Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme

The Graduate School of Business (GSB) has developed into an innovative and ambitious Business School since its formation in 2009, producing PhD graduates who are sought after by universities, business schools, research institutes, and public and private sector organisations worldwide.

Programme Overview

Each PhD student is assigned to one of GSB's six research clusters where they will work closely not only with their supervisor(s) but also with other lecturers and doctoral students with similar research interests and expertise. The PhD programme at GSB is designed to equip students with research and analytical skills for scholarly inquiry and leadership in the field of business and management.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess the following:

• A Master's degree from universities recognised by USM's senate or an equivalent qualification with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00; or
• A Master's degree by research from universities recognised by USM's senate or an equivalent qualification
• A two-page Research Proposal that includes:
  1. Proposed area of interest
  2. Potential contribution to theory
  3. Background (with evidence of reading that supports potential contribution)
  4. Research objectives
  5. Significance of research
  6. Expected economic, or social, or environmental impact of research

English Language Requirements

A minimum score of:

• 60 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• Band 8.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• Band 6 for IELTS; or
• 59 for PTE; or
• 250 for Cambridge English: Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional/Online); or
• 169 for Linguaskill Online; or
• 109 for ELS; or
• Band 4 for MUET

Exemption can be given to candidates if:

• English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
• The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required).

Fees

Malaysian (MYR)

• Full Time
  • Registration Fee: 330.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester): 3,910.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
  • Convocation Fee: 200.00
  • Research Methodology: 320.00
• Part Time
  • Registration Fee: 330.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester): 3,325.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00
  • Convocation Fee: 200.00
  • Research Methodology: 320.00

International (USD)

• Full Time
  • Registration Fee: 225.00
  • Personal Bond: 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester): 1,600.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee: 50.00
  • Research Methodology: 80.00
• Part Time
  • Registration Fee: 225.00
  • Personal Bond: 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester): 1,440.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee: 50.00
  • Research Methodology: 80.00

PhD Programme Learning Outcomes

• PLO 1: Integrate significant knowledge using appropriate approaches to address current critical issues and produce impactful and original contributions to the relevant field.
• PLO 2: Critically analyze and synthesize new, complex, and abstract ideas and solve contemporary issues through advanced research methods to produce original contributions that comply with international standards.
• PLO 3: Develop original, complex, and specialized research techniques and methods to solve new problems and create high-quality solutions in the relevant field with minimal supervision.
• PLO 4: Demonstrate strong ability to collaborate with a variety of parties in conducting research.
• PLO 5: Present research findings, ideas, issues, and solutions clearly, confidently, and effectively to the research community, peers, and society.
• PLO 6: Use appropriate digital technology and software to support, enhance, and justify research findings.
• PLO 7: Validate findings using analysis appropriate to the research method to ensure conclusions are accurate and impactful.
• PLO 8: Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and skills in managing research and related resources.
• PLO 9: Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development in shaping future directions in related fields.
• PLO 10: Apply entrepreneurial skills to identify opportunities and implement innovative projects in related research.
• PLO 11: Comply with safety regulations and directives, ethics and professionalism, and sustainable practices and identify issues related to the advancement of research in the field and its impact on society.