Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• The Universiti Malaya (UM) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focuses on developing professionals with higher critical thinking skills in the field of business and economics and capable of conducting academic research.
• This programme offers high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate candidates. You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will provide guidance on the formal specification of your topic, the structure and organisation of your thesis and the general direction of your research.
• To assist you in the transition to independent research and to help you acquire the necessary skills, you are required to complete a Research Methodology and Theories and Issues in Business and Economics course.
• The pedagogies are aimed at optimising the efficiency of the learning process. On average, the candidates would require three (3) years of study.

Postgraduate Handbook

 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD) HANDBOOK 2025–2026 

For previous sessions, kindly refer to the “Handbook” tab below.

Doctoral graduates are highly trained specialists in their fields. Graduates may enter a career in academia, research or consulting.

• The programme offers weekday classes from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm with an emphasis on quality teaching and candidate participation. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature are four (4) and twelve (12) semesters respectively.
• The design of the programme structure allows the candidates to maximise their learning and develop the skills that are essential for their research development. Candidates must PASS thesis examination and submit all related deliverables. In addition to this, candidates are also required to take and PASS a core courses on Research Methodology and Theories and Issues in Business and Economics.

Prof. Dr. Mohd Zulkhairi Mustapha
zulkhairi@um.edu.my

Marketing Unit
Ground Floor, Azman Hashim Building
Faculty of Business and Economics
Universiti Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel : +603-7967 3918 / 3820
Email: umfbe_mac@um.edu.my