Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hospitality and Tourism at Sunway University is a PhD by research programme. PhD students at the School of Hospitality and Service Management can delve into a research topic which they are passionate about and is relevant to the field. For those pursuing a career in the hospitality field, PhD research can be of significance to the student's current or future employment. It can also contribute to new knowledge in specialized fields related to hospitality, tourism, and the service sector industries.
This PhD programme builds and strengthens research skills through thought-provoking research seminars provided by renowned international scholars, research methods training and independent research under supervision. The features of the programme create research opportunities for students through our unique offering, and collaboration with our national and international partners and networks within ASEAN and beyond.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve and will set graduates apart and places them at the forefront of their chosen field of research.
PhD students at the School of Hospitality and Service Management are also invited to join the Asia Pacific Centre for Hospitality Research (APCHR), supporting their journey to become part of an international community and a group of respected scholars who actively shape and promote advancements in hospitality and tourism.
- Higher Education
- Academia
- Research and development
- Consultancy
Programme Structure
Research Methodology
All PhD students will enroll in the ‘Research Methods for Hospitality and Tourism’ subject, which advances students’ understanding in and application of developing, conducting, and disseminating their own research.
Thesis
PhD candidates will be empowered to complete an in-depth study on a particular research topic in the form of a thesis, substantiated by a series of academic milestones including a proposal defense and a viva voce, where the research outcomes ultimately contribute to the knowledge base of hospitality and tourism and its scholarly and professional communities.
Professional Development Activities
Additional required academic activities are regular consultations with the supervisory team, regular progress reports, participation in reserach seminars, the completion of a research ethics workshop and training programme, a conference presentation, and the submission of a manuscript to an academic journal.
Areas of Research
We have a team of dedicated Supervisors with expertise in areas of research including (but not limited to):
Entry Requirements
- A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) or its equivalent in hospitality, tourism, or related fields as accepted by the University’s Senate.
- Candidates who have a master’s in a field that is not related to hospitality and tourism may be accepted if:
- the first Degree is in hospitality, tourism or related field; OR have three (3) years of working experiences in hospitality and tourism related industry.
- Candidates whose master’s or first degree is not related to the fields of hospitality/tourism and without working experiences in the relevant fields, must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses prior to registering the programme.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose medium of instruction for their master’s degree was not English will be required to provide evidence of language ability of:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 or equivalent
- TOEFL 100 (internet-based)
- PTE Academic: 70 overall
Application Procedure
Candidates are requested to send the completed application with the following supporting documents to shsm_phd@ sunway.edu.my:
- Sunway Postgraduate application form
- Research statement
- Scholarship application form (if applicable(
- Passport size photo
- Photocopy of Identification Card or Passport
- Official academic transcripts and completion certificate
- Curriculum Vitae
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (if applicable)
Research Proposal
The research proposal should comprise between 1,000 and 1,500 words (excluding references), and covers the following structure:
- An appropriate title for the research project (designated supervisor if known)
- Introduction and justification of the study, which includes
- Research background
- Problem statement
- Research objective(s)
- Research question(s)/hypothesis
- Literature review
- Research methodology
- Proposed research schedule
- List of references
The application documents will be evaluated by the PhD Committee which considers all applications based on the criteria approved by MQA. Shortlisted applicants are recommended to the University Research Degrees Committee for its consideration.
Contact Information
For more information and to apply, please email:
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Eligibility Criteria for Bursary or Scholarship
Bursary
Programme: Master by Research and PhD
Mode of study: Full-time
Financial Support:- Master by Research: 30% tuition fee waiver
- PhD: 50% tuition fee waiver
Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes
Scholarship
Programme: Master by Research and PhD
Mode of study: Full-time
Financial Support:- Master by Research: 60% tuition fee waiver
- PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver
Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the Master by Research or PhD programmes. CGPA >= 3.5 or Merit (or equivalent)
Studentship
Programme: Master by Research and PhD
Mode of study: Full-time
Financial Support:- Master by Research: Not eligible
- PhD: 100% tuition fee waiver including registration and resource fees. Cost of living allowance of RM3,000 per month for 36 months
Award Criteria: Sunway graduates who are meeting the entry requirement for the PhD programmes.
CGPA >= 3.5 or Merit (or equivalent). One (1) published journal article indexed in WOS/Scopus as first or corresponding author. Eligible applicants will be interviewed, and Studentship awards will be given on a competitive basis*Bursary is only offered to Sunway graduates from Sunway Education Group higher education institutions.
**Scholarship is open to Sunway and non-Sunway graduates
For more information about the scholarships and financial aid, please visit the SEG Scholarships website.
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