The duration of full-time study is 3 to 5 years. Candidates are required to attend the prescribed courses; the Research Methodology and Data Analysis courses, and pass the Thesis Proposal Defense and Viva Voce. PhD candidates are also required to have at least one presentation at Graduate Research Seminar.

The award of a PhD requires the submission of a thesis for examination at a viva voce (oral examination) by three examiners, whom are expert on the related fields. The PhD thesis must be an original and substantial piece of work which makes a contribution to the relevant literature (theoretically) and industry (practically).

This research-focused program is designed for advanced scholars who want to

• build their research portfolios;
• expand their ideas using data-driven theories and approaches; and
• position themselves to become business educator

Graduates of this programme may choose to:

1. Pursue an academic and/or research career in their field of study;
2. Enhance their professional careers as experts in their field of study. They may also take advisory and/or consultant roles in the industry.
3. Senior managerial staff in business and corporations.
4. Professionals in regional and international organizations.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
2. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to having relevant working experience* and rigorous internal assessment**; OR
3. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses***, OR
4. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) recognized by the Malaysian Government.

Note:

* Experience can be cumulative experience even before acquiring required qualification for a particular level of study. However, the experience must be relevant to the level of study as well as the content.
** Rigorous assessment to evaluate the suitability of an applicant for a programme through statement of purpose, interview and other methods may cover the following criteria:

1. Demonstration of strong business experience, and that you have held significant managerial responsibilities.
2. Evidence of any achievements in your professional life, for example, consistently performing at a high level, consistent career progression and any impact that you have had on your organisation.
3. Professional skills that you have developed, for example, team work, leadership, problem-solving, negotiating and analytical skills.
4. How you will contribute to your class and what experiences you can bring to the institution.

*** The pre-requisite courses is to equip the students with necessary business knowledge (managing people, managing financial resources, understanding customers, understanding environments and strategic planning) of one level lower than the programme level.

Language Requirements (for international applicants)

International students are required to possess a minimum English language proficiency of ONE of the following:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.0 in IELTS; OR
2. A minimum overall score of 550 in TOEFL (paper-based); OR
3. A minimum overall band score of 4.0 in MUET.