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Examination overview

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Overview​

The undergraduate Examination System in Faculty of Social and Political Sciences is designed to ensure that students achieve the intended learning outcomes (CLOs) and demonstrate the competencies outlined in the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) Level 6. The examination process comprises both continuous assessments and a final capstone component, referred to as the Final Project (Tugas Akhir).

Undergraduate students are supervised by academic advisors and, where required by program rules, a thesis supervisor appointed by the Study Program.  Supervision follows requirements stated in Rector’s Regulation No. 2 of 2025, where supervisors guide students in academic progress, research readiness, and final project completion.

According to the university’s academic regulations, the Final Project may take various forms that reflect the diversity of academic and professional competencies in the field of Business Administration, including:

  • Undergraduate thesis (skripsi);
  • Legal memorandum;
  • Case study report;
  • Project report or capstone project;
  • Creative or technological work;
  • Scientific article published in an accredited national or international journal; or
  • Conference paper (proceedings) accepted at an international academic event.

Each program determines at least two acceptable formats upon approval from the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs. Supervisors and students collaboratively decide the most appropriate form based on the student’s specialization and research objectives.

The Program ensures graduates’ competency achievement through:

  • Implementation of project-based or equivalent learning approaches;Continuous assessment reflecting both academic knowledge and applied skills;
  • Alignment with graduate learning outcomes and program-specific competences;
  • Verification of English proficiency (minimum TOEFL 450 or equivalent); and
  • Completion of non-academic enrichment activities such as training or organizational involvement.

Students are encouraged to publish their research in recognized journals:

  • Nationally accredited journals (minimum SINTA 3 accreditation).
  • Internationally indexed journals (minimum Q4 Scopus, not discontinued).
     Articles must list the student as the first author and the supervising lecturer as co-author, indicating Universitas Padjadjaran as the institutional affiliation. Proof of acceptance (letter of acceptance or email confirmation) must be submitted as part of graduation requirements.

To be eligible for graduation, students must:

  • Complete all required credit units with a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.00;
  • Have no more than 20% of total credits graded “D”;
  • Submit a verified final project;
  • Obtain at least one certificate of extracurricular achievement.

Academic distinctions are conferred as follows:

  • Satisfactory: GPA 2.75–3.50
  • Very Satisfactory: GPA 3.50–3.75
  • With Honors (Cum Laude): GPA 3.75–4.00, within a maximum study period of four years, with no grades of C or D, and at least one accepted journal publication or outstanding academic/non-academic achievement.

Graduates who meet all academic and administrative requirements receive:

  • The Bachelor’s Diploma (Ijazah) and
  • The Diploma Supplement (SKPI) detailing competencies and international achievements.
     Graduates are eligible to attend the next available University Graduation Ceremony and obtain academic titles as stipulated in the Rector’s Decree.

Master’s Degree Program

Overview​

The Master’s Degree Examination Framework at Universitas Padjadjaran is designed to assess the achievement of learning outcomes, research competence, and academic integrity of graduate students. The process involves a series of structured evaluations known as SUR (Research Proposal Examination), SKR (Research Progress/Thesis Defense), and SAM (Final Thesis Examination).

The implementation refers to:

Rector’s Regulation No. 10 of 2025 on the administration of Master’s education at Universitas Padjadjaran, which governs academic requirements, research supervision, examination stages, quality assurance, and graduation criteria.

These examinations ensure that students demonstrate mastery of research methodology, analytical skills, and the ability to produce independent, original scientific work aligned with the Indonesian National Qualification Framework (KKNI Level 8).

Master’s thesis supervision is conducted by a supervisory team as regulated in Rector’s Regulation No. 10 of 2025, consisting of:

  • 1 Principal Supervisor (Pembimbing Utama)
  • 1 Co-Supervisor (Pembimbing Pendamping)

Supervisors are assigned based on academic expertise and research alignment. They guide proposal development, research execution, progress reports, and preparation for defense stages (SUR, SKR, SAM).

 SUR – Research Proposal Examination

  • Conducted no later than the third semester of study.
  • The panel (Team Pembahas) consists of two supervisors and three examiners, led by a Chair appointed by the Program Coordinator.
  • The proposal must include a research background, problem formulation, theoretical framework, research methodology, and expected contribution.
  • Evaluation criteria include:
      • Significance of the research topic (15%)
      • Relevance and clarity of literature review (25%)
      • Rigor of conceptual and hypothesis formulation (10%)
      • Methodological soundness (10%)
      • Analytical capability and originality (20%)
      • Oral communication and presentation (20%)
  • Scores are reported on a 0–100 scale. Students must obtain a minimum score of 68 to pass; otherwise, they may retake the SUR up to two additional times.

b. SKR – Research Progress and Thesis Defense

  • For research-based Master’s programs, SKR is conducted twice following the completion of the SUR.
  • Each session evaluates the student’s research progress and data analysis under the supervision of their advisory committee.
  • The SKR is chaired by a senior faculty member and assessed by a panel of at least three lecturers (supervisors and examiners).
  • The passing grade for each SKR is a minimum score of 68 (converted to a letter grade). Students below this threshold must repeat the SKR.

c. SAM – Final Thesis Examination

  • Conducted once the student has fulfilled all academic requirements, completed data analysis, and prepared a full thesis manuscript approved by supervisors.
  • Eligibility for SAM requires:
    • A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00;
    • Completion of SUR and SKR with passing grades;
    • Submission of verified thesis documents and evidence of final project completion (e.g., published paper, project report, or prototype).
  • The SAM examination panel consists of at least five members: two supervisors and three examiners, led by the Head of the Master’s Program or a designated Chair.
  • Assessment aspects include:
    • Relevance of research topic and clarity of problem formulation (10%)
    • Theoretical foundation and literature review (20%)
    • Conceptual framework and hypothesis design (10%)
    • Methodological adequacy (10%)
    • Analytical depth and critical thinking (20%)
    • Coherence, synthesis, and practical implications (10%)
    • Oral communication and defense skills (10%)
  • Students must achieve a minimum score of 68 to pass. Those who fail may retake the SAM once within the academic time limit.

According to Rector’s Regulation, Graduate Final Work (Tugas Akhir Magister) may take several equivalent forms, depending on the nature of the program (research-based, project-based, or applied master’s). Acceptable formats include:
 a. Thesis – A scholarly work demonstrating independent research and original contribution;
 b. Scientific Publication – A peer-reviewed article accepted in a nationally accredited (SINTA 1/2) or international indexed journal (minimum Q4 Scopus or WoS);
 c. Prototype – A practical or technological innovation representing applied research output;
 d. Project Report – A comprehensive report on professional or applied projects;
 e. Other Equivalent Works – Such as policy papers, policy briefs, or intellectual property outputs that meet program learning outcomes.

Students are strongly encouraged to publish research findings as part of graduation requirements:

  • At least one accepted article in a nationally accredited (SINTA 1) or internationally indexed (minimum Q4) journal.
  • The student must be listed as the first author, with the academic supervisor as co-author and Universitas Padjadjaran affiliation clearly stated.
  • Proof of acceptance (Letter of Acceptance or publisher communication) must be submitted during SAM.

To be declared graduated, students must:

  • Complete all required credits with a GPA ≥ 3.00/4.00;
  • Successfully pass the SUR, SKR, and SAM;
  • Hold at least one certificate of academic or professional training;
  • Have an approved thesis and verified publication or project completion evidence.

Graduation predicates (Yudisium):

  • Satisfactory (Memuaskan): GPA 3.00–3.50
  • Very Satisfactory (Sangat Memuaskan): GPA 3.51–3.75
  • With Honors (Cum Laude): GPA ≥ 3.76

For research-based Master’s students, “With Honors” requires at least one accepted article in an international journal indexed in Scopus Q2 or higher, or two publications in SINTA 1-accredited journals. The study duration must not exceed five semesters.

Graduates who meet all academic and administrative requirements receive:

  • The Master’s Diploma (Ijazah) and
  • The Diploma Supplement (SKPI) detailing competencies and international achievements.
     Graduates are eligible to attend the next available University Graduation Ceremony and obtain academic titles as stipulated in the Rector’s Decree.

Doctoral Program

Overview​

The Doctoral Program in Business Administration at Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) is designed to produce graduates with advanced research competence, intellectual leadership, and the capacity to contribute original knowledge to the field of business administration and policy.
This assessment system is governed by:

Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2025 on the administration of Doctoral education at Universitas Padjadjaran, which defines academic processes, dissertation formats (monograph or article-based), supervisory structure, examination stages, and graduation requirements.

The examination system assesses both academic mastery and research capability through a structured process that includes coursework evaluation, research proposal defense, progress seminars, and final dissertation defense.

Doctoral supervision follows a Promotoral Team Structure as stated in Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2025, consisting of:

  • 1 Promotor (Primary Supervisor)
  • 1 Co-Promotor (optional, based on regulation)
  • Additional advisors or external experts when relevant

Duties include guiding research direction, scholarly development, publishing guidance, and evaluating readiness for each doctoral examination stage (SUR, UND, PND, SPD). At least one supervisor must be a senior faculty member with appropriate academic rank and research credentials as defined by institutional policy.

  • Normal Study Duration: 6 semesters (3 years) for full-time students; may be extended up to 12 semesters under special conditions.
  • Minimum Credits: 72 credits (SKS).
  • Components of Study Load:
    • Doctoral Qualification Competency (≥30 SKS)
    • Research Proposal Examination (SUR) – 9 SKS
    • Dissertation Progress Seminars (UND and PND) – 18 SKS
    • Final Dissertation Defense (SPD) – 9 SKS
    • Scientific Dissemination (national/international seminars and publications) – 6 SKS.

The program combines coursework, supervised research, and academic dissemination, aligning with the Indonesian National Qualification Framework (KKNI Level 9).

SUR – Research Proposal Defense

  • Conducted between semesters 1 and 4 after completing preliminary supervision and pre-SUR activities.
  • The panel comprises the Promotor Team and at least three examiners, including one external examiner from outside Unpad.
  • Assessment includes relevance, originality, theoretical foundation, methodology, and feasibility of the proposed research.
  • Scoring uses a 0–100 scale; the minimum passing score is 68.
  • Students who fail may repeat the SUR once; failure in the second attempt results in termination from the program.

b. UND – Dissertation Progress Seminar I

  • Conducted no later than semester 3 and chaired by the principal supervisor (Promotor).
  • Evaluates early research results and the quality of data collection and analysis.
  • At least one external examiner participates.
  • Passing score: ≥68. Successful completion is required to advance to the next seminar (PND).

c. PND – Dissertation Progress Seminar II

  • Conducted after UND and at the latest by semester 3–4.
  • The Promotor Team and three appointed examiners assess the updated dissertation manuscript and provide formal written feedback.
  • Students must revise and resubmit the dissertation within one month.
  • Minimum passing score: 68.

d. SPD – Final Dissertation Defense (Doctoral Promotion)

  • The final stage of the doctoral assessment process, held after successful completion of the PND.
  • Panel: the Promotor Team, examiners, and one active Unpad professor representative; at least one examiner must be external to Unpad.
  • Evaluation covers:
    1. Depth and originality of research contribution
    2. Rigor of theoretical and methodological framework
    3. Analytical insight and synthesis
    4. Scientific dissemination and publication record
    5. Oral defense performance and academic integrity
  • Score range: 68–100, converted to letter grades.
  • The final grade equals the mean of the Promotor and Examiner averages, divided by 2.
  • Students who fail (<68) may retake the SPD once, within the permitted study period.

Monograph Dissertation

A monographic dissertation presents a unified scholarly work comprising integrated chapters (introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, findings, and conclusions).
 It must demonstrate original thought, analytical rigor, and theoretical or applied contribution.

b. Article-Based Dissertation

An article-based dissertation consists of a minimum of three (3) related journal articles, with at least:

  • One article published in an international, peer-reviewed journal indexed by Scopus (Q3 or higher) or Web of Science (Q3/Q2) and not discontinued, and

  • Two additional articles accepted or submitted to reputable international journals (minimum Q3 Scopus/ WoS).

Students must be first author, list Universitas Padjadjaran as affiliation, and obtain approval from the Promotor Team.

At each examination stage (SUR, UND, PND, SPD), the following dimensions are evaluated:
Criterion Weight (Typical Range)
Research significance and problem statement 10–15 %
Theoretical relevance and literature depth 20 %
Conceptual framework and hypothesis development 10 %
Methodological rigor and research design 10 %
Analytical depth and discussion quality 20 %
Scientific dissemination / written presentation 10 %
Oral defense and communication competence 10 %
Academic integrity and contribution 5–10 %
All examiners provide written comments and a numerical score (0–100). The final grade is converted into a letter mark according to Unpad’s graduate grading policy.

Graduation Eligibility

A doctoral candidate is declared graduated when they have:
  • Completed all coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00;
  • Passed all examination stages (SUR, UND, PND, SPD);
  • Had the dissertation approved by the Promotor Team; and
  • Published required journal articles (for article-based dissertations).

Graduation Distinctions (Predikat Kelulusan)

Predicate GPA Range Description
Satisfactory 3.00 – 3.50 Meets minimum doctoral requirements
Very Satisfactory 3.51 – 3.84 High academic performance
With Honors (Cum Laude) ≥ 3.85 Outstanding academic and research excellence
Additional criteria for “With Honors”:
  • Study duration ≤ 6 semesters (full-time) or ≤ 8 semesters (part-time);
  • At least one published article in an international journal indexed in Scopus Q1 or Q2 or Web of Science (Q1/Q2) with measurable impact;
  • Active participation in international academic dissemination (conferences, seminars).
  • All dissertation manuscripts undergo plagiarism screening using certified anti-plagiarism software.
  • Supervisory and examination committees are formally appointed through Rector’s Decree to ensure fairness and academic credibility.
  • Quality assurance of doctoral examinations is overseen by the Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs and the Quality Assurance Unit (SPM).
  • Dissertation writing follows the Faculty or Graduate School Thesis Manual, including structure, citation style, and formatting standards.

Academic performance and research conduct must comply with Unpad’s Code of Ethics for Graduate Research.

  • Graduates receive both a Doctoral Diploma (Ijazah) and a Diploma Supplement (SKPI) indicating their competencies, research area, and publication record.
  • Graduates are entitled to participate in the official university graduation ceremony within three commencement periods after final approval.
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