About PhD Retrospective

UPM PhD Retrospective:
Accelerate Your Doctorate
A Fast-Track Pathway for Accomplished Professionals

Who Should Apply? (Entry Requirements)

This program is designed for highly qualified individuals with significant academic contributions.

Candidates must be:

1. Academic staff holding the position of Professor, Associate Professor, or Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) or another institution, having served for a minimum period of three (3) years and is actively serving at UPM or their respective institution at the time the admission application is made; OR
   
   
2. Individuals holding:
   • a Master's Degree; or
   • a First Class Bachelor's Degree
   from UPM or any recognized institutions of higher learning, with minimum requirements (as specified by the programme):

(iii) Candidates recognised by the Senate who have published and contributed to scholarly knowledge in the relevant field.

Note: International candidates are subject to UPM’s existing English Language requirements.

The Publication Portfolio (Key Requirement for Entry)

Admission is based on a strong research track record:

• 5 Publications related to the field of study applied.
• Publications must be not more than 10 years old at the time of application application
• You must be the First Author or Corresponding Author
• Publications must not have been used to obtain any previous degree
• Indexing requirements:
   - Science & Technology: At least 2 JCR publications, plus publications indexed in Scopus and/or ERA.
   - Social Science: Publications indexed in JCR, Scopus, and/or ERA.

Accelerated Duration & Process

Complete Your PhD in as little as 6 Months!
• Programme Duration: 6 months to 24 months

Application Steps:

1. Prepare your CV using the template provided
2. Prepare a 'Critical Summary' based on your submitted publications (template provided)
3. Attend the required interview session
4. Register via PUTRAENROLL

Graduation Checklist

To successfully complete the Retrospective PhD, you must:

• Pass all compulsory courses in the program.
• Maintain a CGPA of 3.000 & above.
• Pass the thesis examination.
• Fulfill all publication requirements.
• International Students Only:
  - Pass Malay Language Communication (LPM2100).
• Mandatory Coursework: 
  - Enroll in Doctoral Research (SPS6999) every semester,
  - Research Methodology course, and
  - Seminar (Research Proposal) (SPS6903).

Updated:: 25/11/2025 [aslamiah]