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Doctorate Programme · Graduate School of Business

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Since GSB’s formation in 2009 we have developed into an innovative and ambitious Business School, producing PhD graduates who are sought after by universities, business schools, research institutes and public and private sector organisations worldwide.

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Study ModeFull Time and Part TimePart time is open to Malaysians and to students from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei only
DurationFull time 4 to 10 semesters, part time 6 to 15 semesters
Graduate on Time42 months (7 semesters)
SupervisionAcademic staff across six research clusters

Programme Overview

Research that Makes an Impact

Each PhD student is assigned to one of GSB’s six research clusters where they will work closely not only with their supervisor(s) but also with other lecturers and doctoral students with similar research interests and expertise. You will therefore be active in the research activities of your cluster, participating in regular seminars and presenting your ideas and research to peers within the cluster. In addition to cluster-based activities, PhD students will also be engaged in workshops, seminars and other events organised by the School for the benefit of all doctoral candidates.

Whether you plan for a career in academia, industry or the public sector, your experience as a PhD student at GSB will give you the chance to make an impact on the thoughts and actions of scholars, business leaders and policy makers. The PhD programme at GSB is designed to equip students with research and analytical skills for scholarly inquiry and leadership in the field of business and management. As a doctoral student you will benefit from the systematic and rigorous research methods courses we provide.

Research ClustersWork with supervisors, lecturers and doctoral peers who share your research interests.
Seminars and WorkshopsPresent your ideas regularly and join School-wide events for doctoral candidates.
Rigorous MethodsSystematic research methods courses that build your analytical skills.
Career ReadyPrepared for academia, industry or the public sector.
Our TaglineGiven GSB’s tagline of ‘Nurturing Business Sustainability’, you will also be exposed from the outset to the importance of business sustainability.

Entry

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess the following:

Academic Qualification

  • A Master’s degree from universities recognised by USM’s senate or an equivalent qualification with a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00
OR
  • A Master’s degree by research from universities recognised by USM’s senate or an equivalent qualification

Two-Page Research Proposal

  • Proposed area of interest
  • Potential contribution to theory
  • Background (with evidence of reading that supports potential contribution)
  • Research objectives
  • Significance of research
  • Expected economic, or social, or environmental impact of research

Language Requirements

Applicable for international applicants only. Any one of the following:

The minimum score for each programme can vary from the list below; candidates are required to check each programme’s requirements.

TOEFL (Internet-based)Minimum score 60
TOEFL Essentials (Online)Minimum Band 8.5
IELTSMinimum Band 6
PTEMinimum score 59
Cambridge EnglishOccupational English Test (OET) (Conventional/Online) min 250, Advance (CAE), Proficiency (CPE), Preliminary (PET), First (FCE), Linguaskill Online min. score 169
ELSMinimum score 109
MUETMinimum Band 4
Exemption can be given to a candidate if:English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or the candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required).

Timeline

Duration

Full Time

Minimum4semesters
Maximum10semesters
Part Time

Minimum6semesters
Maximum15semesters
Graduate on Time (GOT)42 monthsGraduate with a minimum of 42 months (7 semesters)

Study mode for international studentsInternational students must enrol full time. Part time study is open only to Malaysians and to students from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei.
Investment

Fees

MalaysianMYR
Item Full Time Part Time
Registration Fee 330.00 330.00
Tuition Fee (per semester) 3,910.00 3,325.00
Research Methodology 320.00 320.00
Thesis Evaluation Fee 800.00 800.00
Convocation Fee 200.00 200.00
InternationalUSD *
Item Full Time Part Time ***
Registration Fee 225.00 225.00
Personal Bond 1,000.00 1,000.00
Tuition Fee (per semester) 1,600.00 1,440.00
Research Methodology 80.00 80.00
Thesis Evaluation Fee 250.00 250.00
Convocation Fee 50.00 50.00
* NOT inclusive of 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed by Government of Malaysia** Fees are subject to change*** Part time is open only to international students from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei

Financial AssistanceExplore scholarships and financial support for USM postgraduate students.View

Find Your Supervisor

Potential Supervisors

Our academic staff supervise PhD research across six clusters. Filter by cluster and click a profile to see the supervisor’s expertise and contact details.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fathyah HashimSustainability Accounting and GovernanceAssoc. Prof. Dr. Fathyah HashimDeanView Profile Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Yulita Hanum P IskandarInnovation and Operations ManagementAssoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Yulita Hanum P IskandarDeputy Dean Academic, Career & InternationalView Profile Dr. Zurina MohaidinMarketingDr. Zurina MohaidinAcademic StaffView Profile Prof. Dr. Azlan AmranCorporate Social ResponsibilityProf. Dr. Azlan AmranAcademic StaffView Profile Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Teoh Ai PingSustainability Accounting and GovernanceAssoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Teoh Ai PingDeputy Dean of Research, Innovation & Industry Community EngagementView Profile Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ellisha NasruddinCorporate Social ResponsibilityAssoc. Prof. Dr. Ellisha NasruddinAcademic StaffView Profile Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul AriffinMarketingAssoc. Prof. Dr. Shaizatulaqma Kamalul AriffinAcademic StaffView Profile Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuvaraj GanesanSustainability Accounting and GovernanceAssoc. Prof. Dr. Yuvaraj GanesanAcademic StaffView Profile Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Cheng LingInnovation and Operations ManagementAssoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Cheng LingAcademic StaffView Profile Assoc. Prof. Dr. Goh Yen NeeMarketingAssoc. Prof. Dr. Goh Yen NeeAcademic StaffView Profile Prof. Dr. Salmi Mohd IsaMarketingProf. Dr. Salmi Mohd IsaAcademic StaffView Profile Ts. Dr. Ali Vafaei ZadehInnovation and Operations ManagementTs. Dr. Ali Vafaei ZadehPhD Programme ManagerView Profile Dr. Haniruzila HanifahGlobal Strategy & Organizational BehaviourDr. Haniruzila HanifahAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Hong Meen CheeFinancial EconomicsDr. Hong Meen CheeAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Chin Phaik NieFinancial EconomicsDr. Chin Phaik NieProgramme Manager (Collaborative Programmes)View Profile Dr. Karpal Singh A/L Dara SinghGlobal Strategy & Organizational BehaviourDr. Karpal Singh A/L Dara SinghProgramme Manager, Centre for Executive Education and Development (CEED)View Profile Dr. Norfarah NordinCorporate Social ResponsibilityDr. Norfarah NordinMBA Programme ManagerView Profile Dr. Ooi Say KeatCorporate Social ResponsibilityDr. Ooi Say KeatQuality & Accreditation ManagerView Profile Dr. Cheah Sau SengCorporate Social ResponsibilityDr. Cheah Sau SengOnline MBA Programme ManagerView Profile Dr. Kavigtha Mohan KumarInnovation and Operations ManagementDr. Kavigtha Mohan KumarDBA Programme ManagerView Profile Dr. Christopher RichardsonGlobal Strategy & Organizational BehaviourDr. Christopher RichardsonAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Suzari Abdul RahimInnovation and Operations ManagementDr. Suzari Abdul RahimAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Rosly OthmanInnovation and Operations ManagementDr. Rosly OthmanAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Noor Fareen Abdul RahimGlobal Strategy & Organizational BehaviourDr. Noor Fareen Abdul RahimAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Faiza SaleemFinancial EconomicsDr. Faiza SaleemAcademic StaffView Profile Dr. Tan Bee WahFinancial EconomicsDr. Tan Bee WahAcademic StaffView Profile
All Academic Staff USM Experts Directory
What You Will Achieve

PhD Programme Learning Outcomes

PLO 1Integrate significant knowledge using appropriate approaches to address current critical issues and produce impactful and original contributions to the relevant field.
PLO 2Critically analyze and synthesize new, complex, and abstract ideas and solve contemporary issues through advanced research methods to produce original contributions that comply with international standards.
PLO 3Develop original, complex, and specialized research techniques and methods to solve new problems and create high-quality solutions in the relevant field with minimal supervision.
PLO 4Demonstrate strong ability to collaborate with a variety of parties in conducting research.
PLO 5Present research findings, ideas, issues, and solutions clearly, confidently, and effectively to the research community, peers, and society.
PLO 6Use appropriate digital technology and software to support, enhance, and justify research findings.
PLO 7Validate findings using analysis appropriate to the research method to ensure conclusions are accurate and impactful.
PLO 8Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and skills in managing research and related resources.
PLO 9Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development in shaping future directions in related fields.
PLO 10Apply entrepreneurial skills to identify opportunities and implement innovative projects in related research.
PLO 11Comply with safety regulations and directives, ethics and professionalism, and sustainable practices and identify issues related to the advancement of research in the field and its impact on society.
Need Help?

Contact the PhD Programme Manager

Ts. Dr. Ali Vafaei ZadehPhD Programme Manager

Ts. Dr. Ali Vafaei Zadeh

PhD Programme Manager, Graduate School of Business

Emailvafaei@usm.myOffice Phone+604-653 5916OfficeGraduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang
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