As part of the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology at IMU, students are trained to conduct rigorous, meaningful research. In their third year, this training culminates in an individual final-year research project—an opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest while applying the skills developed over the programme.
For Florence Then Ru Xian, this journey led her to health psychology. While reviewing existing literature, she noticed a significant research gap that deeply resonated with her: the experiences of fathers whose children have been diagnosed with leukaemia. Much of the existing research focuses on mothers, often overlooking fathers despite their increasingly active role in caregiving. This observation inspired Florence’s study, “The Lived Experiences of Malaysian Fathers of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).”
Like all final-year students, Florence began with a proposal defence assessed by two lecturers. Although her initial grade was not as strong as hoped, the constructive feedback proved invaluable. She realised the need to balance empathy with a more research-focused and analytical approach—an insight that guided her throughout the rest of the study.
Participant recruitment was one of the biggest challenges. Fathers balancing work, family responsibilities, and emotional strain were understandably difficult to reach. Florence remains deeply grateful to those who volunteered their time to share their experiences. Their stories provided rich qualitative data, allowing her to identify key themes around coping, emotional impact, and gaps in support systems.
The research journey culminated in IMU’s research symposium, where students presented their findings. While awards were offered for best presenters, Florence’s primary motivation was to honour the voices of the fathers she interviewed. Through careful preparation and multiple rehearsals, she focused on presenting their stories clearly, responsibly, and respectfully. She was humbled to receive one of the Best Presenter Prizes, a meaningful recognition of both her research effort and growth as a communicator.
Reflecting on the process—from proposal to data collection to final presentation—Florence describes the experience as both challenging and enriching. It not only strengthened her research and critical thinking skills but also reinforced the importance of giving voice to underrepresented perspectives.
At IMU, the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology offers a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour and mental processes. The programme combines academic depth with practical application, emphasising research skills, experiential learning, and real-world exposure. Students benefit from internships, collaborative projects, and opportunities to apply psychological theories beyond the classroom.
IMU psychology students also gain a global edge through an exclusive collaboration with the University of Dundee, earning a second degree upon graduation. In addition, students may transfer to partner universities such as the University of Newcastle, Australia, or the University of Strathclyde, UK, expanding their international exposure and career pathways.
With multiple intakes throughout the year—February, April, July, and September—the programme offers flexibility for aspiring psychology students ready to take their first step towards a meaningful career.
To learn more about IMU’s Psychology programme and its international opportunities, visit the IMU Open Day on 25 January 2026, from 10am to 4pm, at IMU University Technology Park Campus (LiT Block).
