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 Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Studies programme is designed to enrich your proficiency in the communication industries. It prioritises cultivating your research capabilities and fostering a profound understanding of communication theories, methodologies, and practices within media studies. You will actively engage in rigorous research, contributing significantly to advancing knowledge and ethics in the communication field. Through industrial training, you will identify and tackle intricate challenges, conducting cutting-edge studies that have meaningful implications for the field.

 

Throughout your journey, you will be encouraged to critically analyse and evaluate existing theories and practices while generating fresh perspectives and ideas, such as in the social media context. This process will not only refine your analytical skills but also equip you with the ability to inspire and influence others. As a doctoral candidate, you will emerge with the prowess to communicate critically, objectively, and creatively, essential qualities demanded by academia. With the programme's reputation for producing impactful scholars and thought leaders, only selective cohort of aspiring researchers gains admission. This creates an environment of intellectual rigour and collaborative innovation, where student's research will truly making a difference.

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 Media and Communication

Modes

Normal and Prior Publication

Fees

MYR 49,050 (Local, Normal Mode, Full Time)
 
MYR 39,400 (Local, Normal Mode, Part Time)
 
MYR 35,968 (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 media and communication, 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.

Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Students are required to pass the Research Methodology modules (6 credit hours), which have English as the medium of instruction, in the first year of their candidature.

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 offered two entry pathway for this PhD programme, which is 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

Pre-Requisites

  • A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or equivalent, as accepted by the HEP Senate; or
  • A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 can be accepted. The candidates must undergo rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
  •  A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in Media and Communication with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted subject to a minimum of FIVE years of working experience in the related fields and rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
  • Any other Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) (Non-Media and Communication) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 can be accepted subject to a minimum FIVE years of working experience in the field of Media and Communication or related fields. The candidates must undergo prerequisite courses and rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP; or
  • Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) in the field of Media and Communication or related fields recognised by the Government of Malaysia must undergo rigorous internal assessment as determined by the HEP (the requirement of CGPA is based on item i – iv)

Note:

  • Working experience can be cumulative industry engagement even before acquiring the required qualification for a particular level of study. However, it must be related to the level and content of the study.

 

For International Student

  • IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) 
  • The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Note:

  1. Students without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience requires to undergo and pass a bridging module.
  2. Any of the condition of the above would require student's research proposal to be approved.
  3. 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.
Prior Publication Mode

Prior Publication Mode

Pre-requisite
  • Candidates must obtain a master’s degree in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate; or
  • Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree recognised by the Government of Malaysia; or
  • 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:

 

  1. Minimum of 5 publications in alignment with the theme of the specialisation;
  2. An executive summary of the above publications to demonstrate the applicant’s contribution to knowledge in the field; and
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. The publications or productions must be published or produced within a period not exceeding ten (10) years from the date of submission.
  3. For the five (5) nominated publications or productions, the candidate must be the principal author or creator with the contributions of others clearly defined.

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 Media and Communication Studies

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

  • Account Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Corporate Communication Manager
  • Creative Director
  • Marketing Communication Director
  • Media Specialist
  • Public Relations Consultant
  • Sales and Promotion Manager
  • Senior Media Planner
  • Strategic Corporate Communication Director

Embarking on your journey towards a Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication Studies 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

In this section, you get the chance to hear directly from the vibrant voices of our media and communication school's communities. As a gathering space for insights and stories, we are excited to showcase the experiences and knowledge of our lecturers, students, alumni, and industry partners.

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).

OTHER RECOMMENDED PROGRAMMES