DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Studies programme is designed to enrich your proficiency in the communication industries. It prioritises cultivating your research capabilities and fostering a profound understanding of communication theories, methodologies, and practices within media studies. You will actively engage in rigorous research, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge and ethics in the communication field. Through industrial training, you will identify and tackle intricate challenges, conducting cutting-edge studies that have meaningful implications for the field.

Throughout your journey, you will be encouraged to critically analyse and evaluate existing theories and practices while generating fresh perspectives and ideas, such as in the social media context. This process will not only refine your analytical skills but also equip you with the ability to inspire and influence others. As a doctoral candidate, you will emerge with the prowess to communicate critically, objectively, and creatively, essential qualities demanded by academia. With the programme's reputation for producing impactful scholars and thought leaders, only selective cohort of aspiring researchers gains admission. This creates an environment of intellectual rigour and collaborative innovation, where student's research will truly making a difference.

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 media and communication, 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.

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the Research Methodology modules (6 credit hours), which have English as the medium of instruction, in the first year of their candidature.

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 Media and Communication Studies programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Account Manager
• Brand Manager
• Corporate Communication Manager
• Creative Director
• Marketing Communication Director
• Media Specialist
• 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 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 (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate; or
• A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 can be accepted. The candidates must undergo rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
•  A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted subject to a minimum of FIVE years of working experience in the related fields and rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
• Any other Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) (Non-Media and Communication) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 can be accepted subject to a minimum FIVE years of working experience in the field of Media and Communication or related fields. The candidates must undergo prerequisite courses and rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in the field of Media and Communication or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia must undergo rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP (the requirement of CGPA is based on item i – iv)

Note:

• Working experience can be cumulative industry engagement even before acquiring the required qualification for a particular level of study. However, it must be related to the level and content of the study.

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.

Note:

1. Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.
2. Any of the condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
3. 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