Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

The Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) at the University of Global Governance and Policy – UGGP University is a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program designed for senior professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders. Unlike traditional coursework-based doctorates, this UGGP University DBA emphasizes original scholarly inquiry and applied research that delivers real-world impact.

Delivered 100% online, the program combines the flexibility of self-paced learning with weekly live virtual sessions (2 hours/week) conducted by qualified doctoral faculty, creating a collaborative, high-level global learning environment. Students progress through a structured academic pathway that culminates in a doctoral thesis and an oral defense (viva voce).

Program Structure
Total Duration
24–36 months

Total Credits
180 ECTS

Total Modules
5 doctoral-level modules, including thesis development and oral defense

Delivery Mode
The program combines academic rigor with real-world relevance and is 100% online, self-paced, modular, with synchronous (weekly live-streamed lecture sessions) and asynchronous learning.

Learning Platform
TalentLMS, a modern learning management system that supports research resources, video lectures, submission portals, and academic progress tracking.

Program Curriculum

1. RBL810 – Research Methodology: Quantitative & Qualitative Analyses (30 ECTS)
Develops foundational research design skills; culminates in a formal research proposal and supervisor assignment.

2.RBL820 – Scholarly Engagement I (15 ECTS)
Participation in an academic or professional event; submission of reflection and proof of participation.

3.RBL830 – Scholarly Engagement II (15 ECTS)
Continued academic engagement broadens research perspective and contributes to scholarly discourse.

4.DSSR980 – Doctorate Thesis (90 ECTS)
A minimum 30,000-word original research thesis, offering theoretical depth and practical business relevance.

5.VIVA920 – Viva Voce (Oral Defense) (30 ECTS)
A formal oral examination before a panel of academics to defend the doctoral thesis and demonstrate scholarly merit.

Assessment Method
The DBA program follows a non-coursework model with no written exams. Assessment is based on:

Research-based written outputs (including the doctoral thesis)

• Oral presentations and defenses (required at major milestones)
• The specialization of the DBA is determined by the focus of the thesis. For example, a thesis on organizational change may lead to a DBA in Leadership, while research on AI integration in banking may result in a DBA in Digital Transformation.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the DBA will be able to:

• Conduct original applied research addressing contemporary business challenges
• Apply advanced methodologies in business, management, and organizational studies
• Lead complex initiatives and thought leadership in a global context
• Contribute to academic, policy, or strategic frameworks through evidence-based insights
• Engage in professional or academic roles as influential practitioner-scholars

Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree in Business, Management, or a related field from a recognized institution
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional or leadership experience
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or prior English-medium academic qualification)
• Statement of Purpose (500 words) outlining research interest and motivation
• Updated CV/Resume
• Two references – one academic (if available) and one professional
• Interview (if required) with the academic review panel

Tuition Fee Structure

One-time full payment:
€20,000

• 2 Installments: €10,100 x 2 = €20,200
• 4 Installments: €0,000 x 4 = €20,000

Installments are paid monthly until completion. Fees for graduation, degree attestation, and DHL shipment of original documents are billed separately.

Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:

• Senior executives and business owners seeking advanced leadership and research expertise
• Consultants and strategists aiming to formalize their impact through research
• Academics or trainers aspiring to doctoral-level recognition
• Global professionals seeking a U.S.-accredited, European-modeled doctoral pathway with flexibility and academic integrity