DBA - Doctor of Business Administration

KEY FACTS
• Total scope: 180 ECTS
• Duration of study: 36 months
• Start of study: Rolling admission
• Tuition fees: EUR 19.200
• Learning format: Online study with one-on-one academic supervision, and live group sessions
• Language: English

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of academic qualifications at master's level (EQF 7, copies of diplomas)
• Curriculum vitae
• Optional: Description of the research topic (max. 1 A4 page)

COURSE STRUCTURE AND ACADEMIC SUPERVISION

The doctoral program is offered in an online format and allows for individual supervision with flexible schedules. Publications or conference participation are not mandatory as part of the doctoral program. After successful admission, students will receive an invitation link (via email) for online registration.

NEXT ADMISSION DATES
Possible at any time
Further information and details on the application process are available on request.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The doctoral program is divided into three consecutive study sections (tiers), which must be completed in sequence:
Tier 1: Advanced Research Planning and Methodology for Business 60 ETCS
Tier 2: Advanced Research Progress and Progress Review 60 ECTS
Tier 3: Thesis Completion and Viva Voce 60 ECTS

Programme Profile and Academic Orientation

The Doctor of Business Administration is an application-oriented doctoral degree aimed at experienced executives, managers and decision-makers who wish to examine and develop business management issues on a scientific basis. The programme combines academic research at doctoral level with a clear practical focus and aims to make substantial contributions to the further development of companies, organisations and management practices.

The focus of the DBA is on the development of an independent scientific research project that arises from a specific organisational, strategic or market-oriented problem. Unlike a purely theory-oriented PhD, the DBA places particular emphasis on the combination of theoretical foundation, methodological rigour and practical relevance. The dissertation should not only contribute to academic discussion, but also generate actionable insights for business decision-making processes.

The programme is structured over three academic years and follows a clear yet flexible learning and research logic. In the first academic year, students acquire in-depth methodological skills in qualitative, quantitative, action research-oriented and mixed-methods research. On this basis, a viable dissertation project is developed and elaborated in a comprehensive research plan. The second year of study serves to provide a theoretical foundation for the dissertation. The focus is on systematically reviewing the state of research, refining the research question and developing a consistent research design. The empirical implementation takes place in the third year of study, during which data collection, analysis and interpretation are carried out and the dissertation is finalised.

A key feature of the DBA programme is individual supervision. Students are closely supported throughout their studies, with regular one-to-one supervision, expert feedback and the opportunity to discuss interim results in work-in-progress formats. The structure of the programme allows for flexible time management without rigid deadlines and is explicitly designed to be compatible with demanding professional activities.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have strong research skills, a deep understanding of scientific methods, and the ability to independently analyse complex business problems and develop evidence-based solutions. Upon successful defence of the dissertation, the academic degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) will be awarded.

DBA - Doctor of Business Administration

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