DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY



Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is University of Malaya’s premier research training degree. The pinnacle of academic achievement here at University of Malaya, the Ph.D is awarded based on the foundation of the thesis prepared under supervision, resulting in an original and significant contribution, displaying extensive knowledge and comprehension of the subject and field of study.


Judged by independent experts using current and internationally accepted standards, the University’s Ph.D programme produces human capital, which is not only intellectual and skilful in modern technology but also very versatile and able to handle problems in real life situation. Ph.D. students will carry out focused research in their area of specialisation, which is of immediate relevance to local interest. Additionally, they will be alert to the challenges faced in the international arena through the media, seminars, conferences and keynote addresses, and also through research attachments and collaborative exchange arrangements with international recognised research centres.


The Ph.D programme is more than just an academic distinction. The programmes are designed to ensure the fields of study remain relevant to the needs of today. At the same time, the candidates in pursuit of their Ph.D’s foresee the changes of societal & industry standards, trends and behavioural patterns; the very same qualities that make them brilliant and effective leaders.


Full-Time Duration: 6 Semesters (Research)


Programme Structure

  1. Research Methodology
  2. Dissertation 
  3. Publication
  4. Additional Courses (If Required)
  5. Basic of Malay Language for International Students                                                                         

                                                                     

Career Prospects

University Professor (Arts & Social Sciences), Research Director, Academic Researcher, Policy Analyst, Social Research Consultant, Cultural Analyst.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM29,700

International

RM51,100 


Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
  • Possess a Master’s Degree by Research; or
  • Possess a Clinical Master’s Degree; or
  • Possess a Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of no less than 3.00; or
  • Possess a Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of 2.50 to 2.99, fulfill at least one (1) of the following criteria:
    • At least one (1) year working experience in a related field; or
    • Publication in a related field; or
    • A scholarship holder; or
    • UM graduate; or
    • A Government servant; or
    • Pass an interview by Faculty; or
    • Pass a Special Assessment by Faculty.
  • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree through the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) and other qualifications approved by the Senate;
Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: N/A
  • Master’s Degree Qualification: 
    1. Possess a Master's Degree by Research; or
    2. Possess a Master's Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode; 
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: Any Field
  • Special Requirements:
    • For admission to the Doctoral programme by Research through prior or retrospective publications, the applicant must:
      1. Fulfill the University's admission requirements for the Doctoral programme and possess publications that contribute to scholarly knowledge in the relevant fields; and
      2. Meet at least one (1) of the following additional criteria:
        1. Be a university lecturer with at least three (3) years of service and currently serving at the University; or
        2. Possess publications recognized by academics or experts in the relevant field, as endorsed by the Application Evaluation Committee; and
      3. Must not hold any prior Doctoral Degree by research from the University or any other institution.
English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Score 250; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable