DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (HEALTH SCIENCE) (BY RESEARCH)

About the Course

The Doctor of Philosophy (Health Science) is a research-focused program designed to develop advanced scholars, scientists, and leaders in the multidisciplinary field of health sciences. This program emphasizes the generation of new knowledge, the application of research to address health challenges, and the integration of scientific evidence into healthcare practices, policies, and innovations.

The program provides opportunities for candidates to engage in independent, original research that contributes to the understanding, improvement, and sustainability of human health and well-being. It fosters critical thinking, analytical competence, and professional leadership among scholars committed to advancing health systems and improving population health outcomes at national and global levels.

Research within the program may span across multiple disciplines of health science, including but not limited to:
Public and Community Health
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Occupational and Environmental Health
Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
Nutrition and Health Behavior
Health Informatics and Digital Health
Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences
Healthcare Management and Policy
Global and Population Health

Duration
3 - 8 years

Courses Offered

• Research Methodology
• Biostatistics
• Graduate Seminar
• Thesis Writing

Career Prospects

Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and policymaking agencies. Career paths include:

• University Academician or Research Scientist
• Public Health Consultant or Epidemiologist
• Health Policy Analyst or Advisor
• Clinical or Biomedical Researcher
• Health Program Director or Manager
• Innovation and Development Specialist in the healthcare or biotechnology sectors

Entry Requirements

ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION BASED OF PROGRAM STANDARD (MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL DEGREE)

1. A master’s degree accepted by the HEP Senate; or
2. Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree that are accepted by the HEP Senate.

Note for PhD by Research:

i. HEP can accept excellent graduates of Bachelor’s Degree (Malaysian Qualifications Framework Level 6), for direct entry into the Doctoral program (MQF Level 8) with the following conditions:

1. A student qualifying for first class or equivalent; or
2. Obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.67 or its equivalent from the academic programme or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme; and
3. Rigorous internal assessment by HEP; and
4. Obtained approval from the HEP Senate and accepted as candidacy of Doctoral programme, MQF Level 8. Students should show appropriate progress during the candidature.

Students need to be informed that students will not be awarded with a Master's Degree as an exit award if they do not fulfill their Doctorate level.

ii. Candidates registered for Master’s Degree by research programmes with a Bachelor’s Degree level may apply to convert their candidacy to the PhD programmes, subject to having shown competency and capability in conducting research at PhD level and approval by the HEP Senate.

*Source: Amendments as in MQA Circular Letter No. 3/2019 with reference no. MQA.100-1/7/1 Jld.2 (21) dated July 17th, 2019 effective on August 1st, 2019 for new cohort of students.

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