DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) IN FOOD STUDIES

Taylor's Doctor of Philosophy programme is designed to equip both researchers and practitioners like you with the necessary tools to address critical issues encompassing the cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions of food. Due to its renowned interdisciplinary approach, this doctoral programme consistently attracts an exceptional pool of applicants, reflecting the programme's academic prestige. Best to apply early to become part of our passionate cohort of doctoral candidates.

As a doctoral candidate in Food Studies, you will engage in cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this interdisciplinary field. You will delve into topics that shape our food systems, exploring their impact on society and the environment. Whether your aspirations lie in academia, industry, government, or non-governmental organisations at the local, regional, or global level, our programme prepares you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen career path.

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the Research Methodology modules (6 credit hours) 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.

Interested to know more?

Food Cultures & Health

Contemplate conflicts between social and medical norms as well social interactions in constructing individual and collective identities, especially in multi-ethnic societies. Impact the tailoring of public health messages based on socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts in Malaysia. Contribute to a shift in public health policies from a population and science-based approach to a target group-based and social-reality-based approach.

Gastronomy, Heritage & Tourism

Analyse the processes of defining food heritages and their relations with the construction of collective identities. Provide insights that help institutions & NGOs with territorial development and population-led initiatives relying on food heritage as a socio-economic, socio-cultural and political resource.

Food Security & Sustainability

Examine food security in conjunction with global environmental and health issues, as well as controversies surrounding food production, processing, distribution and consumption of food. Provide insights on the potential of formulation of insect-based feeds and foods as a growing industrial sector for Asia.

Food Safety, Fraud & Risk

Analyse the perception of food risk, the design of collective risk management schemes, and the conditions for food policies development. Follow food concerns and relook into the guidelines on food fraud mitigation in Asia.

Candidates without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by Taylor’s University and meet the minimum CGPA based on above.

FUTURE CAREERS

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

• Food Marketing
• Product Manager in Food Industries
• Management in Foodservice
• Consultant in Foodservice Planning & Design
• Business & Market Analyst for Food Industries
• Food Health & Nutritional Counselors
• Food Anthropologist
• Food Journalist
• Food Engineer
• Academician

Entry Requirements (Normal Mode)

Masters

Masters degree in the field or related fields (Level 7, MQF) or its equivalent as accepted by the Taylor's University Senate; OR

Bachelor's Degree

Passed Bachelor's degree in the field or related fields with min. CGPA 3.67 and passed related qualifying assessment.

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.

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.

Notes

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.

Entry Requirements (Prior Publication Mode)

You will need to fulfil one of the below:

• Obtain a master's degree in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate
• Obtain other qualifications equivalent to a master's degree recognised by the Government of Malaysia
• Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the HEP;

In addition to the above criteria, those who want to join Doctoral Degree by Retrospective or Prior Publication mode must include the below to the formal application:

• Minimum of 5 publications or equivalent works in alignment with the theme of the specialisation;
• An executive summary of the above publications to demonstrate the applicant’s contribution to knowledge in the field;
• A list of scholarly published work;

For international candidates, evidence of English Language Proficiency as determined by the intake standards approved by the Senate

A Selection Committee must be established to review the formal application for PhD by Retrospective or Prior Publication and recommend to the Senate to obtain approval.

Criteria for published works

1. Published work must encompass high-quality journals, monographs, books, research-based chapters in books, electronic publications which have not been used to obtain other awards or deemed a part of those awards.
2. The publications must be published within a period not exceeding ten (10) years from the date of submission.
3. For the five (5) nominated publications, the candidate must be the principal author with the contributions of others clearly defined.

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.

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