• Doctor of Philosophy

    in Humanities & Social Sciences

    The PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences provides candidates with advanced interdisciplinary research capabilities across approved disciplines within humanistic and social inquiry. It develops critical theoretical synthesis, rigorous qualitative, quantitative, or integrated research methodologies, and ethical scholarly judgement, preparing candidates to execute original doctoral research, produce publishable contributions to knowledge, and assume higher-level roles in academia, policy, research, or specialised consultancy.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities and Social Sciences

    Programme Code: PHDHSS
    MQF / EQF Level 8

    Programme Overview

    The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Pickering Global Campus, a Member College of Woolf, is designed to develop independent, authoritative research capabilities for candidates seeking to make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge within an approved field of study. Delivered fully online through a structured, multi-stage doctoral pathway, encompassing advanced research planning and methodology, sustained research development, draft thesis production, Work-in-Progress seminars, and a final viva voce examination, candidates will strengthen their ability to define complex research problems, execute ethical and rigorous qualitative, quantitative, or integrated research designs, critically evaluate literature and emerging findings, and defend their scholarly contribution. Delivered in a dynamic digital learning environment supported by synchronous supervisor guidance, peer engagement, and academic feedback, the programme supports candidates in building transferable, high-level skills such as critical evaluation, methodological mastery, ethical judgement, research autonomy, and scholarly communication. Upon successful completion, graduates will be prepared to enhance their career prospects in academia, advanced research, executive leadership, or specialized consulting, and to disseminate publishable research that advances their field.

    Duration

    36 months

    Intake

    January, April, July, October

    Mode of Delivery

    Hybrid, Online, Offline at Overseas Learning Centres

  • Modules Synopsis

    EQF Level 8

  • Assessment

    Each stage of the programme is evaluated through continuous supervision engagement, scholarly participation, and developmental research outputs, alongside major doctoral milestones, including a Research Plan and presentation in Year 1, a Progress Report and presentation in Year 2, and the final doctoral thesis submission accompanied by an oral viva voce examination in Year 3. Assessment methods and formal progression requirements are structured across each stage to evaluate independent research development, methodological rigour, and scholarly contribution.

    Admissions Requirement

    Minimum Age: 25 years old (base on the birth year)

    Academic Requirement: Applicants should normally hold a recognised Master’s degree at EQF Level 7 (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the proposed research. Applicants with a Master’s degree in a different field may be considered if they demonstrate relevant academic preparation and research capability. Exceptionally, applicants holding a strong Honours Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) who demonstrate substantial research preparedness and suitability may be considered subject to enhanced academic review.

    English Requirement:

    • IELTS: 6.5 overall or equivalent; OR
    • iBT TOEFL: 86 overall; OR
    • PTE Academic: 58; OR
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): 120 overall; OR
    • GCSE/IGCSE: English or English Language or English as a Second Language subject with a C grade; OR
    • Pickering English Test: 90

    Preliminary Research Proposal: Submission of a preliminary research proposal of approximately 1,500–2,000 words outlining the research problem, objectives, theoretical considerations, methodology, ethical considerations, expected contribution to knowledge, and indicative timeline.

    Admissions Interview & Scoring: Shortlisted candidates must complete an academic admissions interview assessing research readiness, methodology, feasibility, and alignment.

    Supervisory Alignment & Feasibility: Admission is subject to the availability of suitably qualified supervisory expertise and research feasibility within the candidate's proposed field of study. Professional or executive experience is not mandatory unless required by the specific research area.

    MPhil Exit Requirement

    Stage Completion: The candidate must have satisfactorily completed all requirements for Year 1 (Advanced Research Planning and Methodology) and Year 2 (Research Development and Progress Review).

    Discontinuation / Academic Determination: The award is considered when a candidate does not proceed to Year 3, whether due to voluntary discontinuation or an academic determination that PhD progression is not appropriate.

    Workload Threshold: The candidate must have completed a substantial body of work reaching approximately 3,000 hours of doctoral-level study across the first two stages. Exceptionally, a threshold of at least 2,250 hours may be approved by the Academic and Examination Board based on the quality and sufficiency of the submitted work.

    Quality & Coherence: The completed body of work must be academically coherent, substantial, and of sufficient scholarly and publishable quality.

    Academic Review & Approval: The work undergoes academic review by the Supervisor and the Dean (or designated representative). If approved, the candidate exits the PhD and is recommended for the MPhil award; if minor amendments are required, these must normally be completed before the award is conferred. (Any unresolved cases are referred to the Academic and Examination Board for final determination).

    Attendance Requirements

    All students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.

  • Tuition Fees

    International Student: SGD 29,800

    Other Fees

    Application Fees: SGD 200

    International Student Administrative Fees: SGD 300

    Schoarship

    Up to 50% scholarship opportunities available, email to admissions@pickering.education for more information.

    [Pickering Merit Scholarship] - Up to 50%

    Pickering Global Campus Merit Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement, critical thinking, and creativity. These scholarships are competitive and are available to eligible international students. Scholarship awards are granted based on academic merit, supported by the applicant’s highest qualification attained, as well as performance in the required interview and assessment test. Eligible students may receive a tuition fee waiver of up to 50%, depending on their results, interview performance, and chosen programme of study.

    **In the event of any dispute, the decision of Pickering Global Campus shall be final and binding.

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