Back to Courses


Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a terminal degree reflecting independent mastery of a specialized field of knowledge, and the successful pursuit of original research. The Ph.D. effort requires academic discipline together with a significant commitment of time and effort. It involves highly focused study in a particular area of interest culminating in an original research effort, which adds to the general body of knowledge in the field.


Overview of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Ph.D. degree represents the culmination of extended academic study into a particular field of knowledge. Every doctoral program should be unified in relation to a clear objective. That is, it should have the approval of the student’s supervising professor, include focused academic course work that supports the research effort, and should include a tangible element of independent doctoral research. Those who earn the Ph.D. must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement and must contribute to the scholarly knowledge in their field of investigation. Therefore, candidates for Ph.D. degrees should have earned their Master degree in the field of study chosen for their doctoral work.

Mission Statement
To offer high quality educational opportunities to enable students to reach their individual academic goals, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who possess the skills necessary for personal growth and professional advancement.

Implementation of the Mission
• Accomplished by offering specialized course work in a variety of disciplines. A highly individualized and creative learning environment that incorporates both traditional and innovative instructional techniques
• Programs are highly flexible involving directed course work together with supervised study and research

Features & Aims
• To encompass theoretical concepts and practical applications, predominantly in the areas of business and management
• To further develop candidates as both thinkers and doers
• To equip candidates with the capability to make a leadership contribution to their own organizations and the wider global industries and communities in which they are involved

Program details

Program Duration
The normal duration of the Ph.D. program is 30 months. The maximum duration of the Ph.D. program is 72 months.

The Dissertation
The dissertation is an essential aspect of Ph.D. studies. It is a formal written document representing sustained research or investigation into an important intellectual issue. The dissertation must be an independent effort, which contributes to the accumulated wisdom of the field in which it is written. The required Research Preparation, Advanced Research Methods, Dissertation Preparation and Seminar courses will help the student to focus his or her research effort, and provide general guidelines for research approach and report preparation. All dissertations must meet rigorous academic standards and be professionally prepared in a format suitable for reproduction.

Dissertations will be reviewed and approved by the candidate’s Supervising Professor and Preston University’s Academic Review Committee.

Course Description

DR 7100 Research Preparation / Literature Review
This advanced course prepares the student for the research effort. It covers the principles of research, discusses alternative philosophies of research and describes a disciplined procedural approach to the research process. The course results in a well-documented research approach including some preliminary findings in the topical area.
DR 7800 Dissertation Preparation / Research Proposal
The doctoral dissertation describes an original research project. A distinct methodology and process is used to craft the dissertation to meet academic standards, while making it a useful and practical document. This module guides the candidate through the dissertation development process.
DR 7200 Advanced Research Methods
This advanced course is designed to guide the student toward a well-defined research topic as the focus of the dissertation effort. The course results in a detailed research methodology suitable to guide the subsequent research.
DR 7300 Contemporary Issues
This seminar guides the student through an in-depth review of contemporary writings within the range of the candidate’s research focus. The result of this course is a comprehensive literature review reflecting the existing knowledge associated with the student’s area of research interest.


In practical terms, the pursuit of a Ph.D. degree largely consists of researching for, and writing a Ph.D. thesis. Some Ph.D. disciplines offered:

• Human Resource Management
• Business Administration
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• International Finance
• International Management
• International Marketing
• Leadership
• Organizational Behavior

Assessment Method

All dissertations must meet the rigorous academic standards and be professionally prepared in a format suitable for reproduction. Dissertations will be reviewed and approved by the candidate’s Thesis Supervisor and Preston University’s Academic Review Committee.

Entry qualifications

• Related Master’s degree from approved university AND
• Relevant working experience

Fee Structure

Processing Fee (payable upon enrolment)
RM300
University Registration (payable on 3rd month in bank draft)
USD1,500
Tuition Fee (Monthly Instalments (Tuition Fee): RM 4,800 X 1, RM 2,600 X 10)
RM30,800

 

Related Links

Download course PDF

Our Facilitators
Preston University
Contact Us


 

Introduction / About Kolej Unistate / Our Facilitators / COURSES / Contact Us / All rights reserved © Kolej Unistate 2008