Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences

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:

(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)   Develop social science researchers to understand contemporary Cambodian society with global perspectives; and

(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.

Goal/Objectives

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).

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:

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.

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.

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.

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 Process

-  All the applicants for PhD program are required to submit to Academic Office the following documents:

o   the Certified transcripts of completed M.A or transcript of an equivalent accredited degree in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities

o   letter of recommendation from Advisor/ Professor or University Rector with date, signature and seal,

o   the application form

o   And English Certificate (at least 6.5 For IELTS, an equivalent internationally recognized test or passing English test organized by the Academic Office)

-   All the applicants are asked to submit and defend the research proposal.

- 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.

- All the successful applicants should pay the tuition fee before the deadline set by RUPP. 

- All the applicants are asked to contribute $ 30 as the application fee and entrance exam.

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.

-   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

Course Structure

  Year I

  Year II

Year III

Grading System

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

• Email: keo.chanvuthy@rupp.edu.kh
• Phone Number: (855) 12 533 767
• Address: Campus 2, RUPP