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ABOUT

The healthcare industry is an essential cog in the wheels of the nation, fostering the general health of the population, and in the prevention and treatment of disease. Hence, it is important to employ the best teaching methodologies and educational strategies to train the trainers, who in turn, shape and mould competent healthcare professionals of the highest standards.

PhD in Health Professions Education

SOAR HIGH WITH DOCTORAL DEGREE IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION!

Embark on the exciting journey of a doctoral degree in Health Professions Education and open doors to boundless opportunities and growth. This is your springboard to a fulfilling career and bright future. Set yourself apart in academia, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and beyond. Journey with us as we equip you to be a leader in the advancement of healthcare education, shaping and leading tomorrow’s healthcare professionals to greater heights.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Professions Education

Commencement

  • Throughout the year

Total Duration

  • Full time : 3 to 5 years (6 to 10 semesters)
  • Part-time: 4 to 6 years (8 to 12 semesters)

Tuition Fees

  • All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 15% bursary.

Why Study PhD in Health Professions Education at IMU?

IMU PhD in Health Professions Education provides the opportunities and avenues to upskill and reskill competencies as 21st-century health professions educators at a doctorate level. The opportunities are complemented by a credentialed pool of supervisory committees with diverse areas of expertise in health professions education such as curriculum design, assessment, workplace-based learning, professionalism, faculty development, management, and leadership across global, regional, and local institutions.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure for PhD in HPE by Research (Full Time Mode)

Phase Programme Structure

Phase 1

Semester 1 & Semester 2

Appointment of Supervisory Committee and Research Proposal

  • Students are required to work on the research proposal based on supervision.
  • Students without HPE backgrounds will be required to attend pre-requisite courses that include Laying the Foundation of Research and Scholarship in Health Professions Education. The courses are assessed based on satisfactory and non-satisfactory completion.

Phase 2

Semester 3

Proposal Defense and Application for International Medical University Joint Committee MUJC Approval

  • Students are required to present and defend the PhD research proposal.
  • After the defense, students are required to apply for IMU IMUJC approval.

* Students are only allowed to continue with his/her research to Phase III on passing the defense of his/her proposal and obtaining IMUJC approval

Phase 3

Semester 4 & Semester 5

Data Collection, Dissertation Writing and Submission of Dissertation

  • Students will do the data collection and dissertation writing
  • Students will submit the dissertation once it is completed for examination.

Phase 4

Semester 6

Viva Voce and Final Submission of Dissertation

  • Students will attend viva voce and do the required corrections prior to the final submission.

Programme Structure for PhD in HPE by Research (Part Time Mode)

Phase Programme Structure

Phase 1

Semester 1 & Semester 2

Appointment of Supervisory Committee and Research Proposal

  • Students are required to work on the research proposal based on supervision
  • Students without HPE backgrounds will be required to attend pre-requisite courses that include Laying the Foundation of Research and Scholarship in Health Professions Education. The courses are assessed

Phase 2

Semester 3

Proposal Defense and Application for IMUJC Approval

  • Students are required to present and defend the PhD research proposal.
  • After the defense, students are required to apply for IMUJC approval.

* Students are only allowed to continue with his/her research to Phase III on passing of the defense of his/her proposal and obtain IMUJC approval

Phase 3

Semester 4 & Semester 5

Data Collection, Dissertation Writing and Submission of Dissertation

  • Students will do the data collection and dissertation writing
  • Students will submit the dissertation once it is completed for examination.

Phase 4

Semester 6

Viva Voce and Final Submission of Dissertation

  • Students will attend viva voce and do the required corrections prior to the final submission.

Entry Requirement

A. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS B. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are required to have obtained:

  • A master’s degree in in Health Profession Education or Medical Education or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate or;
  • Other qualifications equivalent to a master’s degree recognised by the Government of Malaysia and;
  • Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in Health Professions Education must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the HEP.
For Malaysian Students
Not applicable

For International Students

  • IELTS : Band score 6.0; or
  • TOEFL (PBT): Overall score of 410-413; or
  • TOEFL (iBT) : Overall score of 34; or
  • Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) : Overall score of 160; or
  • Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) : Overall score of 180; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) : Overall score of 36;

 

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

  • International students from countries in which English
    is the first language.
  • International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English.
Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 150 500
Registration Fee 1,100 3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit 2,000 2,000
Student Association Fee per Semester 40 40
  • All IMU alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a 15% bursary.
  • Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
  • Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
  • Students must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees.

Fee Structure

malaysian student

Programme  Fee per Semester (RM)  Total Fee (RM)
PhD Tuition Fee 7,200 14,400
Total Fee 14,400

International Student

Programme  Fee per Semester (RM)  Total Fee (RM)
PhD Tuition Fee 14,050 28,100
Total Fee 28,100

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What postgraduate programmes are offered by IMU?

The Postgraduate School of IMU offers the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master and PhD in Health Professions Education.

What are the main features of the programmes?

PhD in Health Professions Education is research-based and the degree will be awarded by the IMU on the successful completion of a dissertation. The examination is by assessment of the dissertation, the research on which it is based and a viva voce.

What is the programme content?

The programme content can be referred to the programme structure.

What is the duration of each programme on full-time basis?

PhD

  • Minimum of 3 years (6 semesters)
  • Maximum of 5 years (10 semesters)

What is the duration of each programme on part-time basis?

PhD

  • Minimum of 4 years (8 semesters)
  • Maximum of 6 years (12 semesters)

How are supervisors selected?

The selection of supervisor(s) will depend very much on the research area and be based on mutual agreement between both parties. The principal supervisor must be engaged within IMU whereas a co-supervisor can be from any established institution. All supervisors are subject to the credentialling guidelines of IMU.

Who will award the Degree?

The degrees will be awarded by the successful completion of a dissertation. The examination is by assessment of the dissertation and includes an oral examination concerning the dissertation and the research on which it is based. The evaluation comprises examination of the dissertation and a viva voce.

What are the areas of research available at the IMU?

The areas of expertise of the IMU faculty are as follows: IMU academic staff members who supervise the research candidates have well-established reputations nationally and internationally in their areas of expertise. The areas of research include but not limited to:

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Curriculum Design
  • Assessment
  • Technology-Enhanced Learning
  • Clinical Skills and Simulations
  • Leadership and Management
  • Faculty Development

When Do I Apply?

Throughout the year

What are the Admission Procedures?

  • Applications for admission are accepted continuously throughout the year.
  • An interview with the faculty is required and is part of the evaluation process.
  • The completed application and all supporting materials (transcripts, research proposal) must be on file before the application can be processed and evaluated.
  • Successful applicants are notified of their acceptance by letter.

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INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR ONE OF OUR PROGRAMMES?

You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Verified copies of your academic qualifications
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport

These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.

We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!

A Word from the Programme Director

norul-hidayah-binti-mamat-@-muhammad-2022

NORUL HIDAYAH BINTI MAMAT @ MUHAMMAD

Senior Lecturer and Programme Director, Postgraduate Programmes in Health Professions
BHumSc (IIUM), MEd (USM), PhD (IIUM)

“Health professions education is a growing field and attests to the need for continuing scholarship in healthcare and among healthcare professionals. As a matter of fact, a doctoral degree in health professions is instrumental for the academic careers of health professions educators. A PhD in health professions education presents health profession educators/health professionals with an opportunity to design and implement a creative and impactful study to advance the education of healthcare. Henceforth IMU PhD in Health Professions Education provides opportunities for the pursuit of doctorate training and qualification across diverse health professions education fields of interest. The experience of being trained locally and supervised globally will enrich candidates’ learning experiences.”

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