Joint / Dual / Double Degree Programme

BACKGROUND

The UPM International Collaborative Programme (UPM-ICP) is a programme jointly developed by UPM with several top universities. The main objective is to promote and strengthen bilateral collaboration between UPM and its partners, particularly in the areas of research and joint supervision. The programme provides an opportunity for students to study abroad and simultaneously obtain a degree from UPM and the partner university. There are several programme modes, namely Dual Degree, Jointly Awarded Degree, Double Degree and Cotutelle Degree. A total of nine programmes are currently available, as detailed below:

1. What is the difference between Dual and Joint degree programme?

For a Dual degree, upon graduation, students will get two certificates issued by each university. A linking statement is stated on both certificates that the degree was obtained through a collaboration between the two universities.
For a Joint degree, upon graduation, students will get only one certificate with both universities’ logos on it.

2. What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements are shown below:

3. Is this a full-time or a part-time programme?

This is a full-time programme.

4. What is the duration of the programme?

5. Do I need to register as a student at the partner university where UPM signed the ICP agreement?

Yes, you need to register in person at the partner university and fulfil the residential requirement.

6. How long do I need to spend at the partner University?

In general, the minimum duration is 6 months for Master and 12 months for PhD. However, for some ICP programmes different minimum duration is imposed:

7.  What are the programme requirements that I should fulfil?

The followings are the programme requirements:

1. Register as a full-time student every semester at both universities. UPM requires that students register every semester and pay the fees at the beginning of the semester, unless stated otherwise.
2. Complete Seminar, Malay language, and compulsory coursework [six (6) credits for Master/PhD] including Research Methodology.
3. Complete other courses as required by the faculty or supervisory committee.
4. Nominate the members of the supervisory committee. The supervisor at the host university must be included when a nomination is submitted to SGS.
5. Submit the progress report (GS-11) at the end of every semester. The progress report must be presented to both supervisors prior to submission to SGS.
6. Pass the Comprehensive Examination within 4 semesters of enrolment (PhD students only). The process can be done either at UPM or a partner university, subject to agreement by both supervisors.
7. Produce a thesis and defend it in the oral examination (viva voce). For double degrees, two theses will be required, and two vivas will be conducted.
8. Produce journal papers (1 paper accepted/published for Master or 2 papers accepted/published for PhD).

8.  How will the viva be conducted?

For dual/joint degree, in general, only one viva will be conducted, either at UPM or the partner university. The examination process will be arranged by the university where the thesis is submitted. A joint Examination Committee will be formed, consisting of 1 examiner from UPM, 1 examiner from the host university, and 1 examiner from an independent university. However, the viva for Joint PhD programme with the University of Newcastle, Australia will be conducted at UPM, and therefore the thesis must also be submitted to UPM.

For Double Degree, the student will be required to produce two theses. One thesis will be submitted to UPM and the partner university. Each university will form a separate Joint Examination Committee to examine the thesis.

9. How can I apply for this programme?

Interested candidates are required to follow the application process below:

1. Apply for the normal Masters/PhD programme via http://sgsportal.upm.edu.my:8080/sgsportal/ . The application deadlines are available via https://sgs.upm.edu.my/content/semester_and_online_application-60830 ;
2. Upon receiving the admission offer letter from UPM, start approaching supervisors from the partner university that are relevant to your field of study. He/she must have agreed to collaborate with your supervisor from UPM to supervise your proposed research project;
3. Once you have identified the potential supervisor, you may submit the application documents to the Institutional Relations and Financial Aid Unit via sgs_intl.programme@upm.edu.my .

Note:

1. Students are eligible to apply for conversion within their first year (2 semesters) of study.
2. The conversion process for ICP programme may take 1- 3 months as the process requires approval from the two universities.
3. Application is open throughout the year. However, there are only two intakes per year which is in September (First Semester) and February (Second semester).

10. What are the documents required to apply for the programme?

The documents required to apply for the UPM ICP programme are:

• Duly accomplished UPM-ICP Application Form
• A certified copy of Bachelor / Master degree transcript;
• A certified copy of Identification Card/Passport;
• A certified copy of TOEFL/IELTS result(s)
• Two copies of Referee's Report via UPM-ICP Referee's Report
• Research proposal;
• Letter of scholarship/sponsorship award (if any);
• Passport-sized photograph.

11. How much is the programme fee?

For any enquiries regarding the UPM International Collaborative Programme (UPM-ICP), please contact Institutional Relations and Financial Aid Unit at sgs_intl.programme@upm.edu.my

School of Graduate Studies
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM Serdang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia.
Phone: +603 9769 4216/4207
Fax: +603 9769 4232
SGS website: www.sgs.upm.edu.my
UPM website: www.upm.edu.my