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Business & Management · PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality and Tourism

Sunway University

Program overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hospitality and Tourism at Sunway University is a research-focused program that enables students in the School of Hospitality and Service Management to explore a research topic aligned with their passions and relevant to the field. This PhD is especially valuable for students pursuing careers in hospitality, as their research can directly benefit their current or future roles and contribute to specialized knowledge within hospitality, tourism, and service industries.

The program enhances research skills through engaging seminars led by esteemed international scholars, training in research methods, and guided independent research. These components, along with collaborations with national and international partners across ASEAN and beyond, create valuable research opportunities for students.

Achieving a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents the highest academic qualification and positions graduates as leaders at the forefront of their research fields.

PhD students are also encouraged to join the Asia Pacific Centre for Hospitality Research (APCHR), where they become part of an international community of respected scholars dedicated to driving progress in hospitality and tourism.

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.

For other qualifications and certificates (e.g.,,Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree , etc..) please contact our educational consultants or submit your application for Admission assessment.

Future Careers

  • Higher Education
  • Academia
  • Research and development
  • Consultancy

Curriculum

Show full curriculum

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

PhD: a master's degree and a research proposal.

Typically IELTS 6 or equivalent (TOEFL / PTE). Some universities offer a preparatory English program if you haven't reached the score yet.

Exact requirements vary by program, and an English certificate such as IELTS or an equivalent may be required.

Career opportunities

  • Business manager
  • Marketing specialist
  • Accountant
  • Financial analyst
  • Entrepreneur

Is this program right for you?

Send us your qualifications and we'll confirm your eligibility and next steps during your consultation.

No commitment required