PhD in Economics

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics at the Faculty of Finance and Administrative Sciences (FFAS) is designed to develop scholars and researchers with advanced expertise in economics. This program emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical and innovative research skills to address complex, abstract, and contemporary issues in the global economic landscape.

The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of cutting-edge economic theories, models, and applications, enabling students to analyze critical challenges at both micro and macro levels. Graduates will be equipped to conduct high-impact research using advanced methodologies, innovative analytical tools, and digital technologies, contributing to the creation of new knowledge in economics.

The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical research practices, and effective communication of findings to academic communities and society at large. Students will gain the ability to adapt to diverse working environments and networks, both locally and internationally, while maintaining accountability, professionalism, and socio-economic awareness.

Ultimately, this PhD program prepares candidates to become thought leaders, policy advisors, and academicians capable of influencing economic development and innovation through rigorous research and lifelong learning.

This program is accredited and certified by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Accreditation reference numbers are shown below:

Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE): (N/314/8/0001)

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA): (MQA/PA0386)

English

• Demonstrate a comprehensive, organized, and integrated abstract idea about the most critical issues in the most recent frontiers of economics.
• Apply innovative methodologies and analytical tools to solve complicated, abstract, and emergent contemporary issues in the field of economics.
• Perform the ability to design and adapt highly advanced research methodologies in economic specialization area.
• Work together and collaboratively with different people in learning, working communities as well as groups or networks locally and internationally.
• Communicate effectively research findings to peers, scholarly communities and society large in the economics field of expertise.
• Create novel, effective approaches to support and improve research activities using digital technologies and suitable software.
• Use numerical and graphical chats to analyze important evaluation data using quantitative or qualitative approaches for economics research.
• Demonstrate significance autonomy and authority in conducting research to contribute new economics knowledge and practices.
• Integrate knowledge for lifelong learning with development of new ideas, solutions and systems through continuous academic and professional pathway.
• Demonstrate accountability for the research’s management and greater awareness of socio political, economic, and cultural issues at the local, national, and international levels.
• Demonstrate adhere to legal, professional and ethically sound codes of practice.

• A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate; or
• A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to having relevant working experience and rigorous internal assessment (may include tests, interviews or portfolio); or
• A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing prerequisite courses; or
• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) recognized by the Malaysian Government.

English Competency Requirement (International Student)

Candidates who wish to enter a program which medium of instruction is English language must pass the English Language Qualification (TOEFL: 30-31 / IELTS: 4.0 or equivalent) or achieve a minimum of Band 3 in MUET or equivalent to CEFR (Mid B2). Exemptions will be given subject to the University Senate’s approval based on situations.

The applicant may enroll in this programme under Structure A (Research).

Full Time: 3 Years (6 Semesters), 5 Years (10 Semesters)

Part Time: 4 Years (8 Semesters), 7 Years (14 Semesters)

The applicant is required to complete a subject titled Research Methodology before commencing research work under the supervision of an academic staff member from the Postgraduate Studies Department.

University Professor, Senior Economist, Economic Policy Analyst, Chief Economist, Consultant in Economic and Development Projects & other related career.

For international students studying On Campus (OC) mode, Visa Fees and University Bond fees are excluded.