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Become A Leading Expert in Your Field
Dive into the realm of academic excellence with WOU’s research-based PhD programmes and professional doctorate . Marking the culmination of your educational journey with the highest level of achievement.
At WOU our doctoral programmes are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of aspiring scholars. Offering the perfect blend of academic rigour and flexibility, we allow you to advance your postgraduate education at your convenience. Join our vibrant community of scholars and embark on a transformative academic journey today!
Guided Flexible Academic Path
At WOU, we value personalised support and flexibility in your academic journey. With small postgraduate student numbers, we prioritise quality supervision, offering timely advice and feedback throughout your doctoral pursuit.
Students have the choice meet their supervisors in-person or virtually.
Option for in-person or virtual presentation of post graduate research proposal
No fees for supplementary courses in research-based programmes.
Workshops available for post-graduate students to enhance research skills
Thesis can be written in English or National language.
Publication grants offered
to students.
Prefer to speak directly to a WOU counsellor on our PhD or Professional Doctorate programmes.
PhD or Professional Doctorate? How to Decide.
Typically, research-based degrees are called Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and professional and practice-based degrees are called by their specific discipline or practice, for example, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Engineering or Doctor of Education.
Pursue a PhD
- If you prefer a less-structured programme that does not have taught courses with exams.
- Are very interested to delve deeply by researching into a specific topic that you are passionate about.
Pursue a Professional Doctorate
- If you prefer more structure with taught courses and assessments through exams and assignments.
- Are less inclined to write a long thesis or carry out very deep research.
WOU PhD vs Professional Doctorate Offering
| PhD Programme | Professional Doctorate Programme | |
| Duration | 3 Years: Full-Time* 4 Years: Part -Time |
3 Years: Full-Time* 4 Years: Part -Time |
| Credits for graduation | N/A | 80 Credits |
| Structure | 100% Research | 50% Course Work 50% Research |
| Assessment | Thesis (80,000 – 100,000 Words) |
50% Based on courses (Min. CGPA 3.50) 50% Research |
| Admission Requirements | Doctor of Philosophy Education Doctor of Philosophy Management |
Doctor of Business Administration |
| Incentives | Senior and Alumni Discount |
* full time does not mean physical attendance, it just refers to shorter candidature duration
Our Commitment to Research
The WOU Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS)
In 2007, WOU established the Center for Graduate Studies (CGS), to serve as an invaluable hub for students poised to embark on their journey towards a PhD based degree, providing unparalleled opportunities for advanced research and academic excellence.
The Centre’s goal is to champion excellence in research-based post graduate education and training programmes through robust partnerships with Academic Institutions, Affiliated Graduate Centers, Collaborative Researchers from Participating Institutions, and Private-Sector Entities.
Let Us Help You Shape Your Future.Explore Our Doctorates's Offerings Below!
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Our Expert Supervisors:
Guiding You Every Step of the Way
Meet our distinguished postgraduate faculty members, each a luminary in their respective fields, poised to offer unparalleled guidance and mentorship to students aspiring to pursue PhD or professional Doctorate degrees.
Sorry, No faculty members.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme?
A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral degree by research Level 8 Malaysian Quality Framework (MQF) programme where candidates carry out an original research which to contributes significantly to new knowledge and/or practice in a field of study. MQF is the framework set by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) the entity responsible for quality assurance of higher education for both the public and private sectors under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Malaysia.
What is a Professional Doctorate programme?
It is mixed-mode programme that is also a Level 8 Malaysian Quality Framework (MQF) programme where candidates have to enroll in a suite of courses together with a research component that makes up at least 50% of the total assessment for graduation. MQF is the framework set by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) the entity responsible for quality assurance of higher education for both the public and private sectors under the Ministry ofHigher Education (MOHE) in Malaysia.
What PhD programmes does WOU currently offer ?
We currently offer a PhD in Education and PhD (Social Science)
What Professional Doctorate programmes does WOU currently offer?
WOU currently offers a Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)
What is the application process for PhD programme with WOU
Get in touch with our team of counsellors who will help you with the application process.
Application Process
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You will need to complete an application form.
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Prepare a research brief proposal. We will provide you guidance and support on preparing the brief.
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Submit your application form, brief proposal and academic certificates and any other relevant documentation to the Regional Centre nearest to your location.
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The university will process your application and revert within 2 to 3 weeks with an offer letter, if successful.
Will I have to prepare a brief research proposal to submit a PhD application and will I receive guidance from WOU on how to do this?
Yes you have to prepare a brief research proposal. The first thing to keep in mind is that this proposal is to help the university identify the right supervisor for you. Therefore, it is highly likely that this proposal will be further refined and may look quite different from the first version you submitted in your application.The proposal should clearly show what you want to study, if the topic is current and novel, and researchable. You may seek the advice and guidance of the potential supervisor in drafting this proposal.
Are there some guidelines I can refer to in preparing my research brief?
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Your proposal should be around 750-1000 words.
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Use simple and clear language, avoid long sentences.
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The statement of the problem and research ‘gap’.
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Significance of the study–why is it important.
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The research aims and objectives.
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The research questions.
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Conceptual framework.
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Research design
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Sampling
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Data collection methods
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Data analysis methods
Can I apply for funding for PhD or doctorate studies with WOU?
Senior citizens and WOU alumni enjoy rebates on fees. For scholarships, please inquire here to check if there are any available for the postgraduate programme you’re interested in.