Doctor of Philosophy in
Applied Artificial
Intelligence
MQA/PA 18739
Redefine Intelligence. Advance Knowledge. Lead the AI Revolution.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer an emerging field — it is the engine driving global transformation. From healthcare and finance to autonomous systems and generative technologies, AI is reshaping how the world thinks, works and innovates.
With UNIMY’s Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Artificial Intelligence, you will move beyond application into advancement. You will not simply use AI — you will create new knowledge, develop original solutions and contribute groundbreaking research that creates industries and society.
This is where researchers become thought leaders. Where innovation becomes impact. Where your work defines the future of intelligent systems.
Awarded by:
UNIMY
Duration:
3 – 5 Years; Part Time: 4 – 6 Years
Study mode:
Full Time
Intakes:
February, May & September
Location:
UNIMY, Malaysia
The UNIMY Advantage
Industry-Focused Research
Your research is aligned with real-world industry demands. UNIMY’s strong industry engagement ensures your doctoral work remains relevant, applicable and future-ready.
8 Focus Areas for Industry 4.0
Specifically tailored within UNIMY’s specialised focus areas designed for Industry 4.0 — encompassing leading and emerging digital technologies that create the global AI ecosystem.
Teaching & Supervisory Excellence
You will be guided by experienced academics and industry practitioners who bring transformative teaching methodologies, applied expertise and research mentorship to your doctoral journey.
International Outlook
UNIMY actively cultivates global collaborations in research, staff mobility and academic engagement — enabling you to position your work within international AI discourse.
Leading-Edge Curriculum
Benchmarked against global best practices, this programme ensures rigorous academic standards, high-quality supervision and strong research integrity.
Programme Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Artificial Intelligence at UNIMY is designed to produce innovative, analytical and highly skilled researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of AI.
You will integrate advanced theoretical, conceptual and technical expertise with cutting-edge AI technologies to conduct independent, doctoral-level research. Your work will contribute new knowledge, practical innovations or transformative solutions within Applied Artificial Intelligence.
As a doctoral candidate, you will be positioned to excel in academia, high-impact industry roles, government advisory capacities, advanced research institutions and entrepreneurial ventures.
Earn Microcredentials from the
WORLD’S BEST UNIVERSITIES
& INDUSTRY GIANTS
Learn in Cutting-Edge
Labs & Smart Classrooms
Train in a tech-driven learning environment equipped with modern computing labs, networking facilities, cybersecurity tools, and smart classrooms — simulating real-world working conditions from day one.
Learn in Cutting-Edge
Labs & Smart Classrooms
Train in a tech-driven learning environment equipped with modern computing labs, networking facilities, cybersecurity tools, and smart classrooms — simulating real-world working conditions from day one.
COURSE MODULES
You will develop a comprehensive foundation in research methodology and academic writing, essential for conducting high-quality research in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), including:
- Philosophies and paradigms of scientific inquiry
- Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches
- Experimental design and hypothesis testing
- AI-driven data collection, analysis and interpretation
- Ethical considerations in AI research
- Writing research proposals, journal articles and thesis chapters
- Critical literature review and synthesis
- Academic referencing (APA, IEEE and others)
- Presentation of AI research findings
Doctoral Research
- Independent and original research leading to a thesis in Applied AI.
Career Opportunities
A PhD in Applied Artificial Intelligence positions you at the highest level of expertise — where you don’t just apply AI, you curate its direction.
Graduates typically move into leadership, research-intensive and strategic roles across sectors.
1. Academia & Advanced Research
Drive knowledge creation and train the next generation of AI experts.
- University Professor / Lecturer – Teach and supervise research in AI, machine learning and data science.
- Postdoctoral Researcher – Lead specialised research projects in emerging AI domains.
- Research Scientist – Work in elite AI labs, research institutes or global technology organisations.
2. Industry & Corporate Leadership
Lead innovation, strategy and large-scale AI deployment.
- AI Research Scientist – Develop and validate next-generation AI models and algorithms.
- Machine Learning Architect / Engineer – Design and deploy production-level AI systems.
- Chief AI Officer (CAIO) – Create enterprise-wide AI strategy and transformation.
- AI Consultant / Strategy Advisor – Guide organisations in AI adoption and implementation.
3. Government, Policy & Governance
Influence national and international AI direction.
- AI Policy Advisor – Contribute to regulatory frameworks and national AI strategies.
- Ethical AI Specialist – Ensure responsible, transparent and fair AI systems.
- AI & Data Governance Manager – Develop compliance, accountability and ethical AI frameworks.
4. Entrepreneurship & Investment
Turn research into scalable innovation.
- AI Startup Founder – Build AI-powered products and platforms.
- AI Venture Capital Analyst / Investor – Identify and fund breakthrough AI ventures.
5. High-Impact Specialist Domains
Apply advanced AI research to transform industries.
6. Healthcare & Biotechnology
- AI in Medical Research
- Healthcare Data Scientist
7. Finance & Fintech
- AI Quantitative Analyst
- Fintech AI Innovation Specialist
8. Robotics & Autonomous Systems
- Robotics Engineer
- Autonomous Systems Scientist
9. Creative & Generative Technologies
- AI in Game Development
- AI for Content Generation & Media Innovation
ABOUT THE COURSE
- Awarding University: University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering (UNIMY)
- Mode of Study: Full Time
- Duration: 3 – 5 Years; Part Time: 4 – 6 Years
- Intake: February, May & September
- Location: UNIMY, Malaysia
Course Entry Requirements
You can enter the programme with:
-
Master’s Degree
- A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Computing or related fields recognised by the UNIMY Senate; OR
- A Master’s degree in a non-Computing field with a minimum of FIVE (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses as determined by UNIMY; OR
- A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Non-Computing fields with less than FIVE (5) years of working experience in Computing or related fields must undergo a thorough rigorous assessment as determined by UNIMY;
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Government of Malaysia. Option 2: Bachelor’s Degree
- A First-Class Bachelor’s degree (CGPA 3.67 or higher) in Computing or a related field from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, subject to internal assessment and Senate approval. Master’s-to-PhD Conversion
- Within 1 year for full-time and within 2 years for part-time candidates;
- Demonstrated doctoral-level research capability;
- Approval of the UNIMY Senate. English Language Requirements
- Minimum MUET Band 4 or equivalent (CEFR Mid B2).
- Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be required to undertake English proficiency support courses.
Bachelor’s degree candidates who are registered for a Master’s programme may apply for conversion to the doctoral degree programmes, subject to:
Programme Fees
How To Apply?
Taking the first step towards your future in Artificial Intelligence is simple.
Step 1: Apply Online at https://admission.unimy.edu.my
Step 2: Upload the following documents:
- One (1) copy of your latest academic results
- One (1) copy of your MyKad (front and back)
- One (1) passport-sized photograph
- One (1) copy of your passport (all pages) – International students only
- Proof of transaction for Initial Fee payment (refer to tuition fee details)
FAQs
about the Bachelor of Applied Artificial Intelligence with Honours
PhD candidates must complete two publications as part of UNIMY’s graduation requirements. They must publish one (1) paper in a WoS/Scopus/ERA indexed journal and either a second paper in a MyCite/MyJurnal indexed journal or one (1) conference proceeding indexed by WoS/Scopus/ERA.
Before thesis submission for examination, at least one publication must be accepted or published, and before Senate approval, both publication requirements must be fully met.
The programme is research based, and assessment is conducted primarily through:
- Research proposal development and evaluation
- Continuous supervision and progress monitoring
- Seminars
- Thesis development
- Viva voce (oral examination) at the end of the study
Teaching and learning modes include lectures, online sessions, research work, thesis writing, seminars, and blended learning, all of which contribute to assessment checkpoints and academic progress.
To graduate, students must:
- 1. Complete the compulsory course, as stipulated in the programme specification.
- 2. Conduct independent doctoral level research under supervision.
- 3. Produce and submit a PhD thesis that contributes new knowledge or practical advancements in the field of Applied AI.
- 4. Defend the thesis in a viva voce, demonstrating mastery of the research topic and the ability to justify methodology, findings, and contributions.
- 5. Publication and Seminar.
The Future of AI Needs Thinkers Like You
Artificial Intelligence is shaping economies, ethics, security, medicine and human experience itself.
AtAt UNIMY, you will not simply observe this transformation. You will define it. You will publish it. You will lead it.
If you are ready to contribute original knowledge, solve complex global challenges and position yourself at the forefront of Applied Artificial Intelligence — your doctoral journey begins here.
Apply now and become the intelligence behind the next generation of AI innovation.