Six-Semester Research and Completion Plan
Semester 1: Foundation and Research Planning
- Complete the compulsory Research Methodology course.
- Complete the Malay Language course for international students, where applicable.
- Conduct a preliminary literature review to identify research gaps.
- Develop an initial research plan in consultation with the supervisors.
Semesters 1-2: Development of the Research Proposal
- Finalise the research questions and objectives.
- Complete the draft of the introduction chapter.
- Continue and consolidate the literature review.
- Develop and refine the study methodology.
- Prepare the research proposal for the Proposal Defence.
Semesters 2-3: Proposal Defence, Ethical Approval and Pilot Study
- Finalise the study methodology and successfully complete the Proposal Defence.
- Obtain the relevant ethical approvals from Universiti Malaya and the host country, where applicable.
- Conduct the pilot study after obtaining the required ethical approvals.
- Refine the research instruments and procedures based on the pilot study findings.
- Begin the main data collection.
- Prepare the first manuscript for publication, such as a scoping or systematic review.
Semesters 3-4: Data Collection, Analysis and Thesis Writing
- Complete the main data collection.
- Conduct data exploration, cleaning and preparation.
- Begin data analysis in accordance with the research objectives.
- Continue drafting the thesis chapters.
- Prepare and submit the second manuscript for publication.
Semester 5: Candidature Defence
- Finalise the data analysis.
- Prepare for and successfully complete the Candidature Defence (CD).
- Complete a full draft of the thesis, including preliminary discussion and conclusion chapters, for the CD.
- Address feedback from the supervisors and the CD panel.
Semester 6: Thesis Examination and Completion
- Complete the corrections required following the CD.
- Finalise the discussion and conclusion chapters.
- Submit the thesis for examination.
- Fulfil the applicable publication requirements, with a planned target of two ISI-indexed journal papers.
- Successfully complete the viva voce examination.
- Complete and submit the required thesis corrections.
- Obtain the Senate letter confirming the award of the degree.
Progress Reporting Throughout Candidature
Submit a progress report every semester for assessment by the supervisors. Each report should cover:
- Progress on each component or chapter of the thesis.
- The frequency of meetings and discussions with the supervisors.
- Participation in research-related activities, including courses, workshops and conference presentations.
- Publication progress, challenges encountered and the work plan for the following semester.
Planning Considerations
The appointment of thesis examiners should be initiated by the supervisors after successful completion of the CD. Allow at least three months for this process when planning the thesis submission.
Download the PhD Progress Report Guide