Course Information

Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Management by Research at Kings University College is a research-intensive doctoral programme that offers scholars, academics, and management professionals a unique opportunity to engage in high-level independent research that advances management theory, practice, and strategy. Spanning three to five years, this MQA-accredited PhD is structured entirely around independent research — from the initial Advanced Research Methodology module and Research Proposal Development and Defence through to Ongoing Research Thesis Supervision, two publication requirements, Pre-Viva examination, and Final Viva Voce.

Kings’ PhD in Management spans eleven broad research areas — including Business and Management Studies, Strategic Management and Corporate Strategy, Human Resource Management, Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leadership and Governance, Sustainability and ESG, Digital Transformation and AI, and Project Management and Operations — ensuring that doctoral candidates can pursue original research questions that are both academically rigorous and directly relevant to the most pressing challenges facing organisations and management practice in Malaysia and globally.

A distinctive feature of Kings’ PhD programme is the two publication requirement — candidates must publish one academic paper before data collection and proposal defence, and another before their Pre-Viva examination. This embedded publication requirement ensures that Kings PhD graduates enter the academic and professional market with a verified track record of original scholarly contribution — an increasingly essential credential for academic appointments, research fellowships, and senior management roles in evidence-based organisations.

Studying a PhD in Malaysia at Kings University College provides doctoral candidates with access to experienced supervisors, a vibrant research community, and the cost-effectiveness of Malaysian doctoral education — at a significantly lower total investment than equivalent programmes in the UK, Australia, or the United States.

Why Choose This Programme?

Who Should Apply?

• Academic Researchers and Scholars: Those from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Hong Kong, and beyond who want to build an academic career in management, business, or organisational studies — and need an MQA-accredited PhD to qualify for lecturing, research, and academic leadership positions.
• MBA and Master’s Graduates Pursuing Doctoral Research: Kings MBA or M.Ed graduates, and master’s holders from other institutions, who want to continue their academic journey to the highest level through independent management research.
• Senior Professionals Targeting Evidence-Based Leadership: Experienced managers, executives, and consultants who want to apply doctoral-level research methodology to investigate and solve the strategic, organisational, or HR challenges they encounter in professional practice.
• Management Consultants and Policy Researchers: Those who want to contribute original knowledge to management theory and practice — publishing in peer-reviewed journals and building an academic research portfolio alongside their professional careers.
• Sustainability, ESG, and Digital Transformation Researchers: Professionals working in sustainability strategy, ESG governance, or digital transformation who want to conduct original academic research in these fast-growing and policy-relevant fields.

Programme Structure

Career and Research Outcomes

• University Lecturer / Assistant Professor: Teaching management, business, strategy, HR, or organisational behaviour at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Malaysian and international universities — with the PhD providing the required doctoral qualification for academic appointment.
• Research Fellow / Senior Research Analyst: Contributing to management and business research at academic institutions, government think tanks, policy research organisations, and corporate research centres.
• Academic Programme Director / Dean: Leading academic programmes, research centres, and faculty development in business schools and management faculties.
• Management Consultant (Research-Led Practice): Providing evidence-based management consulting with original research credentials — particularly in strategy, HR, organisational development, and digital transformation advisory.
• Chief Research Officer / Head of Insights: Leading the research, data analytics, and knowledge management functions of large corporations, public sector organisations, and international development agencies.
• ESG and Sustainability Strategy Leader: Directing sustainability research, ESG strategy, and responsible management frameworks within corporations, government agencies, and international organisations.

How to Apply

• Step 1 — Check Eligibility: Confirm your master’s degree meets the entry requirements. Boomerang International provides free personalised eligibility assessments for doctoral applicants.
• Step 2 — Prepare Documents: Certified master’s degree transcript and certificate, bachelor’s degree transcript, passport copy, English proficiency results, CV/resume, research proposal or statement of intent, and any publications or professional portfolio.
• Step 3 — Submit Application: Apply through Boomerang International — Kings University College’s official education partner — for a fully guided application process.
• Step 4 — Receive Offer Letter: Kings University College reviews your application and issues a conditional or unconditional offer of enrolment, including supervisor assignment for research programmes.
• Step 5 — Accept and Pay Deposit: Confirm your place by accepting the offer and paying the required enrolment deposit.
• Step 6 — Student Visa: Boomerang International provides full Malaysian Student Pass application support and immigration documentation guidance.
• Step 7 — Arrive and Begin: Travel to Kuala Lumpur and commence your doctoral studies at Kings University College.