(A)  Master of Arts (Language Studies) and Doctor of Philosophy

The Master of Arts (Language Studies) provides an opportunity for students to conduct research in relation to the analysis and description of Bahasa Melayu and English language. The aim of the programme is to equip graduate students with the skills necessary to conduct detailed research involving in-depth analysis and description in the different areas of language studies. The programme is an important building block in the higher-degree research domain.

The Doctoral programme allows students to develop thorough knowledge of a specific area related to the Malay/English language or Malay/English literature and culture. Although the focus of the programme in Language Studies at the doctoral level is broad, the School offers expertise in many different areas of research in language studies. It also develops the conceptual and communicative skills needed to conduct and disseminate original research.

Research Thrust Areas:

Bahasa Melayu & English Language

• Linguistic Theory
• Sociolinguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• English Language Skills
• Syllabus Design and Materials Development
• Testing and Evaluation
• History and Bahasa Melayu
• Terminology
• Lexicography and Lexicology
• Stylistics, Reading and Text Interpretation
• Literature
• Literacy Studies and Practices

(B) Master of Arts (Translation) and Doctor of Philosophy

The Master of Arts (Translation) degree programme offers various areas of research on translation studies that are theory-based. The M.A. programme offers a great opportunity leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in Translation. The research conducted should lead to the submission of an M.A. thesis of good quality. The programme prepares postgraduates for careers in translation, international business, and government services. Applications for admission to the M.A. degree programme in translation are accepted from students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Translation or in English language.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programme in translation offers opportunities for research in various areas of Translation Studies such as Legal Translation, Translation Technologies, Quranic and Biblical Translation, and Theory and Translation Practice. A PhD dissertation topic dealing with any of these areas or other aspects of translation is required to engage in theory-based research. The research conducted should lead to the submission of a PhD dissertation of good quality. The programme prepares postgraduates for the growing professional market in translation, international business, and government services.

Research Thrust Areas:

Translation

• Translation
• Theory and Translation Practice
• Evaluation of Various Types of Text

Bahasa Melayu and English Language

• Linguistic Theory
• Sociolinguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• English Language Skills
• Syllabus Design and Materials Development
• Testing and Evaluation
• History and Bahasa Melayu
• Terminology
• Lexicography and Lexicology
• Stylistics, Reading and Text Interpretation
• English Language Studies
• Literature
• Literacy Studies and Practices

(C)  Master of Arts (Interpretation) and Doctor of Philosophy

The Master of Arts (Interpretation) aims to equip graduate students with the skills necessary for performing interpretation. The programme aims to provide proficient bilinguals with the linguistic, technical and professional skills to work as interpreters. The programme also includes an investigation into the nature of the process of interpretation and the promotion of awareness of issues relating to the profession and to the training of interpreters.

The Doctoral programme (Interpretation) allows students to develop thorough knowledge of a specific area related to interpretation and translation. The focus of the programme is to equip students with important skills for conducting research studies in the field of interpretation. The programme also helps students to build up and establish a good understanding of the theories and applications in relation to Spontaneous Interpretational and Consecutive Interpretation.

Research Thrust Areas:

Interpretation

• Spontaneous Interpretation and Consecutive Interpretation
• Bahasa Melayu and English Language
• Linguistic Theory
• Sociolinguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• English Language Skills
• Syllabus Design and Materials Development
• Testing and Evaluation
• History and Bahasa Melayu
• Terminology
• Lexicography and Lexicology
• Stylistics, Reading and Text Interpretation
• English Language Studies
• Literature
• Literacy Studies and Practices

Bahasa Melayu Requirements
In accordance with the University’s regulations, local candidates must have at least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia at the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) examination. (Foreign candidates are not required to fulfil this requirement.)

Language Requirement
(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum score of 550 in Paper- based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• A minimum score of 213 in Computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• A minimum score of 80 in Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
• A minimum score of band 6.0 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Other English Language qualifications equivalent to the above. Results must be attached with the application form.

Admission Requirements

MA

• A good Bachelor's degree (CGPA ≥ 3.00/4) in related areas.
• Degrees awarded by local private institutions of higher learning including those awarded under any collaborative/franchising schemes with local or foreign partners must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
• Applicants with a CGPA less than 3.0/4 (CGPA ≥ 2.75/4), who have related work experience and publications may be considered.

PhD

• A Master's degree in related areas.
• A good Bachelor's degree (CGPA ≥ 3.67/4) in related areas.
• Degrees awarded by local private institutions of higher learning including those awarded under any collaborative/franchising schemes with local or foreign partners must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
• Applicants with a CGPA less than 3.0/4 (CGPA ≥ 2.75/4), who have related work experience and publications may be considered.

Duration

MA

•  Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
•  Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

PhD

•  Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
•  Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

Further Enquiries

Tel : + 604-653 3145/3751/4541
Fax : + 604-656 9122
E-mail : ppblt_courses@usm.my

Applications
To apply online, visit www.ips.usm.my