Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Conventional Study Pathway

Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science is a full research programme designed to nurture proficient computing experts capable of leading research and development (R&D) initiatives across diverse realms within computer science. Tailored for students passionate about digital and technology skills, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, data analysis, computer vision, and more, the program equips them with robust knowledge and digital proficiency.

Programme Length and Mode

• Programme Length: 3-6 Years (Full-Time) / 4-8 Years (Part-Time)
• Programme Mode: Research Mode
• Programme Delivery Mode: Conventional

Intakes

• January / May / September

Programme Modules

COURSE MODULE

Modules| A PhD Process| Expectation in a PhD
---|---|---
Year 1 – Year 3
– Research Methodology
– Directed Readings and Research
– Doctoral Thesis| 1. Identifying Research Problems and Objectives
2. Conduct Literature Review
3. Identify Research approach and Design
4. Present Research proposal
5. Conduct Original Research and Collect Result
6. Present Research Conclusion
7. Write a Thesis and submit it as a Dissertation
8. Defend Thesis in an Oral Viva Vace Examination| – Carry Out Research
– Conference Presentation
– Publication
– Attending Workshop / Training

Programme Educational Objectives (PEO)

• PEO 1: Computing experts who are competent with a strong knowledge and digital skills in computer science to foster R & D of new knowledge in the areas of study.
• PEO 2: Computing experts who will be able to act autonomously, uphold the ethical conduct, integrity, and demonstrate behavior that is consistent to professional practices.
• PEO 3: Computing experts who will be able to lead in their areas of expertise, interact and communicate effectively with the stakeholders.
• PEO 4: Computing experts who will be able to demonstrate entrepreneurial mindset and advocate lifelong learning.

Area of Dissertation

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• System Development
• Human Computer Interaction
• Embedded Systems and Applications
• Computer Vision and Image Processing
• Data Analytics

Researcher Profile

• Professor Dr Sasa Arsovski
  • Areas of Research Interest: AI & Neural Networks architectures, Signal processing, Computer vision, AI and Education, NLP, Data Visualisation, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Machine Learning
  • Researcher Profile: Scopus, Google Scholar, ORCID, Research Gate
• Assoc. Prof. Dr Pong Hon Keat
  • Areas of Research Interest: Computer Vision, Data Visualisation, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Machine Learning
  • Researcher Profile: Google Scholar
• Dr Choo Yen Lee
  • Areas of Research Interest: HCI, Embedded System, Image Processing, Data Visualisation, Object Recognition, Gamification, Full stack developer
  • Researcher Profile: Google Scholar, ORCID, Research Gate
• Assoc. Prof. Dr Lau Cher Han
  • Areas of Research Interest: Artificial Intelligence, Text Mining, Natural Language Processing
  • Researcher Profile: Google Scholar

Postgraduate Support

• Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPS)
  • Postgraduate Study Handbook
  • Postgraduate Study Admission Guideline
  • Postgraduate Study Support
• Centre of Professional Development (CPD)
  • Networking & Industry Collaboration
  • Commercialisation
  • Industry Research
  • Workshop & Seminar
  • Short Training Course
  • Career and Professional Development
• Research Management Centre (RMC)
  • Manage research project
  • Research Grant for RU Academician and student
  • Provide guideline and support in research publication
• Centre for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CiTL)
  • Open Distance Learning (ODL) Support
  • ODL LMS Support
  • Technology in Teaching & Learning

Admission Process

1. Contact Education Consultant
   • Prospective students are encouraged to contact Raffles University’s education consultants for expert advice on programmes, entry requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
2. Fulfil Entry Requirement
   • Applicants must submit their highest academic qualifications and English language test results to fulfil the entry requirements.
3. Supporting Guidance on Writing Effective SRI
   • Applicants have the option to receive a Supporting Guidance on Writing an Effective Statement of Research Interest (SRI) as part of the admission process.
4. Submission of SRI
   • Once the Statement of Research Interest (SRI) is completed, applicants are required to submit it to the university.
5. Interview by Faculty Evaluation Panel
   • An interview will be conducted with the Faculty Evaluation Panel to provide constructive feedback on the applicant’s Statement of Research Interest (SRI).
6. Admission Process Outcome
   • Accepted and Proceed to Admission with Adjustments: If the alignment and quality of the Statement of Research Interest (SRI) are moderate to strong, and the applicant demonstrates openness, the research can proceed with some adjustments.
   • Revise Research Topic and Resubmit SRI: If the alignment and quality of the SRI are below moderate and weak, but the applicant shows flexibility and commitment, revisions will be recommended to better fit the programme and faculty’s expertise.
   • Rejection and Alternative Programme: If there is no alignment and the quality of the SRI is weak, and the applicant refuses to adapt, guidance will be offered toward other programmes that may better suit their research interests.

Entry Requirements

• Malaysian Student
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in the field of Computing or related fields as accepted by the University Senate
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-Computing fields with a minimum of Five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by the University
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-Computing fields with less than Five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by the University to identify the appropriate prerequisite courses that equivalent to their working experience in Computing or related fields
  • Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree in Computing or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia as equivalent to the above requirement
• International Student
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in the field of Computing or related fields as accepted by the University Senate
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-Computing fields with a minimum of Five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by the University
  • A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-Computing fields with less than Five (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by the University to identify the appropriate prerequisite courses that equivalent to their working experience in Computing or related fields
  • Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree in Computing or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia as equivalent to the above requirement

English Requirement

• Malaysian Student
  • Completed a Master’s Degree in English
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 550
  • TOEFL Essentials (Online): 8.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 60
  • PTE: 59
  • MUET: Band 4
  • Cambridge English / Linguaskill: 169
• International Student
  • Completed a Master’s Degree in English
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 550
  • TOEFL Essentials (Online): 8.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 60
  • PTE: 59
  • MUET: Band 4
  • Cambridge English / Linguaskill: 169

Fee Structure

• Malaysian Student
  • Contact us to receive the latest information about the tuition fee.
• International Student
  • Application Fee: RM4,500
  • Admission Fee: RM1,000
  • Administration Fee: RM15,000
  • Indicative Tuition Fee: RM44,500
  • Total Fee: RM65,000 (Approx. USD 14,500)

Career Opportunities

• Data Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Computer Science Professor
• Systems Analyst
• IT Specialist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Consultant
• Usability Analyst
• Business Intelligence Consultant
• Chief Information Technology Officer

Recent Publication

• Factors That Influence Investment Decision Making Among Potential Individual Investors in Malaysia
• The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention in Small and Medium Enterprises Retail Sector
• The Impact of Procurement Practices on the Organizational Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Services Sector in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
• The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on the Job Satisfaction of Lecturers in Malaysia
• Research trend in Sustainable Development Goals reporting: a systematic literature review
• Social Media and Its Impact during the Covid-19

Testimonials

• Karen WONG Wee Fun, MBA (2017)
  • Being the leader of a sales team, I needed relevant knowledge to be able to lead and achieve our team’s targets. Although I have worked in this industry for a long time, higher qualification was necessary for me to move ahead in my career. I am glad to have met my lecturers and course mates who have guided me with their knowledge from working in their own industries.