POSTGRADUATE

Doctor of
Philosophy
in Business
Administration

Conventional

study pathway

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

RU FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
1 Year

RU DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
2 Years
*Credit Transfer available

RU BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMME

3 Years

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

1 Year 4 Months / Part-Time

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

3 - 6 Years / Part-Time

MICRO-CREDENTIALS

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (PBA)

MQA/FA 11782 | KPT/ N/345/8/1076 (10/2026)

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration is a full research programme that aims to provide students with rigorous, in-depth and advanced research knowledge within their specific areas of business administration. A key element of this programme is to understand the philosophy of science paradigms that determine methodological designs. It also aims to inculcate in them a systematic and ethical approach in conducting research in specialised areas, thereby contributing new insights to the body of knowledge and managerial practices.

By the end of the programme, students will have an integrated knowledge in the area of business administration and demonstrated ability to perform research activities independently. They will also be trained to analyse and evaluate complex management issues through independent research to improve organisational activities.

Programme Length:
3-6 Years (Full-Time) /
4-8 Years (Part-Time)

Programme Mode:
Research Mode

Programme Delivery Mode:
Conventional or Open Distance Learning

Intakes:
January / May / September

100% RESEARCH BASED

PRESENTATION SKILL

CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED AREA OF DISSERTATION

CRITICAL THINKING

Career Opportunities

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

– Academician
– Researcher
– Research Analyst
– Research Director

– CEO
– Management Analyst
– Lecturer
– Management Consultant / Trainer

Programme Modules

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

COURSE MODULE

Modules	A PhD Process	Expectation in a PhD
Year 1 – Year 3 – Research Methods (16 Hours Core Module) – Dissertation	1. Identifying Research Problems and Objectives 2. Conduct Literature Review 3. Identify Research approach and Design 4. Present Research proposal 5. Conduct Original Research and Collect Result 6. Present Research Conclusion 7. Write a Thesis and submit it as a Dissertation 8. Defend Thesis in an Oral Viva Vace Examination	– Carry Out Research – Conference Presentation – Publication – Attending Workshop / Training

PROGRAMME EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEO)

PEO 1: Can integrate knowledge in the area of business administration and demonstrated ability to perform research activities independently.
PEO 2: Can generate and develop new or altered knowledge through creative thinking.
PEO 3: Can analyse and evaluate complex management issues through independent research to improve organisational activities.
PEO 4: Have strong professional ethics and be able to communicate effectively with members of the relevant professional field.

*The programme module structure shown on this page is based on Intake A. The module is subject to change.
*The MPU Modules are translated to English. Please visit [here] for the original module name.

AREA OF DISSERTATION

– Human Resource Management
– Marketing

– Leadership
– Organisational Behaviour

– Operation Management
– Ethics

If you are interested in other areas, please contact us to schedule a consultation with our programme director.

RESEARCHER PROFILE

PROFESSOR DR CHOI SANG LONG

AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST

– Human Resource Management
– Organisational Behaviour

RESEARCHER PROFILE

DR STEVEN TAN SHEN KIAN

AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST

– Organisational Behaviour
– Fourth Industrial Revolution

RESEARCHER PROFILE

DR NADZIRAH BINTI ARIFAN

AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST

– Human Resource Practices
– Human Resource
– Organisational Behaviour

POSTGRADUATE SUPPORT

Learning Support Centre (LSC) /
Library

Library Service
E-Resource Workshop
Book Collections
Library Collections
Digital Collection
Digital Database

Centre of Professional Development (CPD)

Networking & Industry Collaboration
Commercialisation
Industry Research
Workshop & Seminar
Short Training Course
Career and Professional Development

Research Management Centre (RMC)

Manage research project
Research Grant for RU Academician and student
Provide guideline and support in research publication

Centre for Innovative Teaching & Learning (CiTL)

Open Distance Learning (ODL) Support
ODL LMS Support
Technology in Teaching & Learning

CONVENTIONAL VS ODL

	Conventional	ODL
Study Mode	Full Time / Part Time	Full Time / Part Time available but Part Time is recommended for working adult
Mode of Delivery	Hybrid – Physical & Online Face-to Face	Semi Self-Paced Learning (Online facilitation)
Semester Mode	Conventional Semester Learning	Conventional Semester Learning
Class Schedule	Weekdays Evenings	Alternative Week Consultation
Class/ Consultation Duration	3 hours conventional face-to-face class per module per week	1.5 – 2 hours online face-to-face consultation per module fortnightly
Attendance Requirement	80% / 90% physical attendance	70% engagement
Mode of Examination	Physical Examination	Online Examination / Assignment
Access to Library & Resource	Yes	Yes
Blockchain Certificate	Yes	Yes
Assignment	Individual / Group	Mostly individual but depends on the requirement of modules
Fee	Scholarship available	Promotional Fee Available

ADMISSION PROCESS

1. CONTACT EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Prospective students are encouraged to contact Raffles University’s education consultants for expert advice on programmes, entry requirements, and scholarship opportunities. The consultants offer clear and personalised guidance, helping individuals navigate the admission process and explore financial support options.

2. FULFIL ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Applicants must submit their highest academic qualifications and English language test results to fulfil the entry requirements. Depending on the programme, additional criteria such as a CV or interview may also be required. It is essential for applicants to carefully review the specific requirements for their chosen programme to ensure all necessary documents are submitted.

3. SUPPORTING GUIDANCE ON WRITING EFFECTIVE SRI

Applicants have the option to receive a Supporting Guidance on Writing an Effective Statement of Research Interest (SRI) as part of the admission process. This guidance offers guidance on creating a well-structured SRI that aligns with their academic goals. Additionally, it provides insight for both the applicants and the university, ensuring that the university’s resources and research direction are well-suited to the applicant’s interests.

The guidance may cover

The structure and key components of a successful SRI.
How to align research interests with the expertise of faculty members.
Research design and feasibility.
Examples of well-structured SRIs.

4. SUBMISSION OF SRI

Once the Statement of Research Interest (SRI) is completed, applicants are required to submit it to the university. The university will then appoint a Faculty Evaluation Panel to review the SRI. This panel will carefully assess the applicant’s research interests, ensuring alignment with the university’s academic resources and research directions.

5. INTERVIEW BY FACULTY EVALUATION PANEL

An interview will be conducted with the Faculty Evaluation Panel to provide constructive feedback on the applicant’s Statement of Research Interest (SRI). This interview offers a valuable opportunity for applicants to engage directly with faculty members, receive insights on their research interests, and discuss how they align with the university’s resources and objectives.

6. ADMISSION PROCESS OUTCOME

Accepted and Proceed to Admission with Adjustments: If the alignment and quality of the Statement of Research Interest (SRI) are moderate to strong, and the applicant demonstrates openness, the research can proceed with some adjustments.

Revise Research Topic and Resubmit SRI: If the alignment and quality of the SRI are below moderate and weak, but the applicant shows flexibility and commitment, revisions will be recommended to better fit the programme and faculty’s expertise. The applicant will need to resubmit the revised SRI for further evaluation.

Rejection and Alternative Programme: If there is no alignment and the quality of the SRI is weak, and the applicant refuses to adapt, guidance will be offered toward other programmes that may better suit their research interests. This ensures that the applicant can find a more suitable academic path.

RECENT PUBLICATION

Factors That Influence Investment Decision Making Among Potential Individual Investors in Malaysia

The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention in Small and Medium Enterprises Retail Sector

The Impact of Procurement Practices on the Organizational Performance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Services Sector in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on the Job Satisfaction of Lecturers in Malaysia

Research trend in Sustainable Development Goals reporting: a systematic literature review

Social Media and Its Impact during the Covid-19

Karen WONG Wee Fun
MBA (2017)

Being the leader of a sales team, I needed relevant knowledge to be able to lead and achieve our team’s targets. Although I have worked in this industry for a long time, higher qualification was necessary for me to move ahead in my career. I am glad to have met my lecturers and course mates whoo have guided me with their knowledge from working in their own industries.

Entry Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

– A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate

– A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to having relevant working experience ***** and rigorous internal assessment ****

– A Master’s Degree (MQF Level 7) in non-related fields as accepted by the HEP Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing prerequisite courses ******

– Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (MQF Level 7) recognised by the Malaysian Government.

*Note

****

Rigorous assessment to evaluate the suitability of an applicant for a programme through the statement of purpose, interview and other methods may cover the following criteria:

(i) Demonstration of strong business experience, and that you have held significant managerial responsibilities.

(ii) Evidence of any achievements in your professional life, for example, consistently performing at a high level, consistent career progression and any impact that you have had on your organisation.

(iii) Professional skills that you have developed, for example, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, negotiating, and analytical skills.

(iv) How you will contribute to your class and what experiences you can bring to the institution.

*****

Experience can be cumulative experience even before acquiring the required qualification for a particular level of study. However, the experience must be relevant to the level of study as well as the content. Applicant to submit CV with details of:

– Job description, roles & responsibilities/functions from each position held/holding from the working experience which are related to the content and level of study/program to enrol.

– Tasks/ duties performed from the work experience

******

The pre-requisite courses must equip the students with necessary business knowledge (managing people, managing financial resources, understanding customers, understanding environments and strategic planning) of one level lower than the programme level.

Malaysian Student

English Requirement

MALAYSIAN ENGLISH ENTRY REQUIREMENT
Completed a Master’s Degree in English
IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL: 550
TOEFL Essentials (Online): 8.5
TOEFL iBT: 60
PTE: 59
MUET: Band 4
Cambridge English / Linguaskill: 169

*Students who did not meet the English Requirement are required to enrol the RU English Preparation Programme (EPP) AND achieve the requirement of any equivalent English qualification.

Fee Structure

Click here to check the available scholarship.

International Student

English Requirement

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENGLISH ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Completed a Master’s Degree in English
IELTS: 6.0
TOEFL: 550
TOEFL Essentials (Online): 8.5
TOEFL iBT: 60
PTE: 59
MUET: Band 4
Cambridge English / Linguaskill: 169

*International Students who did not meet the International English Requirement are required to enrol the RU English Preparation Programme (EPP) AND achieve the requirement of any equivalent English qualification.

Fee Structure

Click here to check the available scholarships.