The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program is provided in a synchronous cohort mode and follows a distinct calendar with several intakes per year (calendar and dates are available on request). The curriculum exposes the learner to cutting edge business and management concepts and theory as they apply these to real-world business problems. The students enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills while contributing to the body of professional business knowledge through their own research project (i.e., the dissertation).
Our DBA balances the rigor of academic research, with the practical focus of working professionals. Dissertation topics are applied in nature, i.e., the student will focus their research to solving real issues confronting their organization.
This program is designed for individuals with significant business experience who strive to increase their stature in the business community, either through the pursuit of executive leadership positions or applied business research employments. Certain academic career options are also open.
The program is structured as a flexible distance learning program, which can be followed either part-time or full-time, targeted at working professionals. It is conducted entirely online in a cohort mode. Regular online-meetings are held in the evenings to align with the work schedules of our participants. Physical attendance is not required.
Program Name: Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Program Category: Higher Education Program
Program Level: EQF / MQF Level 8
Total ECTS Credits: 180 (64 for all modules, 116 for the Dissertation)
Language of Instruction: English
Mode of Instruction: Online via Distance Learning
Live Online Classes: yes
Physical Presence: no
Degree Awarding Body: SMC Education Group
Accreditation & License: Accredited by MFHEA
License Number: 2019-014

Target Group
The typical DBA students are mid-career individual who have already established themselves as business leaders or are on track to being appointed to executive positions and are supported in their academic ambition by their employing organisation.
The programme combines workplace and professional engagement with the scholarly rigour of the academic institution. The DBA aims to develop the participant’s ability to undertake independent research at an advanced level and make a significant contribution to knowledge and professional practice through the evaluation of business structures, contexts and processes from the perspective of a critically reflexive research-practitioner.
SMC DBA applicants should also display a competence in solving problems analytically and in separating opportunities and challenges in terms of cause and effect, as well as the potential to conduct research.
Hence the programme has been designed for senior practitioners in their field, who are used to identifying and dealing with various “real life” issues. Potential DBA candidates expect policy and practice within their organizations to improve in light of their doctoral research and recognise that in investigating problems as research-practitioners, they (and their organizations) will undergo transformative change.
SMC focuses on helping you become an exceptional leader in your profession. This means that every course we offer is designed with enterprise, leadership, and your success in mind.
DBA applicants with an entrepreneurial or public sector background will be assessed against the above outline respectively.
The typical DBA candidate is expected to have achieved the following:
- A minimum of five years of experience in a supervisory or higher work role (manager, director, etc.)
- A demonstrable record of accomplishment (e.g. noteworthy client or internal projects introduced/lead, measurable contributions to company success or value creation, introduction of change or innovation initiatives, evidence of successful team leadership, evidence of successful entrepreneurship lasting 3 or more years)
- A Graduate degree (EQF or MQF Level 7 equivalent) from an internationally recognized academic institution
Required Documents:
- A completed online application.
- Copy of your Transcript of your recognized Master degree. If the transcript is not in English it must be translated by a certified translation service.
- Copy of your Master degree certificate showing the date of graduation .
- Proof of English proficiency. Not needed for native speakers, or applicants who previously attended an English-speaking institution or working environment.
- Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae