Faculty of Medicine

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D) – BY RESEARCH

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 examination of a thesis, prepared under supervision, which represents an original and significant contribution to knowledge and comprehension in the chosen field of study.

Judged by independent experts using current and internationally accepted standards, the University’s Ph.D programme aims to produce individuals who are not only intellectual and skilful in modern technology but also very versatile and capable of handling problems in real life situations. 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 keenly aware of 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.

Doctor of Philosophy

Programme Education Objectives (PEO)
PEO1	Graduates who utilize innovation in their research and work practice.
PEO2	Graduates who lead research as researchers and/or expert practitioner at national and/or international level.
PEO3	Graduates who disseminate research outcomes and/or expert advice ethically and professionally.

Programme Learning Outcome(s) (PLO)
PLO1	Demonstrate a critical and in-depth understanding of frontier knowledge by generating substantial and original contributions to the field of healthcare and biomedical sciences.
PLO2	Integrate existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to address challenges and concerns in the field of healthcare and biomedical sciences research.
PLO3	Design advanced methodologies to be used to resolve complex and emerging problems.
PLO4	Communicate information, insights, ideas, problems and solutions cogently with experts in the field and general audience.
PLO5	Apply professional and sustainable work practices as part of a team to achieve decided outcomes.
PLO6	Utilise suitable digital and analytical techniques to address research problems.
PLO7	Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills to effectively collaborate with diverse partners.
PLO8	Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and professional development with entrepreneurial mindset.
PLO9	Perform research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices.

Benefits

The programme enables candidates to acquire the ability to think analytically and a broad understanding of his/her chosen field of study. At the same time, the candidate develops the ability to perform in-depth research into a specific issue. It also encourages networking with researchers internationally.

Career Opportunity

Diverse career opportunities are available in academia, research, industry, government and many other areas.

Course Structure

This Ph.D programme is purely based on individual supervised research. At the end of the candidate's study, a thesis must be submitted and upon successful defense of the paper, the candidate will be granted Ph.D status. All research proposals must be approved and supervised by the Faculty.

Ph.D candidates’ theses must not exceed 100,000 words. They are required to complete their studies within 12 semesters.

Language Requirement

A non-Malaysian applicant whose degree is from a university or institution of higher learning where the medium of instruction for that degree is not the English language and where the applicant wishes to follow a programme and/or write his tesis in the English language shall be required:

To obtain a score of 600 for a paper-based total (PBT); a score of 250 for a computer-based total (CBT) or a score of 100 for an internet-based total (IBT) for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or
To obtain a band of 6 for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Entry Requirement

Master’s Degree by Research;
Clinical Master’s Degree;
Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of not less than 3.7;
Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of 2.00 to AND qualification of a Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00;
Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of not less than 3.00 to 3.69 and APEL (A) qualification or other qualification approved by the Senate; or
Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of 2.00 to 3.69 AND qualification of a Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.50 to 2.99 may be considered if meets at least one (1) of the following criteria:
1. has relevant work experience;
2. has produced publications in the relevant fields;
3. is a scholarship recipient;
4. is a graduate of the University of Malaya;
5. is a government agency staff;
6. Passed the interview conducted by the Faculty; or
7. Passed the Faculty’s special assessment.
Master’s Degree by Coursework or Mixed Mode with a CGPA of 2.00 to 3.69 and qualification of a Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.00 to 2.49 may be considered if meets at least one (1) of the following criteria if he is a UM graduate or two (2) criteria if he is not a UM graduate listed below:
1. possesses related working experience not less than five (5) years;
2. published at least one (1) publication in a refereed journal in the related field;
3. Passed the interview conducted by the Faculty; or (iv) Passed the Faculty’s special assessment.

Intake Schedule

Twice a year in Semester 1(September) or Semester 2 (February).

Fees

Fee Structure for Full-Time

Doctor of Philosophy (PH.D) - BY RESEARCH