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Doctorate Program - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

The PhD programme is a full research programme leading to the submission of a thesis based on individually supervised research. All research proposals must be approved by and research supervised by the Faculty.

Career options in a variety of organizations such as :

  1. A private law firm
  2. A bar association
  3. A law school
  4. A legal clinic

Candidate might also pursue one of these law-related careers :

  1. In communications
  2. In computer and technology law
  3. Consulting with a law firm
  4. In education
  5. In law enforcement
  6. In politics
  7. In banking and financial services

All PhD candidates are required to register and pass a Research Methodology course with three (3) credits.

At the end of the candidature, a candidate is required to produce a thesis not exceeding 100,000 words on the subject of his/her research. The examiners must be satisfied that the thesis is a connected piece of writing that contains original work and critical interpretations worthy of publication and is of sufficient standard and merit to qualify for PhD.



All PhD candidates are required to deliver three (3) seminars.


The First Seminar, which is a research proposal seminar, is to be delivered within the first four semesters. Candidates are required to submit a research proposal of 3,000 to 5,000 words on the following:

  1. Introduction and scope of the research;
  2. Objective of the research
  3. Conceptual framework or methodology;
  4. Significance and relevance of the research;
  5. Time line for the research, including a proposed date of submission;
  6. Brief bibliography.


The Second Seminar, which is to be held in the fifth semesters, is a candidature defence seminar which requires a candidate to deliver a research progress report of about 10,000 words on the following:

  1. Precise research question or objective;
  2. Complete literature review;
  3. Complete research methodology;
  4. Research outcomes or findings to date;
  5. Complete bibliography;
  6. Research plan leading to completion of the thesis on the appointed date; and
  7. Publications or conference papers to date (if any).


The Third Seminar, which is to be delivered prior to submission of the thesis, requires the candidate to submit a summary of the thesis of 3,000 to 5,000 words, and an abstract of 500 words. Summary of the thesis shall contain an overview of the thesis, purpose and scope, significant research findings, and contents of chapters.


PhD candidates starting on 2012/2013 academic session and onwards are required to show proof of acceptance at least one (1) paper in ISI (WoS) – Ranked Full Length Journal Paper or at least two (2) papers in the journal category A or B that is recognized by the CoR for publication before the Committee of Examiners’ meeting and viva-voce.

Applicants for the PhD programme at the University of Malaya must satisfy the following requirements:

  1. A master’s degree by way of research; or
  2. A master’s degree by coursework or by mixed mode with CGPA of not less than 3.7; or
  3. A master’s degree by coursework or by mixed mode with CGPA between 2.0 and 3.69 and an undergraduate degree with CGPA not less than 3.0; or
  4. A master’s degree by coursework or by mixed mode with CGPA between 2.0 and 3.69 and an undergraduate degree with CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99, and one (1) of the following criteria:
    1. relevant work experience;
    2. publication in the relevant field;
    3. applicant is a scholarship holder;
    4. applicant is a University of Malaya graduate.
  5. Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA of not less than 3.7 may be admitted to the PhD Programme. These candidates are required to defend their candidature in a research progress seminar to be held on a date two (2) semesters from the initial registration date; failing which the candidature may be converted to the relevant Master’s degree.

Throughout the year

Last Updated: 08/07/2019