Doctor of Philosophy (Business)
Shah Alam, Malaysia
PhD
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 14,309 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | RM 57,640 for Malaysian students
The Doctor of Philosophy in Business program is designed for those who want to dive deep into advanced research and gain a thorough understanding of various business fields. It encourages students to explore complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute new knowledge to the industry. The program usually involves coursework combined with original research work, leading to a dissertation that addresses real-world business challenges. It’s a flexible program meant for individuals aiming to pursue careers in academia, consultancy, or leadership roles where in-depth expertise matters.
Students in this program often prepare themselves for high-level positions by honing their analytical and problem-solving skills. The focus is on fostering independent research abilities, encouraging students to investigate topics that interest them while providing support from experienced faculty. Throughout the journey, students are expected to engage with current issues in business and propose innovative solutions. This process not only builds advanced knowledge but also prepares students to make meaningful contributions to theory and practice, fueling their growth into leaders or scholars in the business world.
Bursary
- Programme: Master by Research and PhD
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Financial Support:
- Master by Research: 30% tuition fee waiver
- PhD: 50% tuition fee waiver
- Award Criteria: Graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes
Scholarship
- Programme: Master by Research and PhD
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Financial Support:
- Master by Research: 60% tuition fee waiver
- PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver
- Award Criteria: Graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes.
- CGPA >= 3.5 or equivalent
Studentship
- Programme: PhD only
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Financial Support:
- Master by Research: Not eligible
- PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver including registration and resource fees. Cost of living allowance of RM3,000 per month for 36 months
- Award Criteria: Graduates who meet the entry requirements for the PhD programmes.
- CGPA >= 3.5 AND One (1) journal article indexed in WOS/Scopus/ERA
Note: Applicants without a published journal article (indexed in WOS/Scopus/ERA) must demonstrate the following in their highest qualification:
- CGPA >= 3.75 AND
- Evidence of an individual research project AND
- Completion of a research methodology course
Eligible applicants will be interviewed, and Studentship awards will be given on a competitive basis
*Bursary is only offered to Sunway graduates from Sunway Education Group's higher education institutions.
**Scholarship is open to Sunway and non-Sunway graduates
Research Methodology
In addition to the thesis component, students will be required to take Research Methodology to enhance their knowledge in research.
Thesis
Students pursuing the PhD (Business) programme shall undertake an in-depth study on a particular research topic, the findings of which shall be submitted in the form of a thesis. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination, called viva voce.
Professional Development Activities
Candidates are also required to participate in academic activities, such as workshops, seminars, conferences and talks in various fields of study to enhance their knowledge, skills and experiences.
Areas of Research
We have a team of dedicated Supervisors with expertise in areas of research including (but not limited to):
- Global Business
- Green and/or Digital Marketing
- Energy and/or Green Finance
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Digital Automation
- Corporate Social Responsibility and/or ESG
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Modern Workplace Behaviour
- Talent Management
- Financial Reporting and Disclosure
- Experiential Marketing
- Business Lecturer
- Business consultant
- Market Research Analyst
- Business Project Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Management Analyst