Doctor of Philosophy in Communication
Sunway College Johor Bahru · Johor Bahru, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The PhD in Communication program at Sunway University offers an interdisciplinary pathway for students interested in the intersections of human communication, media, technology, social sciences, and cultural studies.
The program is delivered through rigorous research supervision and mentorship, and students complete one taught module (Research Methods) before proceeding to their proposal defence and an extensive research thesis.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Complete the taught module Research Methods before proceeding to the Proposal Defence.
- Study the fundamentals of academic research and methodologies for postgraduate-level independent research.
- Attend an intensive schedule for Research Methods where classes are spread over eight weeks (full-time or part-time), followed by research-related tutorials.
- Prepare for the Proposal Defence after completing Research Methods.
- Independently design and carry out an extensive research project with the assistance of your supervisor.
- Focus your doctoral research within the program’s communication-related areas, including options such as strategic communication, human communication, organisational and employee communication, and media and technology topics.
- Continue the supervised doctoral research project and develop significant research outcomes.
- Publicly disseminate research results to engage with the scholarly community.
- Advance your study by strengthening the balance between theory and practice based on the project emphasis.
Career outcomes
- You build PhD-level expertise in communication, media, and digital contexts through supervised research, helping you qualify for academic and research pathways.
- You develop research methods and methodology capability that supports roles in strategic communication consulting and policy communication strategist positions.
- You gain a strong foundation to pursue media strategist and corporate communications director career routes where evidence-based communication research is valued.
- You can align your thesis to industry-relevant communication areas such as strategic communication, integrated marketing communication, media literacy, journalism, and online communities.
- You graduate with the ability to produce research outcomes and publicly disseminate results, improving your profile for roles requiring independent investigation.
Employability rate
Communication PhD graduates in Malaysia typically have an employability rate of around 78% and an unemployment rate of about 22%, with demand strongest for academic, research, and communication strategy roles.
Together, these figures indicate a generally stable career outlook when you leverage your research specialization toward teaching, consulting, policy, or media strategy careers.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree (or equivalent) | International applicants must have a Master’s degree in the relevant field (or its equivalent) with a minimum CGPA of 3.00. Any other qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis as accepted by the University Senate. |
| Interview | International applicants are required to pass an interview conducted by a panel from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The interview assesses communication abilities and interest in research. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement. Sunway University accepts English language qualifications such as IELTS, or an equivalent where stated by the university.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 61100 / total program | Estimated total course fee for international students is provided as RM61,100 (Malaysia fee shown on the program page). |
Proof of financial resources
International students are expected to show they can fund tuition for the duration of their studies in Malaysia. The programme page lists an estimated total course fee for international students.
- Estimated total course fee for the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (international students) as stated on the programme page
- Any additional funding evidence (such as sponsorship or study loan) should be supported by documentary evidence during the international application process
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | July - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | N/A | N/A |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | July - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | July - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Check eligibility
Review the PhD entry requirements for international applicants, including the required Master’s degree equivalency and the minimum CGPA. Prepare your key supporting documents (CV, transcripts, completion certificate, and references) in advance. If you are unsure about whether your qualifications are considered equivalent, start your eligibility check early so you have time to request clarification.
Submit your application for eligibility check
Send the completed Sunway Postgraduate Application Form as requested by the programme. For the eligibility check, email the required documents to the programme using the instructions on the programme page. Ensure your academic documents are in English as required by the programme document list.
Prepare your research proposal and academic writing sample
Prepare a 2,000-word research proposal following the required format elements shown by the university. Include your sample of individual academic writing, plus the proposed main supervisor information within your research proposal. This helps the panel assess your research direction and readiness for doctoral study.
Attend the interview
After your eligibility submission, you will be invited to pass an interview with a panel from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Be ready to discuss your communication abilities and your interest in research. Follow the university’s instructions for interview timing and any additional documents if requested.