PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Banking and Finance at the Faculty of Finance and Administrative Sciences is designed to cultivate highly competent scholars, researchers, and professionals who will contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practices in the field of Islamic banking and finance. This programme emphasises originality, innovation, and the integration of advanced research skills to address the complexities of modern financial systems in line with Islamic principles.

The programme equips candidates with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the latest developments in Islamic banking and finance, encouraging them to engage with contemporary challenges and emerging issues at both national and global levels. Students are trained to apply innovative methodologies, advanced analytical tools, and digital technologies in conducting cutting-edge research that contributes significantly to theory and practice.

Collaboration and effective communication form a core part of the programme. Candidates will work within interdisciplinary networks and communities, both locally and internationally, to exchange knowledge, co-develop solutions, and disseminate impactful research findings to diverse audiences—including scholars, industry practitioners, policymakers, and society at large.

Through a balance of independent scholarly inquiry and collaborative engagement, students will acquire the ability to design and adapt advanced research methodologies, utilise qualitative and quantitative approaches effectively, and present research outcomes using both numerical and graphical analysis. The programme nurtures lifelong learning, intellectual autonomy, and professional accountability, preparing graduates to become thought leaders and change agents in the Islamic banking and finance industry.

Graduates of this PhD programme will not only contribute to the creation of new knowledge but also demonstrate a strong commitment to legal, ethical, socio-political, economic, and cultural responsibilities. By integrating these dimensions, they will play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable financial systems that reflect the values of justice, equity, and integrity.

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): (R-CDL/343/8/0010)

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA): (MQA/FA0387)

English

• Demonstrate a comprehensive, organized, and integrated abstract idea about the most critical issues in the most recent frontiers of Islamic banking and finance.
• Apply innovative methodologies and analytical tools to solve complicated, abstract, and emergent contemporary issues in the field of Islamic banking and finance.
• Perform the ability to design and adapt highly advanced research methodologies in Islamic banking and finance 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 Islamic banking and finance 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 Islamic banking and finance research.
• Demonstrate significance autonomy and authority in conducting research to contribute new Islamic banking and finance 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);
• 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 pre-requisite courses; or
• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) as 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 enrol 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.

Academic Researcher, Shariah Advisory, Policy Maker, Director in Islamic Financial Institutions and Think Tanks, International Consultant in Islamic Banking and Finance & other related careers.

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