Experience Your Future at Taylor’s Open Day – 6, 7, 13, and 14 December

 

Advance your research or broaden your expertise with our postgraduate programmes. Discover flexible study modes (full-time, part-time, or 100% online), innovative research opportunities, and expert guidance from experienced academics at Taylor’s Open Day. 

PROGRAMME DETAILS HOW TO APPLY DISCOVER MORE

OVERVIEW
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
WHY TAYLOR'S
FUTURE CAREERS

Our PhD in Architecture programme provides a platform for you to delve deep into your chosen research areas, pushing the boundaries of architectural understanding and practice. As a doctoral candidate, you will work closely with your advisors to develop and execute a research project of substantial scope and significance.

 

While not a licensure programme, the Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture) offers extensive opportunities, producing scholars whose work shapes policy and practice across Asia. With only a select few admitted each year, you'll join a tight-knit community of researchers who are passionate about driving innovation in the field through critical analysis and the generation of new insights.

Programme Information for 2026

Duration

3 to 6-year (Full Time)
4 to 8-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

Intake Month

February, April, June, September and October

Offered by

School of Architecture, Building and Design

Modes

Normal and Prior Publication

Fees

MYR 49,050 (Local, Normal Mode, Full Time)
 
MYR 39,400 (Local, Normal Mode, Part Time)
 
MYR 36,168 (Local, Prior Publication Mode, Full Time)
 
USD 15,321 (International, Normal Mode, Full Time)
 
USD 11,169 (International, Prior Publication Mode, Full Time)

To support your journey, you can also explore the scholarships offered here.

Note: Fees will be reviewed annually. For the avoidance of doubt, Taylor’s reserves the right to revise the fee payable for any given semester.

As a doctoral student in business, you will embark on a research journey that will deepen your understanding of the field and make significant contributions to knowledge. Our programme is designed to provide you with a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, allowing you to thrive as a researcher and innovator.

Key Research Areas

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment.

 

Interested to know more?

Hiring Graduate Students

Hiring Graduate Students

More than 300 postgraduates have chosen Taylor's to fulfil their research aspiration. Join us and contribute to our innovative and progressive research projects here.

We offer two entry pathways for this PhD programme, which are normal mode and prior to publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

Normal Mode

Master's

A Master's Degree (Malaysian Qualification Framework, Level 6) or equivalent (accepted by HEP) in Architecture or related field. Applications are admitted who meet the course requirements and whose research interests match those of an available member of the doctoral faculty.

 

 

Interview & Review

Candidates are required to submit a statement of purpose of their motivation for engaging in this programme of study. Qualified applicants may be invited to interview with a member of the doctoral faculty.

 

 

English Requirement

International students must have proof of good proficiency in verbal and written English: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or its equivalent. The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

 

 

Accelerated PhD Programme

Bachelor's degree candidates who are registered for master's degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions:

 

  • Within 1 year for full time and within 2 years for part-time candidates
  • Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation
  • Approval of the Taylor's University Senate

 

 

If Your Bachelor's Degree is from a Different Field

Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience are required to undergo and pass a bridging module.

Note

  • Any of the condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
  • All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.
Prior Publication Mode

Prior Publication Mode

You will need to fulfil one of the below:

 

  • Obtain a master's degree in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate
  • Obtain other qualifications equivalent to a master's degree recognised by the Government of Malaysia
  • Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the HEP

 

In addition to the above criteria, those who want to join Doctoral Degree by Retrospective or Prior Publication mode must include the below to the formal application:

 

  • Minimum of 5 publications or equivalent works in alignment with the theme of the specialisation;
  • An executive summary of the above publications to demonstrate the applicant’s contribution to knowledge in the field;
  • A list of scholarly published work;

 

The minimum language proficiency of the candidates must be determined by the HEP consistent with applicable programme standards or based on the needs of the programme,

i.e., learning outcomes and the medium of instruction.

 

A Selection Committee must be established to review the formal application for PhD by Retrospective or Prior Publication and recommend to the Senate to obtain approval.

 

Criteria for published works

  • Published work must encompass high-quality journals, monographs, books, research-based chapters in books, electronic publications which have not been used to obtain other awards or deemed a part of those awards.
  • The publications or productions must be published or produced within a period not exceeding ten (10) years from the date of submission.
  • For the five (5) nominated publications or productions, the candidate must be the principal author or creator with the contributions of others clearly defined.

 

Notes

All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department.

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

Key Highlights of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

  • Architectural Critic
  • Building Conservationist
  • Historian
  • Professor/Researcher
  • Project Manager
  • Sustainable Design Consultant
  • Urban Designer

Embarking on your journey towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture degree represents an exhilarating advancement in your educational and professional career. We are here to guide you through the application process, ensuring it is as seamless and straightforward as possible. To discover more about the procedure and the documents required, please visit our Admissions website for further information.

GET INSPIRED
FAQs

For Prior Publication Mode:

How long is the candidature?

How long is the candidature?

The minimum duration of candidature is 6 months and must not exceed 2 years.

What are the criteria for the award of the degree?

What are the criteria for the award of the degree?

The minimum requirement for the award of the degree is to:

 

  1. Pass thesis examination and viva-voce/ oral examination.
  2. Confirmation of meeting minimum candidature period (from the first day of intake commencement to confirmation of satisfactory amendment of thesis/dissertation by examiners).
How will progression tracking be done?

How will progression tracking be done?

Progression tracking is done by monitoring of research progress periodically through:

 

  1. Regular consultation with the supervisors (supervisor-supervisee log);
  2. Progress report; and Seminars (research seminar, thesis completion seminar).

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