Course Information

Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing at Kings University College is a research-focused doctoral programme offered by the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences — designed to prepare the next generation of nursing scholars, clinical educators, and healthcare research leaders who will generate new nursing knowledge, advance theoretical frameworks, and drive impactful research initiatives that improve nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across Malaysia and internationally. This MQA-accredited doctoral qualification is one of the few nursing-specific PhD programmes available in Malaysia, making Kings University College a distinctive and strategic choice for nursing professionals who want to pursue doctoral-level research.

The PhD in Nursing is structured entirely around independent research — from initial Research Methodology and Research Proposal Development and Defence through to Ongoing Research Thesis Supervision, two publication requirements, and Final Viva Voce examination. Students engage deeply with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research approaches — mastering the full range of research methodologies required to conduct rigorous, ethical, and impactful nursing and health sciences research. The programme culminates in a dissertation based on original research that makes a genuine contribution to the body of knowledge in nursing.

Research areas available within the Kings PhD in Nursing include Clinical Nursing Research, Nursing Education, Curriculum Development, Nursing Management and Leadership, Intensive Care Nursing, Community and Public Health, Healthcare Policy, and other related nursing specialties — reflecting the breadth and depth of nursing scholarship across both clinical and educational dimensions. Candidates work closely with experienced faculty supervisors who have direct nursing research and academic backgrounds, ensuring that every PhD candidate receives the specialist guidance required to complete original, publishable research of the highest quality.

For nursing professionals from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Hong Kong, and beyond, Kings University College’s PhD in Nursing represents a cost-effective, high-quality, and professionally relevant pathway to the most advanced nursing academic credential available — in an English-medium, internationally recognised Malaysian institution.

Why Choose This Programme?

Who Should Apply?

• Senior Registered Nurses Pursuing Academic Careers: Experienced nurses from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Hong Kong, and beyond who want to transition into nursing education, academic research, or clinical leadership — and need a doctoral qualification for academic appointment or research fellowship.
• Nursing Educators and Clinical Teachers: Those currently teaching in nursing programmes, clinical training environments, or healthcare education departments who want a PhD in Nursing to advance into senior academic, curriculum leadership, or research director roles.
• Healthcare Policy and Public Health Professionals: Nursing professionals working in healthcare policy, public health, or community health programmes who want to conduct original research that influences healthcare systems, policy frameworks, and community nursing practice.
• Clinical Specialists and Advanced Practice Nurses: Nurses working in ICU, critical care, surgical, paediatric, or other specialist clinical areas who want to contribute original research to their clinical specialty — advancing evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes.
• Master’s in Nursing Graduates: Those who have completed a master’s degree in nursing or a related health sciences field and want to continue to doctoral level — making the highest academic contribution to nursing knowledge and leadership.

Programme Structure

Career and Research Outcomes

• Nursing Lecturer / Assistant Professor: Teaching nursing at diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate levels in nursing schools, universities, and healthcare training institutions.
• Head of Nursing / Director of Nursing: Leading nursing departments or clinical divisions at hospital or national level — with doctoral credentials enhancing strategic leadership capability.
• Nursing Research Director / Principal Investigator: Leading nursing research programmes and health sciences research initiatives at academic medical centres or government health research organisations.
• Healthcare Policy Advisor / Consultant: Advising health ministries, international health organisations, and public health agencies on nursing workforce policy and clinical practice standards.
• Nursing Curriculum Developer / Academic Director: Designing and leading nursing curricula at diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate levels using evidence-based, research-informed approaches.
• Community Health Research Leader: Directing community and public health research initiatives — investigating health disparities, preventive care effectiveness, and community nursing interventions across diverse populations.

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.