What is overseas education?

Overseas education is leaving your home country and going abroad to pursue further education. Through overseas education, you can avail of long-term degree courses as well as short-term certificate courses to learn a language or upskill yourself.

How to get a scholarship to study abroad?

If you are aiming to study abroad, identify your career goals, look for relevant courses and universities abroad, know the tuition fees and other expenditures, prepare well for the entrance exams, apply to shortlisted universities, accept the offer letter from the desired university, apply for a student visa and get ready to jet off!

The best way to study abroad for free is to avail of full-funded scholarships or university grants. The fully-funded scholarships are typically awarded to students who excel in academics or extracurricular activities and cover their tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and other living expenses.

How to study abroad for free?

To get an education loan for studying abroad, you need to have the admission offer letter from the university and fulfill the eligibility criteria for securing the loan. In order to get an education loan at the best rate of interest, seek guidance from a reputed study-abroad consultant.

How to get an education loan for studying abroad?

Choose to study abroad to leverage better learning opportunities, see the world, meet new people, boost your resume, develop a broader perspective, become culturally competent, and avail yourself of lucrative job opportunities globally.

How to go abroad for studies?

The best way to go abroad for studies is to get in touch with reputed study-abroad consultants. They can help you explore courses aligned with your academic interests, guide you in preparing for entrance exams, help you with university and student visa applications, and even provide post-arrival assistance.

Doctor of Philosophy In Hospitality and Tourism

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hospitality and Tourism at Sunway University is a PhD by research programme. PhD students at the School of Hospitality and Service Management can delve into a research topic which they are passionate about and is relevant to the field. For those pursuing a career in the hospitality field, PhD research can be of significance to the student’s current or future employment. It can also contribute to new knowledge in specialized fields related to hospitality, tourism, and the service sector industries.

This PhD programme builds and strengthens research skills through thought-provoking research seminars provided by renowned international scholars, research methods training and independent research under supervision. The features of the programme create research opportunities for students through our unique offering, and collaboration with our national and international partners and networks within ASEAN and beyond.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve and will set graduates apart and places them at the forefront of their chosen field of research.

PhD students at the School of Hospitality and Service Management are also invited to join the Asia Pacific Centre for Hospitality Research (APCHR), supporting their journey to become part of an international community and a group of respected scholars who actively shape and promote advancements in hospitality and tourism.

Programme Structure

Research Methodology

All PhD students will enroll in the ‘Research Methods for Hospitality and Tourism’ subject, which advances students’ understanding in and application of developing, conducting, and disseminating their own research.

Thesis

PhD candidates will be empowered to complete an in-depth study on a particular research topic in the form of a thesis, substantiated by a series of academic milestones including a proposal defense and a viva voce, where the research outcomes ultimately contribute to the knowledge base of hospitality and tourism and its scholarly and professional communities.

Professional Development Activities

Additional required academic activities are regular consultations with the supervisory team, regular progress reports, participation in research seminars, the completion of a research ethics workshop and training programme, a conference presentation, and the submission of a manuscript to an academic journal.

Areas of Research

We have a team of dedicated Supervisors with expertise in areas of research including (but not limited to):

Hospitality and service management

Food, health, and well-being

Sustainability in tourism and the service industries

Events and destination management

Mobilities

Entry Requirements

A Master’s Degree (Level 7, MQF) or its equivalent in hospitality, tourism, or related fields as accepted by the University’s Senate; OR
Applicants who have a Master’s in a field that is not related to hospitality and tourism may be accepted if:
- the first Degree is in hospitality, tourism or related field; OR
- they have three (3) years of working experiences in the hospitality and tourism related industry.
Candidates whose master’s or first degree is not related to the fields of hospitality/tourism and without working experiences in the relevant fields, must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses prior to registering the programme.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose medium of instruction for their Bachelor’s / Master’s degree was not English will be required to provide evidence of language ability of:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 or equivalent; OR
TOEFL: 100 (internet-based); OR
PTE Academic: 70 overall

Application Procedure

Applicants are requested to send the completed application with the following supporting documents to shsm_phd@ sunway.edu.my:

Sunway Postgraduate application form
Research statement
Scholarship application form (if applicable)
Passport size photo (white background)
Photocopy of Identification Card (applicable to Malaysian applicant)
Photocopy of passport (full passport incl. cover and blank pages; International applicant)
Official academic transcripts and completion certificates
Curriculum vitae
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (if applicable)

Research Proposal

Applicants are required to submit a 1,000-word research statement (excl. references), which includes the following:

A working title for proposed the research project
Introduction and nature of research (incl. your motivation to study this topic), which includes
- Research background
- Problem statement
- Research objective(s)
- Research question(s)/hypothesis
Literature review
Research methodology
Proposed research schedule
List of references

The application documents will be evaluated by the PhD Committee which considers all applications based on the criteria approved by MQA. Shortlisted applicants are recommended to the University Research Degrees Committee for its consideration.