DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

Embark on a journey of intellectual exploration and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Hospitality and Tourism with our PhD (Hospitality & Tourism) programme. Designed for individuals with a passion for research and a drive for independent thinking, this programme offers a platform to develop a unique expertise in your chosen research interest.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the opportunity to delve deep into your area of interest, conducting rigorous research and contributing new insights, ideas, and theories to the field. Our programme is built on the principles of intellectual curiosity, critical analysis, and originality, empowering you to make a significant impact in the realm of Hospitality and Tourism. Due to the programme's reputation for producing influential researchers and its strategic partnerships with leading institutions, early application is highly encouraged to secure your place in a cohort of future innovators, committed to driving positive change.

Duration

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

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

This comprehensive programme is designed to provide you with a transformative research experience and equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a leading expert in your field. Throughout your PhD journey, you will engage in cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making significant contributions to your chosen discipline. 

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

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.

Find out more about our research areas.

Tourism & Hospitality Business Operation Management

• Hotel Management
• Human Resource Management
• Knowledge Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Consumer Behaviour
• Service Marketing

Tourism & Hospitality Business Development Management

• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Management
• Real Estate Development

Tourism, Event & Recreational Management
 

• Application of Technology in Tourism
• Economics of Tourism
• Poverty Alleviation via Tourism
• Social & Cultural Impacts of Tourism
• Special Interest Tourism
• Sport & Event Management
• Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
•  

FUTURE CAREERS

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

• Managers (hotel, airlines, resorts, F&B, spa and wellness centres)
• Academia
• Civil servant
• Organisers & Planners (concerts, festivals, MICE, weddings)
• Cruise Industry (accommodation, entertainment, leisure)
• Hospitality Consultant
• Business Owner

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

Masters

Masters in the field or related fields; OR

Bachelor’s Degree

Passed Bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with min. CGPA 3.67 and registered as a Masters candidate and passed related qualifying assessment

Other equivalent qualification

• Any other equivalent qualification recognized by Malaysian government or accepted by the Taylor's University Senate and Any of condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
• English Requirement for international students: 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.
• Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.

*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

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. Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.
2. Any of the above conditions 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.  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