DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration programme is designed to prepare candidates to acquire necessary knowledge and skills to function at the highest academic and professional levels. Specifically, the objectives of this programme are to produce graduates who have strong background in Business Administration as academic scholars or researchers. This programme aims to produce graduates with strong characters and professional skills in the aspect of interpersonal relations who are able to apply scientific methods in identifying problems, offering appropriate solutions, work in teams and write reports. It also equips graduates with important work-related skills such as leadership and team building skills, decision-making, critical and analytical thinking skills as well as project management skills.

• Develop conceptual abilities and intellectual knowledge using methodological tools to conduct independent research.
• Refine decision-making and analytical skills.
• 100% coursework with no final examinations required.

Course Structure

Programme Structures Modules (Full-Time)

Year 1

• Advanced Research Methodology*
• Proposal and Thesis Writing*
• Advanced Qualitative Analysis Techniques*
• Advanced Research Ethics*
• Seminar on Current Issues in Business Administration*
• Seminar on Current Issues in Management
• Advanced Quantitative Analysis*
• Proposal Preparation 1
• Review of Literature 1
• Colloquium 1

Year 2

• Proposal Submission
• Review of Literature 2
• Proposal Defense
• Pilot / Preliminary Study
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis
• Colloquium 2

Year 3

• Thesis Writing and Review of Thesis
• Colloquium 3
• Submission of Thesis and Final Defense

Programme Structures Modules (Part-Time)

Year 1

• Advanced Research Methodology*
• Advanced Qualitative Analysis Techniques*
• Advanced Quantitative Analysis*
• Proposal and Thesis Writing*
• Advanced Research Ethics*
• Seminar on Current Issues in Business Administration*

Year 2

• Proposal Preparation 1
• Review of Literature 1
• Colloquium 1
• Proposal Submission
• Review of Literature 2
• Proposal Defense

Year 3

• Pilot / Preliminary Study
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis
• Colloquium 2
• Thesis Writing and Review of Thesis

Year 4

• Colloquium 3
• Submission of Thesis and Final Defense

Career Prospects

• University Lecturers
• University / Company Researcher
• Business Analyst
• Business Consultant

Academic requirements

1. Master’s Degree in Business [Level 7, Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF)] or in other related disciplines, recognised by the University Senate; OR
2. Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields, as accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to relevant working experience and a rigorous internal assessment; OR
3. 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, recognised by the Malaysian Government; OR
5. Excellent Bachelor’s Degree (Level 6, MQF) graduates for direct admission into the Doctoral Degree by Research (Level 8, MQF), subject to the following conditions:
   a) Candidates have obtained a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification; OR
   b) Candidates have obtained a minimum CGPA of 3.67 or equivalent, from either an academic programme or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme; AND
   c) Evaluated through a rigorous internal assessment by UNITAR; AND
   d) Approved by the UNITAR Senate and accepted as a candidate for the Doctoral Degree (Level 8, MQF) programme. Students must demonstrate appropriate progress during the candidature period.

Additional Requirement

1. a) A research proposal of about 500 words in English must be submitted together with all relevant documents on the registration day.

English Requirements (International Students Only)

1. a) Achieve a minimum Band 4 in MUET OR equivalent to CEFR (Mid B2).

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university