Doctor of Philosophy

Duration of Study : Full Time: 3 years (Minimum), 6 years (Maximum)
Part Time: 4 years (Minimum), 8 years (Maximum)
Mode of Study : Research

OVERVIEW

  • This program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to plan and manage a comprehensive research project. By fostering a critical understanding of research methodologies and processes, students will develop the capacity to produce a professionally relevant thesis within their chosen field of study at the Doctorate level. This rigorous academic journey emphasizes both theoretical and practical research competencies.
  • As part of the program requirements, candidates must attend and pass Research Methodology courses. Additionally, candidates are expected to present their research proposal during the first or second semester of their studies. Once the proposal is approved, they may proceed with their research project, culminating in the production of a written thesis that meets academic and professional standards. Candidates must also defend their completed thesis through a formal viva-voce examination, demonstrating their ability to articulate and justify their research findings.

The program offers five (5) methods of study to accommodate diverse needs which are Conventional, Remote Supervision, Fast-Track, Industry and Publication methods. Both methods ensure that candidates receive comprehensive mentorship and guidance tailored to their research goals and circumstances, fostering a productive and enriching academic experience.

METHODS DETAILS BEST SUITED FOR
Conventional Candidates must conduct research on campus using our world-class lab equipment and facilities.
  • Candidates who prefer direct supervision and regular face-to-face interaction.
  • Research projects that require access to on-campus resources and infrastructure.
Remote Supervision This method allows the candidates to carry out research off-campus, either domestically or abroad.
  • Candidates who are working professionals or international students unable to relocate.
  • Research projects that can be conducted with minimal reliance on physical facilities or equipment.
Fast-Track PhD Fast-Track is an accelerated academic pathway that allows outstanding Bachelor's degree graduates to transition directly into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program without the need to complete a Master’s degree. This pathway is designed for candidates with exceptional academic performance, research potential, and strong motivation to pursue advanced research.
  • Candidates who have completed their Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honours (CGPA 3.67 or equivalent).
  • Those who wish to reduce the time and cost of obtaining a doctoral degree by bypassing the Master’s program.
Industry PhD by Industry pathway is tailored for candidates engaged in professional or industrial sectors who wish to pursue a doctoral degree while remaining actively involved in their workplace. This method integrates academic research with industry-based projects.
  • Professionals who want to advance their qualifications without leaving their industry roles.
Publication PhD by Publication pathway is designed for candidates who have substantial research experience and a portfolio of published work that meets the standards of doctoral-level research.
  • Academics, researchers, or professionals with a strong portfolio of published work.
  • Individuals seeking recognition for their contributions to research through academic publications.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS RESEARCH MODE
Master’s Degree
  1. Research Mode
  2. Coursework Mode
  3. Mixed Mode

Notes:

  • For candidates with entry qualification in an irrelevant field, they must undergo a prerequisite course.

  1. All international student candidates must meet the IELTS Band score of 5.0 or equivalent, except for those pursuing these fields:
    1. Language (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
    2. Business Studies (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
    3. Computing (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent or additional requirements)
    4. Biotechnology (IELTS 5.5 and equivalent)
  2. International student candidates who do not meet the English language requirements may be granted conditional approval. Applicants are given a period of two (2) years from the registration date to fulfil their English language requirements. If the student FAILS to meet this English language competency requirement within the stipulated period, they will be discontinued from their study programmes.
  3. The validity period of the IELTS certificate obtained or equivalent must not exceed 2 years from the date of the examination until the candidate's registration.
  4. The TOEFL ITP and PBT certificates are not accepted for admission to this programme.

Exemptions from English language requirement may be granted to the following candidates:

  1. International student candidates who have academic qualifications from institutions that use English as the sole medium of instruction and are applying for a higher level of education at UMPSA. Candidates must submit supporting evidence duly authenticated by the previous university.
  2. International student candidates from countries that use English as their official language.
  3. International student candidates who have graduated from local universities.
  4. International student candidates from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and Southern Thailand who are enrolled in study programmes that use languages which are cognate to the Malay language.
  5. International student candidates who have academic qualifications from institutions that use the Malay language as the sole medium of instruction and intend to pursue a higher level of education in Malaysia.

List of National Education Code (NEC), Field of Research (FOR) and Sub-Specialization:

NO. FOR NEC SUB-SPECIALIZATION
1 Humanities NEC 0220
  • Islamic Studies
  • Historical Studies and Civilisation Studies
2 Languages NEC 0230
  • Linguistics
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Language Studies
3 Social Sciences NEC 0310
  • Psychological Studies
  • Culture and Heritage Studies
  • Special Training and Education
  • Political Sciences
  • Development Studies
4 Business and Management NEC 0410
  • Finance, Accounting and Economics
  • Project Management
  • Environmental, Social and Governance
  • Marketing & Entrepreneurship
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Management
  • Business Analytics
5 Biotechnology NEC 0510
  • Biotechnology
6 Physical Sciences NEC 0530
  • Advanced Materials
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
7 Occupational Health and Safety NEC 1022
  • Occupational Health and Safety
8 Mathematics and Statistics NEC 0540
  • Statistics
  • Mathematics
  • Data Analytics
9 Computing NEC 0610
  • Information Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Multimedia Computing and Computer Vision
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Computer Systems and Networks
  • Digital and Cyber Security
  • Software Technology
10 Chemical Engineering NEC 0710
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering
  • Environmental Process Engineering
  • Renewable Energy and Energy Security
  • Gas and Petroleum Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Technology
11 Mechanical Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Human Technology
  • Structural Materials and Degradation
  • Energy Engineering and Green Technology
  • Structural Integrity and Vibration
  • Thermo Fluids
  • Mechanical Design and Material Processing
12 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Instrumentation and Control Engineering
  • Applied Electronics and Communication Engineering
  • Energy and Electrical Power Engineering
13 Civil Engineering
  • Geotechnical and Infrastructures
  • Sustainable Infrastructure and Construction
  • Structures and Materials
  • Construction Management
  • Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering
  • Sustainable Environmental Engineering
14 Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering
  • Engineering Materials
  • Mechatronics and Robotics
  • Technology for Manufacturing and Industry

For more details and information, please click HERE.

SEMESTER ASSESSMENT GRADE/STATUS
Semester 1 PIR1103 Research Methodology HL/TS
Semester 2 PID1200 Proposal Defense HL/TS
Semester 3 PIC1300 Colloquium / Seminar HL/TS
PIC2300 Publication of Articles 1 HL/TS
Semester 4 PIC3400 Publication of Articles 2 HL/TS
Semester 5 PID2500 Pre-Viva HL/TS
Semester 6 PID3600 Viva-Voce PASS/FAIL

In UMPSA, we are proud to have a diverse team of expert supervisors dedicated to guiding postgraduate research students. Our experts specialize in a wide range of disciplines, bringing extensive experience and a strong commitment to fostering academic and research excellence. This list includes their research interests, qualifications, and key projects, making it easier for you to find a supervisor whose expertise aligns with your research goals.

For detailed profiles and to explore our experts, please refer HERE.

  Mode of Study Total Fees (RM) Fees Structure
Local Students Full Time RM14,600
Part Time RM13,350
International Students Full Time RM33,575

Notes:

  • The above fees are only for conventional method research study.
  • The above fees are only minimum fees per programme (PhD on a full-time basis = 3 years; PhD on a part-time basis = 4 years) and does not include Pre-requisite course fee.
  • Students who do not meet the entry requirements will be charged additional course fees.

Applicants can easily apply online through our admissions portal at https://ipsonline.ump.edu.my/ipsonline/admission_v2/.
To begin the application process:
  1. Sign up as a user – Signing up is free and will grant you access to the online application form.
  2. Once registered, log in to complete your application and upload the necessary documents.
Information related to visa and student pass (for International Student), please refer to https://cir.umpsa.edu.my/index.php/en/.

Institute of Postgraduate Studies
UMPSA Gambang
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob
26300, Kuantan
Pahang, Malaysia.

Phone: +609-431 5024
Email: ips@umpsa.edu.my

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