PhD (Language Studies) -
School of Languages, Literacies & Translation

The Doctor of Philosophy (Language Studies) provides an opportunity for students to conduct research in relation to the analysis and description of the Malay and English language. The aim of the programme is to equip graduate students with the skills necessary to conduct detailed research involving in-depth analysis and description in the different areas of language studies. The programme is an important building block in the higher degree research domain.

The Doctoral programme allows students to develop thorough knowledge of a specific area related to the Malay/English language or Malay/English literature and culture. Although the focus of the programme in Language Studies at the doctoral level is broad, the School offers expertise on the many different areas of research in language studies. It also develops the conceptual and communicative skills needed to conduct and disseminate original research.

Research Thrust Areas:

Languages

• Linguistic Theory
• Sociolinguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Analysis
• English Language Skills
• Syllabus Design and Materials Development
• Testing and Evaluation
• History and Bahasa Malaysia
• Terminology
• Lexicography and Lexicology
• Stylistics, Reading and Text Interpretation
• Literature
• Literacy Studies and Practices

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Languages, Literacies and Translations

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• A Master's degree in research mode; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
• Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

International candidates are required to undergo interview conducted by the school.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

• A minimum score of 60 in Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
• A minimum of Band 6 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); or
• A minimum score of 169 in Cambridge English Advance (CAE); or
• A minimum score of 169 in Cambridge Proficiency Advance (CPE); or
• A minimum score of 59 in Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 4 in MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

Exemption can be given 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 is English

**Candidates will be interviewed by the Selection Panels.

• Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
• Part-time: Min 6 semesters /Max 15 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change