DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) is a full-research doctoral programme that gives undergraduates the opportunity to explore a topic of their choice with a supervising expert in that field.

The final deliverable for the course is a prototype system which will allow undergraduates ample opportunity to feed their naturally inquiring minds and passion for problem solving.

• Applied focus rather than theoretical contributions to computer science theory.
• 100% Research based programmes
• Get appointed as Graduate Research Assistants that can be partially funded by Industry and Government Research Grants working under the Principal Investigator.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Advanced Research Methodology
• Doctoral Research

Year 2 – 3

• Doctoral Research

Career Prospects

• IT Leader
• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Project Management
• Director
• Information Technology Director

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

1. Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Computing or related fields as accepted by the UNITAR Senate; OR
2. Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Non-Computing fields with a minimum of five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields. Candidates must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by UNITAR; OR
3. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree in the field of Computing or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia. Candidates must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by UNITAR; OR
4. Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Non-Computing fields with less than five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields. Candidates must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by the HEP and are subject to rigorous internal assessment.
   a) Rigorous internal assessment and the candidate’s working experiences will determine the appropriate prerequisite courses required. If the assessment fulfils the requirements, the candidate may be exempted from taking the prerequisite courses.

Additional Requirement

• a) A proposal of about 500 words in English must be submitted together with all relevant documents required for admission to the University on the registration day.

Note for PhD by Research:

• a) There is no direct entry from a Bachelor’s degree programme to the Doctoral level.
• b)Qualified Bachelor’s degree candidates who enrol in a Master’s programme may apply to change their studies to a Doctorate programme within one (1) year after registering for the Master’s programme,
  subject to the following provisions:
  i) Demonstrated competence and capability in conducting research at the Doctoral level;
  ii) Rigorous internal assessment by UNITAR; and
  iii) Approval from the UNITAR Senate.

English Language Requirement (International Students only)

• a) Achieve a minimum of Band 4 in MUET or equivalent to CEFR (Mid B2).
• b) If a student does not meet this requirement, the HEP must offer English proficiency courses to ensure that the student’s proficiency is sufficient to meet the needs of the programme.

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