DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY



Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is the premier research training degree at the University of Malaya. Representing the pinnacle of academic achievement at the University of Malaya, the Ph.D is awarded based on a thesis prepared under supervision, which makes an original and significant contribution, demonstrating broad knowledge and deep understanding of the subject and field of study.


Additionally, the thesis is evaluated by independent experts using current and internationally accepted standards. The University's Ph.D program produces human capital that is not only intellectually and technologically proficient, but also highly versatile and capable of addressing real-world problems.


Ph.D students will conduct focused research in their area of specialization, with direct relevance to local needs. At the same time, they will become attuned to global challenges through exposure to media, seminars, conferences, keynote lectures, research attachments, and collaborative exchange arrangements with internationally recognized research centers.


The Ph.D program is more than just academic excellence. These programs are designed to ensure that the field of study remains relevant to current needs. At the same time, Ph.D candidates are expected to anticipate changes in standards, trends, and behavioral patterns of society and industry qualities that make them outstanding and effective leaders.


  • Full-Time Duration: 6 Semesters (Research)
  • Part-Time Duration: 8 Semesters (Research)


Programme Structure

  1. JVX8001 - Research Methodology
  2. Thesis
  3. Publication
  4. Additional Courses (If Required)
  5. Basic Malay Language / English Language*                           

Note: *For Non-Citizen Candidates                                                       

                                                                     

Career Prospects

University Professor in Malay Studies, Research Director in Malay Studies, Senior Ethnographer, Cultural Heritage Consultant, Literary Scholar (Malay Literature), Museum Curator specializing in Malay Culture.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM29,700 (Full-Time), 

RM41,000 (Part-Time)

International

RM50,700 (Full-Time), 

RM69,600 (Part-Time)

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:
    • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in a relevant field;
    • Produce publications in a relevant field;
    • Receive a scholarship award;
    • Serve in a government agency;
    • Graduate from Universiti Malaya;
    • Pass an interview conducted by the Faculty;
    • Pass a special assessment conducted by the 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
  • Possess a Master's Degree by Research; N/A
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: N/A
  • Special Requirements:
    • For admission applications to the Doctoral programme by Research through prior or retrospective publications, the requirements are as follows:
      1. Applicants must fulfill the University's admission requirements for the Doctoral programme and must have publications that contribute to scholarly knowledge in the relevant fields;
      2. Additional admission requirements:
        1. University lecturers, at the time of application, must have at least three (3) years of service as a lecturer and be actively serving at the University; or
        2. Applicants must have publications that contribute to scholarly knowledge in the relevant fields and are recognized among academics or other experts in their area of expertise, as endorsed by the Application Evaluation Committee;
      3. Candidates 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