Postgraduate research opportunities
A higher degree by research (HDR) from Curtin Malaysia will enable you to pursue a specialist area in your field, build knowledge in your profession and contribute to important research for industry and community. At Curtin Malaysia, you will study a course that is innovative, applied and grounded in the real world. You will graduate with knowledge and skills that are relevant and a degree that is globally recognised. Our HDR programmes offer a fully research-focused pathway designed to help you specialise in your field of interest, advance knowledge in your profession, and contribute impactful research that benefits both industry and community.
Accreditations
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Curtin University’s business programmes are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It is also a merit that all the HDR programmes offer in the Faculty of Business are accredited by Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA). These programmes are:
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is designed to deepen your knowledge beyond undergraduate honours or postgraduate diploma levels, culminating in a research thesis. This degree provides a pathway for those aspiring to advance their academic journey, including the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). A higher degree by research focuses primarily on independent study, with at least two-thirds of the program dedicated to research. While some coursework may be required, the core of your work involves developing a thesis under the guidance of a supervisory team. This thesis must make an original contribution to your field, whether through new discoveries, innovative theories, or reinterpretations of existing knowledge. It also showcases your ability to design and conduct substantial independent research. A MPhil can be pursued either full-time or part-time, with a minimum duration of one year and a maximum of two years of equivalent full-time study. The time limits are adjusted for approved periods of leave of absence. For international onshore students on student visa, the registered full-time duration is two years. Research Training Scheme places may be available, along with fee-paying places.
Programmes:
• MPhil (MR-ACCTG, Accounting)
• MPhil (MR-MKTG. Marketing)
• MPhil (MR-BMGT, Business and Management)
• MPhil (MR-ECFNPR, Economics, Finance and Property)
2) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to give you a systematic and critical understanding of complex fields, along with specialised research skills. This degree, aligns with the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 criteria and normally requires at least three years of supervised research. As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to contribute to global scholarship via high quality publications in reputable academic journals with new knowledge through the discovery of facts, the formulation of new theories, or innovative reinterpretations of existing data.
Curtin University is widely recognised for applied research focused on solving real-world problems. Strong collaborations with industry, business, and government ensure your work has meaningful outcomes for local and global communities. Our industry-driven approach enhances our international reputation, providing outstanding opportunities for you to become a leader and innovator in your field. Depending on your research project and supervisory arrangements, you may have the flexibility to split your research between Curtin Malaysia and Curtin Perth, receiving optimal support throughout your studies.
A PhD can be pursued either full-time or part-time, with a minimum duration of two years and a maximum of four years of equivalent full-time study. The time limits are adjusted for approved periods of leave of absence. For international onshore students on student visas, the registered full-time duration is four years. Research Training Scheme places may be available, along with fee-paying places.
Programme:
• Doctor of Philosophy (R3/0410/8/0011)(11/31)(MQA/SWA0407)
What you’ll learn
An MPhil in Accounting at Curtin enables students to explore advanced issues in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and sustainability accounting. With Curtin’s strong industry and government linkages, students gain the opportunity to conduct applied research that addresses complex accounting challenges, contributing practical solutions that strengthen transparency, governance, and financial decision-making in both local and global contexts.
Programme Learning Outcomes at MPhil (MR-ACCTG, Accounting) level
| PL01 | Demonstrate in-depth and frontier accounting knowledge and understanding in the relevant field(s) or practice |
| PL02 | Critically and creatively apply accounting knowledge in one or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems |
| PL03 | Conduct rigorous and independent accounting research or investigation with minimal supervision |
| PL04 | Perform accounting research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices |
| PL05 | Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills |
| PL06 | Communicate effectively in the accounting field(s) and interact with specialist and general audience |
| PL07 | Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems |
| PL08 | Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development |
Registered supervisors:
- Dr Hosam Alden Riyadh
- Dr Dhanuskodi Rengasamy
- Prof Pauline Ho
- Dr Lynn, Ling Yew Hua
- Dr Shahid Latif
The MPhil in Marketing equips students to investigate consumer behaviour, digital transformation, branding, and sustainable marketing practices. Grounded in Curtin’s partnerships with business and industry, research is designed to solve real-world marketing problems, offering pathways to improve customer engagement, shape ethical marketing strategies, and drive innovation in rapidly evolving marketplaces.
Programme Learning Outcomes at MPhil (MR-MKTG, Marketing) level
| PL01 | Demonstrate in-depth and frontier marketing knowledge and understanding in the relevant field(s) or practice |
| PL02 | Critically and creatively apply marketing knowledge in one or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems |
| PL03 | Conduct rigorous and independent marketing research or investigation with minimal supervision |
| PL04 | Perform marketing research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices |
| PL05 | Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills |
| PL06 | Communicate effectively in the marketing field(s) and interact with specialist and general audience |
| PL07 | Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems |
| PL08 | Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development |
Registered supervisors:
- Associate Professor Dr Goi Chai Lee
- Dr Fayrene Chieng Yew Leh
- Dr Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo
- Dr Joseph Sia
- Dr Tiong Ying Ying
- Dr Ho Jie Min
Curtin’s MPhil in Business and Management develops researchers who address strategic, organisational, and operational issues facing modern enterprises. Through applied research and collaboration with industry partners, students tackle themes such as leadership, entrepreneurship, human resources, and innovation, producing impactful insights that inform business practices and enhance organisational resilience and competitiveness globally.
Programme Learning Outcomes at MPhil (MR-BMGT, Business and Management) level
| PL01 | Demonstrate in-depth and frontier business and management knowledge and understanding in the relevant field(s) or practice |
| PL02 | Critically and creatively apply business and management knowledge in one or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems |
| PL03 | Conduct rigorous and independent business and management research or investigation with minimal supervision |
| PL04 | Perform business and management research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices |
| PL05 | Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills |
| PL06 | Communicate effectively in the business and management field(s) and interact with specialist and general audience |
| PL07 | Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems |
| PL08 | Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development |
Registered supervisors:
- Associate Professor Dr Lew Tek Yew
- Dr Muhammad Imran Tanveer Opel
- Dr Tiong Ying Ying
- Dr Malini A/P Sathappan
- Dr Muhammad Usman
- Dr Tayyab Amjab
- Dr Ting Qian Hui
The MPhil in Economics, Finance and Property offers students the opportunity to explore applied economic models, financial systems, and property market dynamics. Leveraging Curtin’s global networks and industry partnerships, research in this programme provides valuable evidence for policy, investment, and sustainable development—empowering graduates to influence economic growth and financial resilience across diverse sectors.
Programme Learning Outcomes at MPhil (MR-ECFNPR, Economics, Finance and Property) level
| PL01 | Demonstrate in-depth and frontier economic, finance and property knowledge and understanding in the relevant field(s) or practice |
| PL02 | Critically and creatively apply economic, finance and property knowledge in one or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems |
| PL03 | Conduct rigorous and independent economic, finance and property research or investigation with minimal supervision |
| PL04 | Perform economic, finance and property research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices |
| PL05 | Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills |
| PL06 | Communicate effectively in the economic, finance and property field(s) and interact with specialist and general audience |
| PL07 | Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems |
| PL08 | Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development |
Registered supervisors:
- Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdury
- Dr Mohammad Belayet Hossain
- Dr Ivy Hii Siaw Hung
- Dr. Tanusree Chakravarty Mukherjee
The PhD in Business at Curtin is a pathway for those seeking to create new knowledge that transforms industries and communities. With strong academic supervision and access to collaborative research networks, candidates investigate complex business issues spanning strategy, technology, sustainability, and globalisation. The programme fosters leaders and innovators capable of driving change, shaping policy, and advancing business practice internationally.
Programme Learning Outcomes at PhD (DR-SARAWK, Business) level
| PL01 | Demonstrate in-depth and frontier novel business knowledge and understanding in the relevant field(s) or practice |
| PL02 | Critically and creatively apply in depth business related in one or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems |
| PL03 | Conduct rigorous and independent in depth business related research or investigation with minimal supervision |
| PL04 | Perform in depth business related research adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practices |
| PL05 | Demonstrate intellectual leadership qualities and management skills |
| PL06 | Communicate effectively in the business related field(s) and interact with specialist and general audience |
| PL07 | Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to research problems |
| PL08 | Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development |
Registered supervisors:
- Prof Pauline Ho
- Associate Professor Dr Goi Chai Lee
- Associate Professor Dr Lew Tek Yew
- Dr Fayrene Chieng Yew Leh
- Dr Muhammad Imran Tanveer Opel
- Dr Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo
- Dr Joseph Sia
- Dr Tiong Ying Ying
- Dr Hosam Alden Riyadh
- Dr Dhanuskodi Rengasamy
- Dr Ho Jie Min
- Dr Malini A/P Sathappan
- Dr Muhammad Usman
- Dr Tayyab Amjad
- Dr Ting Qian Hui
- Dr Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdhury
- Dr Mohammad Belayet Hossain
- Dr Shahid Latif
- Dr Ivy Hii Siaw Hung
- Dr Lynn, Ling Yew Hua
- Dr Tanusree Chakravarty Murkherjee
