DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION

Nurture your enthusiasm for education and pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Taylor's, where local and international applicants are welcomed. Our doctoral programme encourages independent thought and contributions to educational theory and practice.

As a doctoral student at Taylor's, you'll engage in advanced research, critical analysis, and scholarly inquiry in your chosen field. With a focus on academic rigour and personalised mentorship, our programme welcomes a select group of scholars each intake. Faculty members, renowned experts in various educational areas, will provide valuable insights and support your research, in a collaborative environment where your ideas can flourish.

Duration

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

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the following modules (6 credit hours) in the first year of their candidature:

Year 1

• Research Method for Social Science (Core Module)
• Qualitative Research Methods / Quantitative Research Methods

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.

Find out more about our research areas.

Education Management and Leadership

• Education Policy
• Education Administration
• Mentoring and Supervision in Education
• Education Reform
• School Leadership

Curriculum and Teaching

• Curriculum Theory and Implementation
• Mathematics Education
• Social Studies Education
• Teaching Approaches
• Classroom Management

Technology, Innovation and Learning Design

• e-Learning
• ICT in Education
• Instructional Design

Educational Assessment

• Classroom Assessment
• Testing and Evaluation
• Assessment in Higher Education

Teacher Development

• Teacher Education
• Teacher Professional Development
• Continuing Education

Language Education and Literacies

• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
• Teaching Literature
• Teaching Reading

Education and Society

• Multicultural Education
• Gender and Education
• Peace Education
• Life-long Learning
• Philosophy of Education
• Education for Sustainable Development
• Sociology of Education

FUTURE CAREERS

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

• Academic Advisor 
• Curriculum/Learning Designer 
• Department Head
• Educational Consultant 
• Lecturer 
• Principal 
• Programme Director
• Trainer 

We offer two entry pathways for this PhD programme, 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 recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

Pre-Requisites

• A Master’s degree in Education field (Level 7, MQF) as accepted by the HEP Senate; or
• A Master’s degree in non-education must undergo prerequisite courses; or
• Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by Malaysian government as equivalent to the above requirements; or
• A Bachelor’s degree with the following conditions: or
  • A Bachelor's degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme;
  • Undergo internal assessment; and
  • Approval of the HEP Senate
• A 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:
  • 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 by the HEP; and
  • Approval of the HEP Senate

For International Student

• IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 (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.

Accelerated PhD

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

• 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.
• Approval of the Taylor's University Senate.

Note:

1. Any of the condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
2. 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