The PhD in Education (by research) offered by the University of Geomatika Malaysia (UGM) is a fully research-based doctoral programme designed for educators, academic scholars, institutional leaders, and professionals seeking to advance expertise in educational theory, policy, and practice. Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) of Thailand, the qualification is also widely recognised internationally, enabling graduates to pursue global academic, professional, and research careers.
Designed for completion within 24–36 months, the programme emphasises independent research, advanced scholarly inquiry, and theoretical contribution to contemporary educational challenges. Candidates undertake two audited modules—
• Doctoral Research Methodology
• Doctoral Academic Writing
—followed by the development and completion of a doctoral thesis under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors.
Throughout the candidature, learners receive one-to-one supervision from international faculty members and engage in doctoral colloquia, research seminars, educational leadership forums, and publication workshops. These activities strengthen methodological capability, academic writing proficiency, and the ability to disseminate high-impact educational research.
UGM supports a wide range of research fields in education, allowing candidates to align their doctoral inquiry with current issues, national education priorities, and global trends. Areas of specialisation include:
Educational Leadership and Administration
Curriculum Design and Development
Teaching, Learning, and Pedagogy
Instructional Technology and Digital Learning
Education Policy and Reform
Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Education
Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary Education Studies
Higher Education Management and Governance
Educational Psychology and Learner Development
Inclusive Education and Special Needs
Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation
Comparative and International Education
Teacher Professional Development
Community Education and Lifelong Learning
TVET Development and Workforce Education
This doctoral program is ideal for:
School leaders, administrators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen leadership and decision-making through evidence-based research
Educators and lecturers aiming to advance their academic careers and research portfolios
Education consultants and specialists involved in curriculum innovation, quality assurance, or system-wide reform
Researchers addressing key challenges in teaching, learning, digital transformation, and educational equity
Graduates will produce a substantial doctoral thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field of education, develop advanced analytical and research capabilities, and be well-positioned for careers in academia, educational leadership, consultancy, policy development, or senior roles in national and international education systems.
This is a conventional program, the learner need to travel to Malaysia to activate the VISA/Student Pass. The minimum of time spending in Malaysia is at least 1 - 2 weeks of each year for the visa/student pass processing and onsite Seminar.
Doctoral Research Methodology
Doctoral Academic Writing
Doctoral Thesis
ADVEX adopts a HyFlex Learning Framework that provides two structured learning model, Gudied Self Learning Model (GSLM) and Mentorshiip with Self-Navigation Modeil (MSNM), designed to accommodate different learner profiles while maintaining equivalent academic standards and assessment requirements.
This program adoped MSNM
Mentorship with Self-Navigation Model (MSNM)
The Mentorship with Self-Navigation Model (MSNM) delivers subject-based modules through personalized academic mentoring. Each learner is assigned a dedicated mentor who provides structured guidance, academic direction, and milestone support throughout the coursework stage. While the curriculum, syllabus, and assessments remain identical to other delivery models, MSNM offers greater flexibility in scheduling and pacing through one-to-one consultation. This model is designed for independent, research-oriented learners, including those enrolled in the Master of Education (MEd), Doctor of Education (DEd.), and PhD by Research programs.
Dissertation / Final Project Stage
At the final project, dissertation, or applied research stage, learners are formally assigned a Research Supervisor to provide academic guidance and oversight. Supervision includes structured consultations, milestone monitoring, and formal assessment aligned with institutional standards. Academic evaluation is based on analytical depth, practical relevance, and scholarly quality. Regardless of the coursework delivery model, all learners are assessed under the same academic rigor and quality assurance framework.
i. A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) as accepted by the HEP’s Senate; OR
ii. Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR
iii. Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo prerequisite courses** determined by the HEP.
Notes:
There shall be no direct entry from Bachelor’s Degree level to PhD level. Candidates with bachelors masters degree who are registered for programmes with at least CGPA of 3.67 at Bachelor’s Degree level may apply to convert their candidacy to the PhD programmes within one (1) year after master’s degree registration, subject to:
a) Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at PhD level.
b) Rigorous internal evaluation by HEP.
c) Approval by the HEP’s Senate.
Prerequisite courses**
1. Educational Psychology course
2. Curriculum course
Pre-requisite courses may be taken at Universiti Geomatika Malaysia or through ADVEX, Micro-Credential, MOOC, Short Course, or CPD platforms such as Coursera, OpenLearning, and others. Candidates must provide evidence and pass a rigorous internal assessment.
Tuition and Assessment Fee: 440,000 THB
Scholarship up-to 125,000 THB available, for more information and eligibility please contact us at LINE @advex
International Learners Administration Fee : 20,000 THB