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19 PhD programmes offered by the university

Science
A Doctor of Philosophy is designed for individuals who want to establish themselves as experts and contribute meaningful knowledge within their field. Beyond academic achievement, doctoral level research can strengthen professional credibility, industry recognition, and leadership opportunities. At Universiti Malaya, candidates undertake advanced independent research within a strong research ecosystem while developing expertise that can support careers in academia, high level consultancy, innovation, specialised industries, and international research environments.

Education
A Doctor of Philosophy represents advanced expertise and original contribution within a specialised field of study. The programme is suitable for individuals seeking deeper academic engagement and long-term professional growth through research and intellectual development. At Universiti Malaya, candidates undertake independent research within a university recognised internationally for research excellence and academic standing. The programme supports future opportunities within academia, specialised professional sectors, and advanced research related environments.

Law
A Doctor of Philosophy represents advanced academic expertise and meaningful contribution within a specialised field of study. The programme is suitable for individuals seeking to establish themselves within academia, legal scholarship, policy related environments, or specialised professional sectors. At Universiti Malaya, candidates undertake independent research while developing deeper intellectual and analytical capabilities within a strong academic ecosystem. The programme can strengthen professional credibility and support long term career growth within research and high level professional practice.

Islamic Studies
A Doctor of Philosophy represents advanced scholarly expertise and original contribution within a specialised field of study. Within Islamic studies, doctoral research also becomes a platform for deeper intellectual inquiry involving religion, civilisation, philosophy, law, and contemporary Muslim society. At Universiti Malaya, candidates undertake independent research within a globally recognised academic environment known for research excellence and strong international standing. The programme supports long term academic growth while strengthening expertise within Islamic scholarship and advanced research related fields.

Computer Science and Information Technology
A Doctor of Philosophy is more than an academic qualification. It represents expertise, leadership, and the ability to contribute original ideas and meaningful innovation within a specialised field. At Universiti Malaya, doctoral candidates undertake advanced independent research while building strong analytical, research, and intellectual capabilities. The programme can significantly strengthen professional credibility and open opportunities within academia, high level consultancy, specialised industries, leadership positions, and international research environments.

Engineering
A Doctor of Philosophy represents the highest level of academic and research development within a specialised field. It is designed for individuals seeking to contribute original knowledge, lead research initiatives, and establish themselves as experts within academia or industry. At Universiti Malaya, doctoral candidates are supported within a strong research environment while undertaking independent and impactful research. The programme can open pathways towards academic leadership, advanced consultancy, specialised industry roles, and high level research opportunities internationally.

Business and Accountancy
A Doctor of Philosophy represents advanced expertise and original contribution within a specialised field of study. It is suitable for individuals seeking deeper academic engagement and long-term professional growth through research and intellectual development. At Universiti Malaya, candidates undertake independent research within a university recognised internationally for research excellence and strong academic standing. UM’s global reputation helps strengthen the value of the qualification and supports future opportunities within academia, specialised industries, and advanced research related environments.
Creative Arts
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is University of Malaya’s premier research Creative Arts degree.
Arts and Social Science
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is University of Malaya’s premier research Arts and Social Science training degree.
Dentistry
The Doctor of Philosophy programme offered is a research Dentistry programme from University of Malaya in which the research component comprises one hundred (100) percent of the whole programme of study.
Languages and Linguistics
The Faculty at University of Malaya offers a PhD programme by research in Languages and Linguistics.
Medicine
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) is University of Malaya’s premier research training Medicine degree.
Economics and Administration Field
This Economics and Administration Field programme at University of Malaya is open for application throughout the year.
Advanced Studies
Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) at University of Malaya, formely known as Institute of Graduate Studies (IGS), is Malaysian first postgraduate and advanced research institution within a university providing facilities for multidisciplinary studies.
Asia-Europe
This Asia-Europe PhD programme at University of Malaya is purely based on individual supervised research.
Medicine
This Medicine programme is offered for Malaysian applicant, who is registered medical doctor working in University of Malaya Medical Center (UMMC).
Sports and Exercise Science
The PhD Sports and Exercise Science programme at University of Malaya follows a structure of individual supervised research, where candidature are required to submit a thesis at the end of their candidature.
Public Health
Doctor of Public Health programme at University of Malaya is an advanced professional degree for those who wish to be leaders in the practice of public health.
Pharmacy
Both postgraduate Pharmacy programmes at University of Malaya are offered to both qualified Malaysian and international students.