DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN DESIGN MANAGEMENT

Our prestigious Doctor of Philosophy in Design Management programme develops thought leaders who shape global design practice. This transdisciplinary design leadership PhD programme equips you with the conceptual and methodological skills to excel at the highest level.

As part of a World's Top 150 university for Arts and Humanities, you'll join a distinguished group of researchers creating breakthrough solutions bridging design, technology, and business. Our signature approach to transdisciplinary integration produces actionable ideas that address complex global challenges.

Duration

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

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

As you progress through the PhD in Design Management programme, you will have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of design management that align with your research interests and career goals. Our flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your studies, selecting modules and electives that resonate with your research focus. You will be guided by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, providing mentorship and support as you navigate your research journey.

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.

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Philosophy in Design Management programme, you could advance to any of these exciting careers in design management and design innovation, including:

• Transdisciplinary Design Leadership Academicians
• Design Leadership
• Creative Director
• Design Historians
• Design Journalist
• Public Relations Consultant
• Sales and Promotion Manager
• Senior Media Planner
• Strategic Corporate Communication Director

We offered two entry pathway for this PhD programme, which is normal mode and prior to 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 recognize the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

Pre-requisites: 

1. A Recognised Master's Degree preferably in Art and Design or a relevant field
2. Equivalent qualification and / or experience which is recognised by the Senate / institution
3. Candidates are required to submit a research proposal; and A Pass in an interview.

International Students

• Required to achieve a minimum Malaysian University English Test (MUET) with Band 4 OR its equivalent score of 6.5 in IELTS. (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.\

*Students without a qualification in the related field but with relevant working experience requires to fulfil the following conditions:

a) CGPA above 2.50 must have at least one (1) year of relevant working experience; or

b) CGPA 2.00 to 2.50 must have at least five (5) years of relevant working experience;

In addition, students will need to undergo a rigorous internal assessment

Bachelor to PhD Track

A Bachelor's degree with the following conditions:

1. A Bachelor's degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme;
2. Undergo internal assessment; AND
3. Any other requirement of the HEP

Note: 

1. Bachelor's degree candidates who are registered for master's degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions:
2. Within 1 year for full time and within 2 years for part-time candidates; Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation, and approval of the Taylor's University Senate.
3. Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.
4. Any of the condition of the above would require student’s research proposal to be approved.
5. 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.

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