Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around them. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and others as well as fulfilling intellectual curiosity to understand human and society.
3–6 YearsFull-time to part-time duration
54 CreditsTotal programme credits
Doctoral LevelAdvanced research programme
Programme Overview
Background
Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around them. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and others as well as fulfilling intellectual curiosity to understand human and society.
VISION
Vision
Create high-performing, motivated educators, researchers, and leaders for governmental institutions, civil society, and private sectors, who are actively engaged in the development of Cambodia and committed to reflective, transformative, and responsible citizenship with a global perspective.
MISSION
Mission
The Mission of the Master of Arts in Social Sciences program at the Royal University of Phnom Penh is:
1(1) Provide students with social scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, ethical values, and intellectual disposition with a clear vision, intellectual creativity, and ethical influence;
2(2) Develop social science researchers to understand contemporary Cambodian society with global perspectives; and
3(3) Strengthen students’ ability to recognize various problem-solving in human life and society, and cultivate the skills to find appropriate means for solving those problems.
Programme Educational Objectives
Goal / Objectives
In this curriculum, based on inputs collected from the stakeholders, the program has developed the following Programme Educational Objectives (PEO) in order to be achieved by the graduates several years after graduation:
The programme aims to offer the highest quality liberal arts and interdisciplinary education to our graduate students with expected critical thinking, creative inside and more responsible person and communication collaborative (interpersonal skills person).
PEO1
Advanced Knowledge
Graduates comprehend and apply advanced knowledge of social science theories, concepts, and methodologies, and their understanding and application to understand and tackle complex social issues.
PEO2
Research Capability and Ethical Awareness
Graduates become competent in designing, conducting, and evaluating social research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods with ethical considerations in understanding, problem-solving and application.
PEO3
Critical Thinking and Professional Development
Graduates exhibit commitment to their academic ability for critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate social phenomena and policies related to social issues, and engage in lifelong learning to enhance their professional and personal capabilities.
Graduate Competencies
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to their fields of knowledge and engage with complex social challenges in a thoughtful and informed manner. These relate to the Knowledge, Cognitive Skills, Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility, Numerical Skills, Information Technology, and Communication that the students acquire while progressing through the program. The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences prepares students to attain the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) by ensuring that students demonstrate the ability and ethics to meet the needs of society, the region, and the achievements of following competence.
Knowledge
PLO1: Comprehend and apply the major theories and concepts of social sciences and hone the ability to apply them to real-life situations;
PLO2: Evaluate fundamental social issues and changes, especially those which have shaped the Cambodian idea landscape, and
PLO3: Conduct advanced research skills into complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis, and interpretation of data.
PLO4: Develop English language competency which includes
developing the ability to read and understand primary texts in social sciences fields;
strengthening academic writing skills and written professional communication
improving public presentation skills and confidence through presentations, debates, and other activities;
increasing breadth of knowledge of aspects of social sciences’ terminology in English.
Cognitive Skills
PLO5: Analyze fundamental social issues and change according to social science disciplines
PLO6: Compare responses to those questions across Eastern and Western social science theory and tradition
PLO7: Write an original, high-quality social science dissertation and expose to local and international publication;
Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility
PLO8: Prepare writing skills research and critical thinking skills knowledge learned lead for successful professional development and career;
PLO9: Justify social scientific knowledge based on social science theory with strong liability.
PLO10: Demonstrate innovative approaches to acquiring new knowledge for professional practice and specific social contexts.
Communication, Information Technology, Numerical (English comprehensive)
PLO11: Construct appropriate tools and requisite media literacy to acquire, assess, and analyze data and information from diverse sources and evidence-based arguments.
PLO12: Employ research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid conclusions.
Programme Management
Strategy
The program will be coordinated by the Vice-Dean, Dr. Keo Chanvuthy . Cooperation will be possible upon the agreement with institutions to jointly work on the project and its goals. The coordinator(s) will be assisted by the secretariat team’s expert on finance, public relations and logistical matters. All administrative and financial procedures will be under the same regulations, those implemented by Royal University of Phnom Penh. In cases of making arrangements for partnership, mutual agreements can serve as the basis for cooperation.
Admission
Eligible Applicant
Hold a Master's degree from a recognized university in social sciences, or related fields.
Applicants from other disciplines may be considered subject to faculty review and completion of prerequisite courses if required.
Demonstrate English language proficiency at an intermediate level or higher.
Professionals from government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and international organizations are encouraged to apply.
Application Documents
All the applicants for PhD program are required to submit to Academic Office the following documents:
the Certified transcripts of completed M.A or transcript of an equivalent accredited degree in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities
letter of recommendation from Advisor/ Professor or University Rector with date, signature and seal,
the application form
And English Certificate (at least 6.5 For IELTS, an equivalent internationally recognized test or passing English test organized by the Academic Office)
Application Process
1
All the applicants are asked to submit and defend the research proposal.
2
After passing the entrance exam, each applicant should immediately confirm and officially enroll at the Academic Office. They will be considered as giving up their study if they fail to do so.
3
All the successful applicants should pay the tuition fee before the deadline set by RUPP.
4
All the applicants are asked to contribute $ 30 as the application fee and entrance exam.
Programme Structure
Duration of Program
Studying ’s doctoral degree in Social Sciences, a respective student is required to take 3 years (for full-time student) and up to 6 years (for part-time student) or 54 credits of course.
3–6 YearsStudy duration
54 CreditsTotal programme load
6 SemestersEquivalent to 3 full-time years
Studying ’s doctoral degree in Social Sciences, a respective student is required to take 3 years (for full-time student) and up to 6 years (for part-time student) or 54 credits of course.
Each PhD program has 6 semesters equivalent to 3 years.
It consists of 54 credits: 21 credits for subject studies, 21 credits for writing and defense of research proposal and dissertation, 3 credits for presenting in scientific forums; 3 credits for personal holding of seminars; and 6 credits for publication of research articles at local and international journals.
Programs Description
54 Credits
Coursework and Dissertation Writing
Credit
A. Augmentation Subjects
6
B. General Orientation and Examination Subjects
9
C. Doctoral Tier Subjects
6
D. Defense of Detail Research Proposal
3
E. Presentation in scientific forums; personal holding of seminars; and publication of research articles at local and international journals
12
F. Dissertation
18
Total:
54
Subject Categories
Programme Map
Foundation Program in Academic Writing in Social Sciences
Augmentation Subjects
(6 Credits)
General Orientation and Examination Subjects
(9 Credits)
Doctoral Tier Subjects
(6 Credits)
1. English Language Requirement
2. Journal Articles Writing Course
3. Seminar on Research Proposal Writing
1. Theories of Social Sciences
2. Social Sciences Research Methodology
1. Social Stratification and Inequality
2. Comparative Politics
3. Macroeconomic Theory
1. Interdisciplinary Approaches
2. Cultural Politics and Power
Curriculum
Course Structure
The original course structure is retained and displayed in responsive tables for easier reading.
Year I
Semester I & II
Semester I
Semester II
Code
Course Title
Credit#
Code
Course Title
Credit #
SS01
Theories of Social Sciences
3
SS03
Social Stratification and Inequality
3
SS02
Social Sciences Research Methodology
3
SS04
Comparative Politics
3
-
-
-
SS05
Macroeconomic Theory
3
Total
6
Total
9
Year II
Semester I & II
Semester I
Semester II
Code
Course Title
Credit#
Code
Course Title
Credit #
SS06
Interdisciplinary Approaches
3
SS-RP8
Defense of Detailed Research Proposal
3
SS07
Cultural Politics and Power
3
SS-RC9
Publication of Research articles at the national or international level
6
-
-
-
SS-PH10
Personal Holding of Seminars
3
-
-
-
SS-PC11
Participation in Scientific Forums (conference) Involving the Making of a Presentation
3
Total
6
Total
15
Year III
Dissertation
Semester I
Semester II
Code
Course Title
Credit#
Code
Course Title
Credit #
SS-D12
- Dissertation writing
- Mock dissertation defense
- Dissertation defense
18
Total
18
Assessment
Grading System
Grading System for Each Course
Course Assessment
GRADING SYSTEM FOR EACH COURSE
PERCENTAGE
LETTER GRADE
NUMERICAL VALUE
PROVINCIAL STANDING
85% - 100%
A
4.00
Excellent
80% - 84%
B+
3.50
Very Good
70% - 79%
B
3.00
Good
65% - 69%
C+
2.50
Satisfactory
50% - 64%
C
2.00
Adequate
<50%
F
0.00
Failure
Grading System for Dissertation
Dissertation Assessment
GRADING SYSTEM FOR DISSERTATION
PERCENTAGE
PROVINCIAL STANDING
85% - 100%
Exceptional quality with outstanding analysis, originality, and presentation
80% - 84%
Strong work demonstrating a high level of understanding and critical thinking
70% - 79%
Solid performance that meets most academic expectations
65% - 69%
Acceptable work with some areas requiring improvement
50% - 64%
Meets the minimum requirements for passing
<50%
Does not meet the minimum academic requirements
After Graduation
Professional / Career
After getting the Doctoral Degree in Social Sciences, the graduates will expect to get the career opportunity as follow:
Professional researcher
Professor in social sciences
Advisor to the development project and government
Leader of the academic institutions and government ministries
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences
Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around them. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and others as well as fulfilling intellectual curiosity to understand human and society.
Programme Overview
Background
Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around them. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate experience and can help explain how our own society works – from the causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and others as well as fulfilling intellectual curiosity to understand human and society.
Vision
Create high-performing, motivated educators, researchers, and leaders for governmental institutions, civil society, and private sectors, who are actively engaged in the development of Cambodia and committed to reflective, transformative, and responsible citizenship with a global perspective.
Mission
The Mission of the Master of Arts in Social Sciences program at the Royal University of Phnom Penh is:
Programme Educational Objectives
Goal / Objectives
In this curriculum, based on inputs collected from the stakeholders, the program has developed the following Programme Educational Objectives (PEO) in order to be achieved by the graduates several years after graduation:
The programme aims to offer the highest quality liberal arts and interdisciplinary education to our graduate students with expected critical thinking, creative inside and more responsible person and communication collaborative (interpersonal skills person).
PEO1
Advanced Knowledge
Graduates comprehend and apply advanced knowledge of social science theories, concepts, and methodologies, and their understanding and application to understand and tackle complex social issues.
PEO2
Research Capability and Ethical Awareness
Graduates become competent in designing, conducting, and evaluating social research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods with ethical considerations in understanding, problem-solving and application.
PEO3
Critical Thinking and Professional Development
Graduates exhibit commitment to their academic ability for critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate social phenomena and policies related to social issues, and engage in lifelong learning to enhance their professional and personal capabilities.
Graduate Competencies
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to their fields of knowledge and engage with complex social challenges in a thoughtful and informed manner. These relate to the Knowledge, Cognitive Skills, Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility, Numerical Skills, Information Technology, and Communication that the students acquire while progressing through the program. The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences prepares students to attain the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) by ensuring that students demonstrate the ability and ethics to meet the needs of society, the region, and the achievements of following competence.
Knowledge
PLO4: Develop English language competency which includes
Cognitive Skills
Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility
Communication, Information Technology, Numerical (English comprehensive)
Programme Management
Strategy
The program will be coordinated by the Vice-Dean, Dr. Keo Chanvuthy . Cooperation will be possible upon the agreement with institutions to jointly work on the project and its goals. The coordinator(s) will be assisted by the secretariat team’s expert on finance, public relations and logistical matters. All administrative and financial procedures will be under the same regulations, those implemented by Royal University of Phnom Penh. In cases of making arrangements for partnership, mutual agreements can serve as the basis for cooperation.
Admission
Eligible Applicant
Application Documents
All the applicants for PhD program are required to submit to Academic Office the following documents:
Application Process
1
All the applicants are asked to submit and defend the research proposal.
2
After passing the entrance exam, each applicant should immediately confirm and officially enroll at the Academic Office. They will be considered as giving up their study if they fail to do so.
3
All the successful applicants should pay the tuition fee before the deadline set by RUPP.
4
All the applicants are asked to contribute $ 30 as the application fee and entrance exam.
Programme Structure
Duration of Program
Studying ’s doctoral degree in Social Sciences, a respective student is required to take 3 years (for full-time student) and up to 6 years (for part-time student) or 54 credits of course.
Studying ’s doctoral degree in Social Sciences, a respective student is required to take 3 years (for full-time student) and up to 6 years (for part-time student) or 54 credits of course.
Programs Description
54 Credits
B. General Orientation and Examination Subjects
Subject Categories
Programme Map
Foundation Program in Academic Writing in Social Sciences
Augmentation Subjects
(6 Credits)
General Orientation and Examination Subjects
(9 Credits)
Doctoral Tier Subjects
(6 Credits)
1. English Language Requirement
2. Journal Articles Writing Course
3. Seminar on Research Proposal Writing
1. Theories of Social Sciences
2. Social Sciences Research Methodology
1. Social Stratification and Inequality
2. Comparative Politics
3. Macroeconomic Theory
1. Interdisciplinary Approaches
2. Cultural Politics and Power
Curriculum
Course Structure
The original course structure is retained and displayed in responsive tables for easier reading.
Year I
Semester I & II
Comparative Politics
Year II
Semester I & II
3
SS07
Cultural Politics and Power
6
-
-
-
Year III
Dissertation
- Dissertation writing
- Mock dissertation defense
- Dissertation defense
18
Assessment
Grading System
Grading System for Each Course
Course Assessment
Grading System for Dissertation
Dissertation Assessment
After Graduation
Professional / Career
After getting the Doctoral Degree in Social Sciences, the graduates will expect to get the career opportunity as follow:
Professional researcher
Professor in social sciences
Advisor to the development project and government
Leader of the academic institutions and government ministries
Contact Information
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences