About the programme
The Doctor of Philosophy by Research (DOPR) is an advanced, multi-disciplinary postgraduate degree programme designed for candidates with a passion for research, discovery, and academic excellence. This programme is tailored for individuals seeking to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, pursue careers in academia, research, consultation, or specialised fields across a broad range of disciplines.
Being a qualification that opens up boundless opportunities in research and industry, MAHSA University’s DOPR stands as a premier programme for scholars aspiring to push the boundaries of knowledge. Through independent, original research guided by expert supervisors, candidates will develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a profound understanding of their chosen area of study.
Graduates of the DOPR from MAHSA University will be well-prepared to excel in academia, research institutions, and beyond. They will hold the recognition of respected universities, research facilities, and professional organisations worldwide, equipped to lead innovations, solve real-world challenges, and make impactful contributions to society.
Entry requirements
- Masters degree in relevant field from universities recognized by the Senate of MAHSA University
- Bachelor's degree candidates with minimum CGPA 3.67 registered for Masters can apply to change to a Doctorate Level provided they comply and are competent to do research at a Doctorate level that is approved by the University Senate or other equivalent qualifications approved by the Senate of MAHSA University
What you’ll study
6-month progress report and presentation
Preparation and presentation of a detailed progress report highlighting the research conducted, challenges faced, and future directions.
Research Methodology Course
Completion of a course covering experimental design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and project management.
Defence research proposal (DRP)
Presentation of the research proposal before a panel of experts to validate objectives, methodologies, and timelines.
Ethics approval (Animal/Human/Not applicable)
Obtaining ethical clearance for studies involving animals, humans, or other applicable subjects.
Research activities depend on nature of work (methodology)
Implementation of approved research methodologies, including data collection, experimentation, and analysis.
Data analysis
Processing, analyzing, and interpreting data using relevant tools and statistical methods.
Thesis writing (chapters)
Writing the thesis with regular consultations with supervisors, including all necessary sections such as introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Scientific paper publication
One published or accepted journal article and one published, accepted, or under review.
Thesis submission
Submission of the finalized thesis in soft-bound format for examination.
Viva-voce (Final)
Defending the thesis and research findings before an examination panel.
Post viva-voce
Correction of the thesis based on examiner feedback and submission of the corrected thesis in hardbound format.
Career pathways
Academic and Education
- University Professor or Lecturer
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Curriculum Developer
Government and Policy-Making
- Science Policy Advisor
- Government Research Officer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Research and Development (R&D) Industry
- Principal Scientist or Researcher
- Research Director or Manager
- Laboratory Head
- R&D Specialist
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industries
- Scientific Consultant
- Clinical Research Scientist
- Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Start-up Founder in scientific or technological fields
- Innovator of products or solutions in high-tech industries
- Patent Specialist or Intellectual Property (IP) Consultant
Programme information is supplied through StudyMalaysia. Confirm current fees, intake dates, requirements and availability directly with the institution.