Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
MSU’s postgraduate program prepares students to become innovative leaders in a globalized, borderless economy. The curriculum, which focuses on the 4th Industrial Revolution and ICT Global, is designed to help students address global competitiveness. With its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge research, and top-tier faculty, the program empowers students to succeed as leaders in a diverse, multicultural society.
About The Program
PhD candidates who have enrolled at MSU – PhD programme could choose the following areas as most suited to their academic / industry requirements.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Management / Business)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Accounting / Finance)
- Doctor of Philosophy (ICT)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
Once the research proposal is approved by the University, the candidates will be supervised by Professors and a well renowned Supervisory panel who have made significant contributions to the field of academia and the industry by conducting research and making publications in high standards scientific journals across a broad range of academia and industry. Their expertise knowledge in research would be useful for the PhD candidates to complete their research work on time without any undue delays.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PHD PROGRAMME:
- Accredited by MQA – Malaysian Qualifications Agency
- Full-Time programme
- Affordable Tuition Fee
- Thesis investigation, preparation and writing are supervised by academic staff members with current active interest and expertise in the subject area of a candidate’s research.
- Online journal and e-books for registered research candidate
The aim of the PhD program is to provide research training in a manner that fosters the development of independent research skills in candidates. These skills include the capacity to formulate a significant problem, to develop mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological skills, and to relate the research topic to a broader framework of knowledge in the relevant disciplinary area.
WHY MSU ?
According to the 2024 Graduate Tracer Study by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), MSU recorded an exceptional Graduate Employability (GE) rate of 99%, with a Graduate Marketability (GM) rate of 99.7%—among the highest in the nation. This achievement is reinforced by recognition from Talentbank, which named MSU the Employers’ Choice of University 2025, as per the National Graduate Employability Index (GE Index).
Significantly, 2025 marks MSU’s debut in both the World and Asia university rankings. Among its outstanding achievements over the past four decades are recognitions in leading global and regional evaluations, including the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2025, Times Higher Education (THE) WUR 2025, QS Asia University Rankings 2025, THE Asia University Rankings 2025, QS Top 50 Under 50 (Top 100 globally), and the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
Student Testimonials
I pursued a PhD in Green and Sustainability Management, with a focus on the tourism industry. The programme offered a rigorous, rewarding, and structured academic journey. I remain deeply grateful to MSU for its unwavering support throughout this scholarly endeavour.
My PhD explored the link between academic learning and real-world career outcomes, integrating scholarly research with industry relevance. This experience prepared me to contribute to both academic and professional fields. I'm grateful to MSU for their support.
The PhD programme at MSU greatly enriched my academic career. As an academic, I am now better equipped to apply the knowledge gained through my doctoral studies to inspire the next generation. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to MSU for the invaluable guidance and support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the PhD Program
What are the entry requirements for the MSU PhD program?
To enroll in our Doctor of Philosophy program, candidates typically require a recognized Master’s degree in a relevant field. Specific requirements may vary based on the chosen specialization. For a detailed eligibility assessment, please contact our Sri Lankan representative, Dr. Sam Peiris.
Is this an online PhD program or do I need to travel to Malaysia?
Our PhD is a full-time research-based program that fosters deep engagement with your supervisors and university resources. While it is primarily an on-campus program, our structure provides flexibility and extensive access to online journals and e-books. Please contact us to discuss the study arrangements best suited for you.
How long does it take to complete a PhD at MSU?
The standard duration for our full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is typically 3 years. However, the final duration can vary depending on the student’s research progress and thesis submission timeline.