Postgraduate studies (research mode) at the Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA) offer students the opportunity to embark on in-depth exploration of research on women, gender and their intersections with various social, cultural and political contexts. KANITA’s postgraduate studies programme are typically interdisciplinary as it draws from wide-ranging fields such as anthropology, development studies, law, sociology, political sciences, psychology, health sciences and various fields in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). KANITA’s Doctor of Philosophy programme primarily trains students to conduct original, critical and comprehensive research project in the relevant areas using gender analytical tool and framework. At the end of the study, students will acquire specialised expertise and knowledge, high research and analytical skills in diverse issues and innovative ideas in moving forward specific research agenda for different settings, all while utilising the gender lens. These will be useful for careers in academia, industry, governance and leadership.

Research Thrust Areas:

Gender Studies and intersections with these fields:

• Women’s studies
• Anthropology
• Area studies
• Development studies
• Law and policy
• Sociology
• Political science
• Psychology
• Cross-cultural studies
• Sustainability studies
• Health sciences
• STEM

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)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• 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