Dual-Degree Programme

The Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD-FOS) and the College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University (KU-COLB) have an agreement to offer an Integrated Dual-Degree Programme (IDDP). The programme was first initiated by Korea University through their strong involvement as a member of the International Consortium of Universities for the Study of Biodiversity and the Environment (iCUBE). Korea University is currently the most active partner university in iCUBE, and has active collaborative research projects with UBD through both FOS and IBER. Graduate students graduating from the IDDP will be jointly conferred a Dual-Degree of Master’s or PhD from both Universities given that the candidate satisfies the requirements for the degree specified in the agreement.

Eligibility

The IDDP is open to full-time graduate candidates enrolled in Master’s and PhD Courses/Programmes registered in UBD-FOS (Environmental and Life Sciences Program/Biodiversity Program/Chemical Sciences Program – Environmental Chemistry only) and KU-COLB (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering) and reading the following programmes:

UBD-FOS:

1. Master of Science in Biodiversity by research
2. Doctor of Philosophy in Biodiversity by Research
3. Master of Science in Biology by research
4. Doctor of Philosophy in Biology
5. Master of Science in Chemistry by research
6. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

KU-COLB:

1. Master of Science in Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering
2. Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering

Period of Candidature

1. UBD Masters student under the DDP: maximum period of candidature shall be not more than 24 months.
2. UBD PhD student under the DDP: maximum period of candidature shall be not more than 60 months.

Admission start date

Subject to academic calendar year of UBD and KU:

1. UBD: January and August
2. KU: March and September

Period of Attendance

Candidates are required to complete at least one (1) semester for master course/program or two (2) semesters for PhD course/program continuously in the host university to satisfy this DDP. Candidates applying for this DDP should satisfy the minimum requirements stipulated under period of attendance as follows;

• Candidates for master courses are required to complete the first semester at the home university to fulfil their credit requirements and they can commence the DDP from the second semester. Candidates can choose to attend one or two semesters at the host university and must enroll the final semester at the home university to complete the DDP.
• Candidates for PhD Courses are required to complete at least two (2) semesters continuously at the home university before they can continue courses at the host university.

Application

The selection and registration of DDP graduate candidates shall finish one week prior to starting date of each semester in UBD and in KU. Late admission is allowed under special circumstances subject to the grace period of two weeks of semester starting date in UBD and in KU.

Applicants are required to submit all necessary forms and documents to both UBD-FOS, UBD-IBER and KU-COLB three months prior to starting date of each semester of UBD and KU:

1. KU-COLB students should submit the forms and documents before May in order to enroll UBD’s semester starting in August and before October in order to enroll the semester starting in next January.
2. UBD-FOS and UBD-IBER students should submit the forms and documents before December in order to enroll KU’s semester starting in next March and before June in order to enroll the semester starting in September.

All forms and documents require approval by the governing bodies of each university. The required forms and documents for admission to the DDP are listed as follows;

1. DDP Application Form (Download)
2. Two recommendation letters from academic advisors/supervisors from the home university (Download)
3. Official evidence of financial support for air tickets, accommodation and research and the availability of research facilities at host university
4. Degree Certificates (Bachelor/Master)
5. Transcript of Courses/programmes so far followed.
6. English Language proficiency such as TOEFL, IELTS, or approved equivalent requirements at home university.
7. Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
8. Graduate Study (Master/PhD) Plan approved by Host University.

Language Requirements

Candidates must be able to use the English or host university’s language as the medium of instruction. Graduate candidates applying to this DDP must submit evidence of English language proficiency with minimum score of 550 for TOEFL (iBT 80, CBT 213), or 6.0 for IELTS, or credit 6 in GCE 'O' Level Examination, or grade C in IGSCE English as a second language, or 660 for TEPS, or 800 for TOEIC or any other official language records approved by academic advisor/supervisors from both universities. ( The English requirement will only be recognized if acquired within 2 years from the date of application).