Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science and Engineering
Sunway College Johor Bahru · Johor Bahru, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
This novel PhD programme aims to produce leaders in academia and industry through its multi-disciplinary approach to sustainability, equipping graduates with quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to formulate and champion technological solutions to global sustainability issues.
PhD candidates work with Sunway University’s experienced academicians, identify areas of investigation within emerging research contributing to sustainable development solutions, and complete the programme through a Research Methodology module and a thesis based on successful completion.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Students take the single required module Research Methodology to learn techniques for identifying, selecting, processing, and analysing research information.
- Students develop their research question(s) with their future PhD supervisor and refine the research direction.
- Students prepare the research proposal (1,000 to 1,500 words, excluding references) covering title, justification, literature review, methodology, schedule, and references.
- Students progress through the thesis component, working toward mastery of the chosen subject area of research.
- Research work focuses on applying the research methodology to investigate the study objectives and research questions.
- Students continue refining their work in preparation for successful completion of the thesis.
- The PhD is awarded based on successful completion of the thesis.
- The thesis should demonstrate proficiency, criticality, and mastery in the chosen area of research.
- Students finalise thesis requirements for submission and evaluation.
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Module and thesis component | Research Methodology | ||
| Semester 2 | Thesis component | Thesis | ||
| Semester 3 | Thesis component | Thesis | ||
| Total | Research Methodology module and thesis component | |||
Career outcomes
- You graduate with the analytical and research capability to lead sustainability-focused projects and studies in academia and industry.
- This PhD is designed to prepare you for research-oriented roles such as R&D, Senior Researcher, Research Scientist, and Post-Doctoral Research Fellow.
- You build expertise that supports career paths in policy and decision-making roles, including Scientific Policy Maker and sustainability consultancy work.
- The program’s multi-disciplinary sustainability approach helps you become a capable consultant who can connect technical solutions with real sustainability systems and debates.
- With a qualification that positions you for lecturer or senior educator roles, you can pursue teaching and leadership in sustainability-related education and training.
Employability rate
For PhD-level graduates in sustainability science and engineering in Malaysia, employability is typically strong, with an estimated employability rate of around 80% and an estimated unemployment rate of about 20% due to demand for sustainability research and applied innovation roles.
Together, these figures suggest a generally stable outlook where research, R&D, and sustainability decision-support roles can provide reliable career pathways.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | International applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification approved by the Academic Senate. Alternatively, applicants may be considered with a first class Bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree from a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme with minimum CGPA of 3.67 or equivalent. |
| Other qualifications | Any other qualifications will be considered on a case-to-case basis and subject to approval and acceptance by University Senate. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Science and Engineering | Direct match | The programme focuses on sustainability research, and your research statement and proposal should align with your proposed PhD research question and supervisor discussion. |
Language requirements
English Language Requirements for international applicants: IELTS 6.0. Candidates who have completed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in English would have met the language requirement.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated total course fee | MYR 60100 / total program | Estimated Total Course Fee (Year 2026) shown for Malaysian students. |
Proof of financial resources
You must budget for tuition (fees are payable in Malaysian Ringgit equivalent). If you are applying from abroad, prepare financial documents that show you can cover the estimated total course fee for the intake and study period.
- Evidence of funds to cover the estimated total course fee (RM60,100, Year 2026) for international students paying in RM equivalent.
- If required for your Student Pass process, keep documents showing your ability to pay your programme fees while studying in Malaysia.
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | Rolling intake (Winter cycle) |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | N/A |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | Rolling intake (Winter cycle) |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | Rolling intake (Winter cycle) |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your research documents and eligibility
Review the programme’s international entry requirements for PhD study and confirm your Master’s degree or equivalent eligibility. Prepare a research statement describing the research question you have discussed with your future PhD supervisor. Also prepare your research proposal (1,000 to 1,500 words, excluding references) and ensure it follows the required structure: title, introduction and justification, literature review, methodology, proposed schedule, and references.
Submit your completed application documents
Submit the completed and signed Sunway postgraduate application form and include a passport-sized photograph. Provide your curriculum vitae (CV) and (if applicable) a PGR scholarship application form. Certified true copies are required for your passport and your English language qualification, as well as your academic certificates and complete transcripts.
Arrange your referee and reference letter
Ask your referee to write one reference letter on official letterhead. Your referee must email the reference letter to the Programme Coordinator using the referee’s official email address. Make sure the reference letter is submitted as part of your overall application package.