Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

Doctor of Engineering program are accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Accreditation Certificate. 

What is Doctor of Engineering (DEng) program?  
Doctor of Engineering (DEng) program offers an alternative route for engineers who wish to pursue a doctorate degree without leaving their workplace open to Malaysian citizen only. This program is developed to encourage knowledge sharing among industry practitioners and academicians in producing highly knowledgeable professionals in solving industry problems. This program aims at inspiring innovation and enhancing competitiveness at the industry via industry-based research through collaboration with UPM. The main objectives of the program are to provide postgraduate professionals with in-depth knowledge in a particular field of engineering; who are creative, innovative as well as sensitive and responsible to society and the environment; consequently capable of leading the field of engineering through a competent industry-based research workforce. 


DEng features 
a) The focus of the research is based on engineering industry’s issues or problems. 
b) Joint supervision (at least one supervisor will be assigned from UPM and one from the industry). The supervisor from industry must possess substantial experience or expertise in the areas related to the research topic. 
c) Research is conducted at the industry and candidates do not have to leave their work place. 
d) Supervision and monitoring process are similar to those practiced in a conventional PhD program.  


What are the fields of study offered for the program?  
All engineering fields of study offers by Faculty of Engineering for the Doctor of Engineering program are available to choose from. Please click here for a complete list.


Curriculum Structure  
Students are required to take a minimum of 24 coursework credits (includes Research Methodology, Seminar (Research Proposal) and any relevant elective courses); and 60 research credits. The exemption of the coursework credits can be considered by approval as regulated by University’s Senate. Students are also required to produce a thesis out of the industry-oriented research work.  

Compulsory Courses:

What is the duration of study of the program?  
The duration of study is 2½  – 5 years.   


How much is the program fee?  
Around RM6762.00 per semester (RM400/credit) including basic fees.  


What is the admission requirement for this program?

*Required to take 3 credits (Research Methodology)

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering with a CGPA ≥ 3.75 (First Class) and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree with a full thesis (research) and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Engineering (with thesis and coursework) with CGPA ≥ 3.00/65% and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Science (with thesis and coursework) with CGPA ≥ 3.50/70% and 5 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Engineering (coursework/no thesis) with CGPA ≥ 3.25/68% and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Science (coursework/no thesis) with CGPA ≥ 3.75/75% and 5 years of relevant industry experience.

*Credits to be Taken (6 to 12 credits)

• Master’s degree in Engineering (with thesis and coursework) with CGPA < 3.00 and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Science (with thesis and coursework) with CGPA < 3.50 and 5 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Engineering (coursework/no thesis) with CGPA < 3.25/68% and 3 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Master’s degree in Science (coursework/no thesis) with CGPA < 3.75/75% and 5 years of relevant industry experience.

*Credits to be Taken (12 to 24 credits)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a CGPA between 3.51 and 3.74 and 5 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a CGPA between 3.26 and 3.50 and 7 years of relevant industry experience;
  or
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a CGPA between 2.75 and 3.25 and 10 years of relevant industry experience.

*Other Conditions

• The applicant must be employed by a private company, and the employment status must remain active until the completion of the program.
• Written approval from the employer is required before joining the program. The employer must also agree to support research activities carried out by the applicant at the workplace.
• Public servants, staff from private colleges or universities are not eligible to apply.

What is the publication requirements? 

• One (1) journal article published or accepted in Citation Indexed Journal (CIJ) and

• One (1) journal article submitted to any of the categories below:

  • Journal published by the University/Scientific Publisher/listed in Malaysian Journal Management System (MyJurnal) or
  • Chapter in books submitted to any publishers listed under Thomson Reuters Web of Science/University Publisher/Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka/any publisher listed under Malaysian Scholarly Publishing Council (MAPIM) or
  • One (1) patent/utility innovation/copyright/industrial design/printed circuit board based on research conducted during his candidature SUBMITTED or
  • One (1) industrial technical report with Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) related to the research conducted EVALUATED by the faculty appointed examiner or
  • One (1) policy report as a leader related to the research conducted ENDORSED by the respective bodies and faculty appointed member or
  • One (1) standard development as a leader related to the research conducted ENDORSED by the respective bodies and faculty appointed member.

What is the application procedure?  

To apply for the program, please follow two (2) easy steps as below:  

Step 1: Identify the supervisor at Faculty of Engineering, UPM and at your workplace for your DEng research topic. 
Step 2: Submit your application to UPM through the UPM online application system at http://sgsportal.upm.edu.my:8080/sgsportal/. Please note that the following documents must be uploaded when submission is made:

a) A certified copy of related degree certificate.
b) A certified copy of related degree transcript.
c) A certified copy of Identification Card/Passport.
d) A certified copy of TOEFL/IELTS result(s) – International candidates only 
e) Research proposal.
f) Supporting letter from employer.
g) Letter of scholarship/sponsorship award/proof of financial ability to pay fees to UPM.
h) Passport-sized photograph.
i) The proof of processing fee payment of RM60.00 (for local applicants). For method of payment, please visit http://www.sgs.upm.edu.my/content/methods_of_payment-30092.

Note: For Online Application Guideline, please visit http://sgsportal.upm.edu.my:8080/sgsportal/.  


What are the criteria for appointment of supervisor from the industry?

a) Holding a senior position in a company/industry.
b) The candidate must have a strong academic background with significant work experience in the relevant industry.
c) The eligibility requirements set by the university are as follows:

• Hold a doctorate degree (PhD); AND at least three (3) years of experience in the field at a level appropriate for the thesis;
  or
• Hold a master’s degree; AND at least 10 years of experience in the field at a level appropriate for the thesis;
  or
• Hold a bachelor’s degree; AND serve in a current senior management position in the industry; AND at least 15 years of experience in the field at a level appropriate for the thesis;
  or
• Hold a master’s degree; AND appointed by any university as a student supervision committee for a Master's or PhD program until the student graduates; AND hold an extensive research experience, as evidenced by an H-index (Scopus) of three (3) in the field of Science and Technology or published three (3) scientific articles Scopus/IPs; AND has five (5) years of experience in the field at a level appropriate to the thesis.

How the program is implemented?
a) Students who are admitted to the DEng program must meet all the program requirements set by the UPM such as registration, compulsory courses, progress reports, comprehensive examination, thesis and publication requirements. The students must also meet the minimum residential requirement for at least one (1) month on campus throughout the course of study;
b) Students must pass all compulsory courses required by the university. The courses may be offered in an intensive mode.
c) An industry expert will be appointed to be part of the Student Supervisory Committee. The person must meet the eligibility requirements determined by UPM. He also must have substantial experience or expertise in the area related to the research topics proposed by the student; 
d) The research project proposed by the students will be conducted at the industry and the students do not have to leave their work place;
e) In order to ensure proper supervision are given to the students, the Student Supervisory Committee should always be in touch with the students either via electronic or face to face meeting. Supervisors from UPM will make regular visits to students' workplaces;
f) The thesis examination (viva voce) of DEng students will be conducted at UPM. The appointment of Thesis Examination Committee will be based on the regulations at UPM;
g) A nondisclosure agreement (NDA) will be signed between UPM, students and employers if necessary.


For further enquiries, please contact: Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies Division at eng.tds@upm.edu.my. 

Updated:: 29/09/2025 [farrisdanial]