DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN LAW

Discover Taylor's School of Law and Governance's research-based PhD (Law) programme—an exciting academic journey into legal theory and application. Entry to the programme is highly competitive, and we accept only a select number of candidates each year to ensure the quality of research supervision and scholarly development.

Unleash your potential as a legal scholar through independent research in areas like Corporate Laws, International Business and Trade, Healthcare and Medical Laws, and Human Rights and Liberties. Guided by a team of renowned academics, you'll sharpen your critical thinking, deepen your expertise, and emerge as a thought leader in your specialisation.

Duration

3 to 6-year (Full Time)4 to 8-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

As a doctoral student in law, you will embark on a research journey that will deepen your understanding of the field and make significant contributions to knowledge. Our programme is designed to provide you with a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, allowing you to thrive as a researcher and innovator.

Duration

Full time

3 – 6 years 

Part time

4 – 8 years

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment. 

Research Methodology

In their first year, students must complete the following modules (totalling 6 credit hours): Research Method for Social Science and either Qualitative Research Methods or Quantitative Research Methods. Students will also be required to complete Seminars on Legal Research Methods.

Publication

You will be required to publish at least one (1) indexed publication; OR at least two (2) Scopus indexed conference papers.

List of Research Topics

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Commercial Law
• Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Criminal Law
• Employment Law
• Family Law
• Human Rights
• Intellectual Property Law
• Legal Education
• Medical Law
• Public Health Law
• Public International Law
• Tort Law

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Philosophy in Law programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Business/Public Policy Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• Ethics/Political Advisor
• Law Professor
• Legal Consultant
• Non-profit Advocate
• Researcher

We offer two entry pathways for this PhD programme: normal mode and PhD by Prior Publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

1. A Bachelor's Degree (Level 6, MQF) in Law or Shariah and a Master's Degree (Level 7, MQF)
   OR
2. Any equivalents that are accepted by Higher Education Provider (HEP) senate

International Students

IELTS 7.0 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score). The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.
 

Note: All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.  All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

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