Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve. This qualification sets graduates apart as having developed an exhaustive understanding of a selected focus area in the discipline of business studies, placing graduates at the forefront of their chosen field of research.

Our PhD in Business provides students with opportunities to undertake extensive investigation within a chosen business field and they are encouraged to develop new ideas or employ well thought-out methodologies to produce noteworthy theoretical and practical contributions.

Students will utilise the best-suited research design to explore and/or test informed ideas. The outcome of the  research extends the frontiers of knowledge and students will disseminate the scholarly findings to peers and practitioners, through academic and professional networks, conferences/seminars and even publications.

Sunway University has a dedicated team of academics, including some in the top 1% and 2% of scientists or those who publish in top-tier international business journals, to mentor our students along their research journey as they investigate a topic of their choice. Students may pursue a topic or an issue in which they are currently researching within their work area, in which case the PhD can also be of direct relevance to current employment. Alternatively, students can choose to undertake research in any particular area that they are passionate about.

Our students will be a part of a team of leading international scholars, who actively promote scientific, technological, social and cultural progress while shaping business, legal and societal boundaries. By the end of the research study, our graduates would have developed expertise in their chosen field and be well-equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and personal attributes to carry out independent research.

• A Master’s degree in related fields as accepted by the University Senate; OR
• A Master’s degree in non-related fields as accepted by the University Senate, subject to having at least 2 years of work experience in the relevant field and passed an internal assessment; OR
• A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the University Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing prerequisite courses; OR
• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) recognised by the Malaysian Government.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 7.0 or equivalent

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
• Transformative 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