PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

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The Master by Research (MSR) programme at MAHSA University is a postgraduate degree designed for students who wish to focus deeply on a specific research area, develop advanced expertise, and contribute to creating new knowledge in their chosen field. This programme caters to those pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, industry, or other specialized fields requiring advanced research skills.

Candidates in the MSR programme typically progress to successful careers in research and development, academic teaching, science communication, consultancy, and roles in regulatory bodies and private or public organizations.Throughout the programme, students will undertake intensive research in a selected discipline area. They will also be exposed to advanced topics such as research methodology, scientific writing, data analysis, critical thinking, and project management. Depending on their research focus, they may explore cutting-edge subjects such as molecular biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biotechnology, or other relevant specializations aligned with their field of study.

MAHSA University’s Master by Research programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers while fostering innovation and critical thinking. Graduates of the programme will stand out as independent researchers and experts in their respective domains.




Programme Structure

SUBJECT CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION
6-month progress report and presentation Preparation and presentation of a detailed progress report highlighting the research conducted, challenges faced, and future directions.
Research Methodology Course Completion of a course covering experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and project management.
Defence research proposal (DRP) Presentation of the research proposal before a panel of experts to validate objectives, methodologies, and timelines.
Ethics approval (Animal/Human/Not applicable) Obtaining ethical clearance for studies involving animals, humans, or other applicable subjects
Research activities depend on nature of work (methodology) Implementation of approved research methodologies, including data collection, experimentation, and analysis.
Data analysis Processing, analyzing, and interpreting data using relevant tools and statistical methods
Thesis writing (chapters) Writing the thesis with regular consultations with supervisors, including all necessary sections such as introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Scientific paper publication One published or accepted journal article and One published, accepted, or under review
Thesis submission Submission of the finalized thesis in soft-bound format for examination.
Viva-voce (Final) Defending the thesis and research findings before an examination panel.
Post viva-voce Correction of the thesis based on examiner feedback and submission of the corrected thesis in hardbound format.

Entry Requirement

(i)A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 from a university recognized by the Senate of MAHSA University.

(ii) A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a CGPA of 2.50 from a university recognized by the Senate of MAHSA University may be considered, subject to a detailed evaluation.

(iii) A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with a CGPA below 2.50 or its equivalent from a university recognized by the Senate of MAHSA University may be accepted, provided the candidate has at least 5 years of relevant work experience.

(iv) A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with First Class Honours from any university recognized by the Senate of MAHSA University.

(v)Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum CGPA of 3.57 who are registered as Master’s students may apply for conversion to a PhD research programme, subject to demonstrating the required competency and research capability equivalent to a PhD, with approval from the Senate of MAHSA University.

(vi) Other equivalent qualifications as approved by the Senate of MAHSA University.

Career Opportunities

Rewarding careers at:

  • Research Scientist in academic, government, or industrial laboratories

  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

  • Science Communicator or Medical Writer for research publications and media outlets

  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist in healthcare or pharmaceutical industries

  • Toxicologist in environmental, clinical, or pharmaceutical sectors

  • Lecturer or Academic Researcher at universities and colleges

  • Data Analyst for research and healthcare organizations

  • Quality Control or Quality Assurance Specialist in pharmaceuticals and related industries

  • Biotech or Pharmaceutical Consultant for R&D projects

Advantages

Quality
The Master by Research (MSR) programme is developed in consultation with experts to ensure high academic and research standards.
Affordable
Tuition fees are kept at an accessible level to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing quality postgraduate research degrees.
Recognition
The programme is approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, ensuring credibility and recognition.
Awarded by
MAHSA University
The MSR degree is awarded by MAHSA University, a leader in medical and health science education in Malaysia.