Doctoral Programme

Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Technology

Doctor of Philosophy
(Biomedical Electronic Engineering)

Programme Code: PhD-BME  |  Duration: Full-Time 3–5 Years / Part-Time 4–7 Years  |  By Research

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Programme Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Electronic Engineering positions candidates at the forefront of healthcare technology innovation. This research degree enables in-depth investigation of advanced medical devices, biosensing systems, biomedical signal processing, medical imaging, and AI-enabled diagnostic tools that directly impact patient care and clinical outcomes.

Working closely with clinical partners and engineering supervisors, PhD candidates engage in translational research that bridges the laboratory and the clinic. UniMAP's active collaborations with hospitals and the Ministry of Health Malaysia provide authentic clinical contexts for research that matters.

Programme Highlights

Translational research spanning engineering laboratories and clinical settings
Collaboration with Ministry of Health hospitals and medical device companies
Research groups in wearable biosensors, neuroengineering, and AI diagnostics
Access to biomedical signal databases and clinical-grade equipment
Aligned with Medical Device Authority (MDA) and international standards awareness
Strong pathway to academic positions, clinical engineering leadership, and med-tech entrepreneurship

PhD by Research vs Industrial PhD

Doctor of Philosophy (by Research): Full-time (3–5 years) or part-time (4–7 years) thesis-based research under a UniMAP academic supervisor.

Industrial PhD: For Malaysian citizens who are currently employed in industry as an engineer, researcher, or equivalent, holding a Master's degree or First Class Honours degree. The research topic must solve an industrial problem, with a UniMAP main supervisor and an industry co-supervisor, and the research is conducted full-time at the industry partner.

Research Areas

PhD candidates are expected to contribute original knowledge within — but not limited to — the following active research areas at FKTEN:

Wearable Health Monitoring & Biosensors
AI & Machine Learning in Medical Diagnosis
Biomedical Image Processing & Analysis
Neural Engineering & Brain-Computer Interfaces
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Devices
Rehabilitation Robotics & Exoskeletons
Telemedicine & Digital Health Systems
Lab-on-Chip & Microfluidic Devices

Finding a Supervisor

Prospective PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly before submitting an application. Visit the FKTEN staff directory to identify academics whose research interests align with your proposed topic. A well-matched supervisory relationship is critical to PhD success.

Research Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit a Research Proposal (approx. 2,000 words) covering: background and motivation, problem statement, research objectives, proposed methodology, expected contribution to knowledge, and a preliminary timeline. Proposals are evaluated by a faculty panel prior to admission.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion and thesis defence, graduates will demonstrate:

PO1: Generate original research advancing the biomedical electronic engineering field with clinical or technological impact.
PO2: Demonstrate mastery of biomedical engineering theory, instrumentation, and interdisciplinary scientific principles.
PO3: Design and evaluate novel biomedical devices, algorithms, or systems meeting clinical and regulatory standards.
PO4: Conduct ethical research involving human subjects or clinical data with full regulatory compliance.
PO5: Apply advanced biomedical signal processing, imaging, and AI methodologies to research problems.
PO6: Publish research findings in high-impact biomedical engineering journals (IEEE TBME, Biosensors and Bioelectronics).
PO7: Integrate patient safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations throughout the research lifecycle.
PO8: Lead multidisciplinary research collaborations across engineering, clinical, and industry partners.

Career Prospects

A PhD from FKTEN UniMAP opens doors to the highest-level positions in academia, industry research, and national policy. Graduates join a global network of engineering scholars and technology leaders.

Career Destinations

Academic Researcher / Professor Clinical Research Scientist Medical Device Innovation Director Biomedical AI Researcher Neuroengineering Scientist Healthcare Technology Entrepreneur Regulatory Science Expert WHO / MoH Health Technology Advisor Medical Device Patent Specialist R&D Director (MedTech)

Employers & Institutions

Graduates are placed as academic staff at UniMAP, UM, UPM, UiTM, AIMST. Industry roles are found at Philips Research, GE Healthcare R&D, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, MIMOS Berhad, and Malaysia's biomedical start-up ecosystem.

Programme Details

AwardDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Duration (Full-Time)3 – 5 Years
Duration (Part-Time)4 – 7 Years
Study ModeFull-time / Part-time Research
LanguageEnglish
AccreditationMQA Accredited
IntakeFebruary & September

Entry Requirements

Master's Degree: In a related field from an institution recognised by the University Senate, or an equivalent qualification

Direct Entry (rigorous assessment): Option 1 — at least Grade A- for an individually registered final year project, OR at least 1 year of relevant working experience

Direct Entry — Option 2: An average of at least Grade A- for 12 credit hours of core courses related to the programme, OR for 12 credit hours of third/fourth-year courses related to the programme

Study Fees

PhD (6 semesters)RM 19,115.00
Industrial PhD (6 semesters)RM 36,850.00

Funding & Scholarships

MyBrainSc PhD Scholarship (KPT)
UniMAP Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)
FRGS / PRGS / ERGS Research Grants
Industry-co-funded PhD sponsorships
Newton-Ungku Omar Fund (UK-Malaysia)

Contact & Apply

pascasiswazah_FKTEN@unimap.edu.my

shidee@unimap.edu.my

019-4464645 (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razaidi Hussin)

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