PhD Program

FAQs

Please look at a frequently asked question to see if it can help you clear up your doubts, or write us directly at graduate@sgs.tu.ac.th if you have any more questions.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which track is suitable for me?

1.1 Route 1 (60 credits) is for those with a master’s degree in any field, ideally with a strong, proven interest in any area in social innovation and sustainability. Since the student does not have prior training in this academic field, they will enroll in a selection of MA-level courses before proceeding to undertake their doctoral coursework and dissertation. We expect that most of the applicants will fall under this category.

Tentative cost (approximately): International student: 16,213 USD/ Thai student: 14,478 USD
Duration (tentative): Minimum of 2-3 years, inclusive of one year of course work with remaining years on research.

1.2 Route 2 (81 credits) is for those with an undergraduate degree and with a minimum of five years of work experience in a field that is relevant to social innovation and/or sustainability and relevant to their proposed research topic. Since the student does not have prior training in this academic field, they will enroll in the MA-level coursework before proceeding to undertake their doctoral coursework and dissertation. The track is reserved for highly-qualified applicants with a strong, proven interest in advanced academic research.

Tentative cost (approximately): International student: 22,665 USD / Thai student: 20,061 USD
Duration (tentative): Minimum of 3-4 years, inclusive of two years of course work with remaining years on research.

1.3 Route 3 (57 credits) is for those who have completed or are in the process of completing the MA in Social Innovation and Sustainability at the School of Global Studies, Thammasat. Since the student has or will have completed all of their coursework by the beginning of their PhD program, the students will take the three PhD-level courses and focus on developing their dissertation proposal.

Tentative cost (approximately): International student: 15,731 USD/ Thai student: 13,996 USD
Duration (tentative): Minimum of 2-3 years, inclusive of one year of course work with remaining years on research.

2.What are the english language requirements for application?

We accept one of the following tests:

- TU–GET paper-based (550 and up)

- TU-GET computer-based (79 and up)

- TOEFL paper-based (550 and up)

- TOEFL Internet-based (79 and up)

- IELTS (6.5 and up)

Notes:

  • - The English Proficiency Test Score Report must not exceed 2 years from the exam date to the date of the interview.
  • - We do not accept the TOEFL Essentials test and TOEFL ITP.
  • - Exemption: Applicants who are citizens of an English-speaking country (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA) are exempted. Proof of citizenship must be submitted.
  • - Applicants who have earned a degree from a university where English is the primary medium of instruction may submit a certificate of English Medium Instruction, signed by the University Registrar. However, the SGS has the right to accept or reject such certificates based on the applicant’s qualifications and the use of the English language observed during the admission. The certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of graduation to the date of application.
 
3. What is the mode of delivery of the courses? Can I attend the classes online?

The classes will be delivered on Saturdays and Sundays (9 am - 4 pm) and one day on a weekday evening (6 pm - 9 pm) at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus.

The PhD program is designed with the mode of in-person learning in mind, not only the taught courses but also other Ph.D. activities e.g., research forums, qualifying exam, proposal defense, social events, etc. Hence, students are required to be presented onsite at all times. However, students are free to work remotely after the completion of their research proposal and coursework.

 

4. What do I need to have in my research proposal?

Your research proposal should clearly identify the research question and objectives you want to pursue. Your questions should be shaped by the review of relevant literature. It should clearly indicate what you want to know? Why do you want to study this? Why is the study worth doing?

In addition, you should clearly identify theories you already have or are developing about the issues you are studying. What theories, findings, and conceptual frameworks relating to these phenomena will guide or inform your study? It should also outline tentative methods. How will you be conducting this study? Think about the ways in which you will go about collecting your data and indicate some of the data collection techniques you might want to employ.

There is no hard and fast rule on the structure of your proposal. However, it should answer the above-mentioned questions in less than 4,000 words.

 
5. When will the classes be delivered?

Classes will be delivered during the weekends (full day on Saturdays and Sundays), and one weekday (Wednesday) evening 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus. 

 
6. If I stay outside Thailand, how do I pay the application fee?

International applicants may use international wires for transfers sent via the Swift international payment network. Please refer to the information below;

BANK: BANGKOK BANK
BRANCH: THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY, RUNGSIT SUBBRANCH
ACCOUNT NO: 091-0-20043-5
NAME: SCHOOL OF GLOBAL STUDIES (วิทยาลัยโลกคดีศึกษา มธ.)
SWIFT CODE: BKKBTHBK
ADDRESS: 99 MOO 18 T.KLONGNUENG A.KLONGLUANG, PATHUMTHANI THAILAND 12120
EMAIL: GRADUATE@sgs.tu.ac.th

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