy on acceptable journals/

publishers before submitting papers for publication. Avoid submitting papers to
questionable journals or predatory publishers. Please consult your supervisors on the choice
of journals/publishers to publish your articles. If proven that the publications are in
questionable journals or predatory publishing, the publications shall not be considered for
fulfilment of the publication requirement to graduate

11.9 Graduation
11.9.1 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/Thesis;
(b) fulfilled all the requirements of the Laws of the University and paid all the outstanding
fees to the University.
11.9.2 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 Dissertation/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
11.9.3 Requirements for Conferment of Degree (PhD by Published Work)
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
12.0 Termination, Appeal and Reinstatement

12.1 Termination of Candidature
The candidature of a candidate 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) week 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

12.2 Appeal and Reinstatement
12.2.1 Appeal from Termination due to Fees
A candidate who had been terminated due to fees, is requested to refer to “QP-IPSR-PSU-017
- 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) Course fee of the trimester/semester

(b) Late payment charge of RM10.00 per week
(c) 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.
12.2.2 Appeal for Review of Course 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 course(s) results?
A candidate, who may have sufficient reason to believe that he has been unjustly 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:

*Once candidates have submitted their appeal for review of course examination results via
On-line and fully paid the fees, neither withdrawal nor refunding of fees will be
entertained. The fee for the review of course examination results shall be refunded to the
candidate 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 re-examined
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.

13.0 Intellectual Property
13.1 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 candidate 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, anyone 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 course concerned.
13.1.1 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.

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

To view your course structure, click the Course tab then select Course Structure
To view your trimester timetable for course you had registered select “Timetable” under the
Course Tab.

To view the SoP, Rule and Regulation, SoP click the Guidelines tab then select “Rule and
Regulation.”

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

14.2 Course 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.

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

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

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

Click Here to view course
You may view and download your Lecture Note, for each study week

14.5 Postgraduate Studies related form and guidelines
From IPSR website, under Quick Link, click “Info for current Student”.
Click here for Guidelines

& Forms

List for Forms & Guidelines

Appendix 1 -Progress of Studies by Research

Appendix 2 Progress of Studies by Coursework

Appendix 3- Progress of Studies by Mixed Mode

Postgraduate Handbook 2018

Încărcat de

Informații document

Descriere originală:

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Postgraduate Handbook 2018

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Postgraduate

Prepared by :Amirtha Sangeetha

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page i

Dr. Chong Yee Lee

Engr. Dr Lee Sheng Chyan

Programme Officers Kampar Campus

Mr Vani a/p Ramu

Kampar Campus Office Fax:05-466 7796

Programme Officers at Sg.Long Campus

Ms Tan Lee Teng

Ms Amirtha Sangeetha Ganesan

Ms Grace Lee Siew Wai

Nor Azlan bin Hasan

Sg.Long Campus Office Fax: 03-9019 7880

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page ii

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page iii

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page iv

Applicant : Person who submits an application to IPSR to be

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 1

Senate The Postgraduate studies Committee shall:

Provides the administrative services

Chairman: Dean of Faculty

To recommend all matters

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 2

Master of Project Management by Coursework Full Time Sungai Long

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 3

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 4

Duration of Study for candidate:

Programmes Full-time Part-time

(a) a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours and CGPA of 2.75 and

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 5

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 6

3.2 English Language Requirement

In addition to the academic requirements a applicant is also required to possess an English

Programmes English Language Requirement

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 7

3.3 Application Procedure

(d) Prepare a non-refundable processing fee of RM60 (for Malaysian applicant) or

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 8

(f) OR can be mailed to the below address :

Other forms for International Application

3.4 Deferment of Admission

To defer registration to later intake/trimester a Candidate is required to submit an official letter

4.1 New Candidate

4.1.1 Checklist for New Student

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 9

Please take note that you are required to

If you experienced problem in accessing the

4.2.1 Programme by Research

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 10

Candidates who have previously registered for Thesis/Dissertation must continuously

4.3.2 Programmes by Mixed Mode and Coursework

Candidates are requested to refer to SoP, “QP-IPSR-PSU-019 - Completion of Project &

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 11

4.4 Application for Course Waiver

(a) “Postgraduate Course Waiver Application” form,

See related SoP, QP-IPSR-PSU-013 - Application for Course Waiver in Postgraduate

4.5 Progress of Studies

(a) at the Division of Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 12

Caution Money 200 200 500 1,000

Intellectual Pursuits through Sustainable Research Page 13