Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Program description
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at KIMT University is the highest level of professional business qualification, designed for experienced executives, senior managers, entrepreneurs, and consultants who wish to advance their leadership expertise, strategic vision, and research capabilities.
Unlike a purely academic PhD, the DBA focuses on applied research—solving real-world business problems and creating innovative strategies that can be directly implemented in practice. Through a combination of advanced coursework, specialized study, and a doctoral thesis, graduates emerge as thought leaders and change-makers in their industries.
Our DBA is flexible, fully online, and delivered in a way that works for busy professionals—without compromising on academic rigor. Whether you aim to elevate your career, transition into academia, or drive transformation in your organization, the DBA equips you with the skills, network, and credentials to lead at the very top.
How the Programme is Delivered
- Live Interactive Lectures – Engage in real-time sessions with expert supervisors and professors.
- 24/7 LMS Access – Access study materials, recorded lectures, assignments, and research resources anytime, anywhere.
- One-to-One Supervision – Personalized academic guidance throughout your doctoral journey.
- Global Peer Networking – Collaborate with executives and professionals from diverse industries and countries.
Programme Specifications
Students can choose to complete the General DBA or specialize in one of the following areas:
- Strategic Management
- International Business
- Marketing & Digital Transformation
- Human Resource Management & Leadership
- Finance & Investment
- Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Corporate Governance & Ethics
- Project Management
- Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Healthcare Management
- Information Technology & Digital Business
- Risk, Crisis & Disaster Management
- Public Administration & Policy
- Energy & Sustainability Management and many more..
Programme Phases
Stage I: Credit Transfer (60 ECTS)
Applicants will receive 60 ECTS credits transferred from their Master’s degree.
Stage II: Advanced Modules (60 ECTS)
Students will complete three core modules, each worth 20 ECTS credits, based on their chosen specialization (or General DBA option).
Stage III: Doctoral Thesis (60 ECTS)
- Independent research project under academic supervision
- 30,000-word doctoral thesis
- Dissertation defense (Viva Voce) before the academic committee
Credit Transfer (60 ECTS)
Applicants will receive 60 ECTS credits transferred from their Master’s degree.
Advanced Modules (60 ECTS)
Students will complete three core modules, each worth 20 ECTS credits, based on their chosen specialization (or General DBA option).
Doctoral Thesis (60 ECTS)
- Independent research project under academic supervision
- 30,000-word doctoral thesis
- Dissertation defense (Viva Voce) before the academic committee
Admissions
The DBA program follows the general admission requirements and procedures with the following additional requirements and procedures.
- The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 60 ECTS credits in total, an MPhil, MSc, or comparable Masters Degree, or equivalent qualifications at EQF level 7B, or in a functional field by examination awarded by a professional body.
- Candidates must have 3(+) years of professional experience.
- We may also ask for significant experience in a supervisory position involving responsibility for decision making.
- Applicants who have obtained a predoctoral Diploma/ Level 8 or equivalent content and standard (level and credits) from another institution will be considered for admission to Stage 3 under the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Such applicants may apply for exemptions to some or all of Stages 1 & 2 and directly eligible to apply PhD Top up. They must have completed a minimum of 120 credits (or equivalent) at advanced degree level (Level 8 at RQF Level) in equivalent Such candidates must supply all supporting documentation at the time of application.
Decisions regarding admission to the doctoral program will be made on the basis of the applicant’s academic qualifications and achievements, fit with the program’s areas of specialization, demonstrated interests and capacity in a scholarly and/or applied research within the chosen specialization, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.
What must be provided with each application?
All of the following items must be submitted on or before the application closing date. They may be submitted online or in hard copy format.
- CV (maximum 4 pages).
- A personal statement of approximately 350 – 500 The personal statement should focus on the applicant’s interest in the chosen specification, how they expect the programme will impact on their career and how they plan to balance their work, life and study commitments.
- Copies of master certificate (or equivalent) and bachelor certificate diploma or degree parchments, as well as transcripts of associated
- Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the original certificate of completion of an English
Programme Curriculum & Credit Allocation
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at KIMT University is structured into three progressive stages, totaling 180 ECTS credits. Each stage is designed to build on the knowledge and expertise gained in the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive and research-focused doctoral journey.
- Stage I – Credit Transfer (60 ECTS)
Students entering the DBA program are granted 60 ECTS credits through credit transfer from their previous Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification. This stage recognizes prior learning and academic achievements, enabling students to progress directly to the advanced modules. - Stage II – Advanced Modules (60 ECTS)
In this stage, students complete a series of advanced, research-oriented modules that deepen their expertise in business administration and strategic leadership. The modules are tailored to the specializations the candidate selects, allowing them to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen area of expertise. - Stage III – Doctoral Thesis (60 ECTS)
The final stage involves the development and submission of an original 30,000-word doctoral thesis, followed by a viva voce (oral defense). This extensive research project allows students to contribute new knowledge or innovative solutions to the field of business administration, under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
What You'll Study
If you choose the General DBA, you will study
Applicants will receive 60 ECTS credits transferred from their Master’s degree.
Students will complete three core modules, each worth 20 ECTS credits:
- Strategic Management and Organizational Leadership
- Advanced Research Methods in Business Administration
- Global Business Strategy and Innovation
- Independent research project of 30,000 words under academic supervision
Dissertation defense (viva voce)
If you choose a Specialization, your three advanced modules will be tailored to your selected field (e.g., Finance, Marketing, Healthcare Management) and your thesis will align with that specialization.
DBA programme duration
We offer two completion pathways to suit different needs:
- Regular Track – 3 Years: Ideal for those balancing work, research, and studies at a steady pace.
- Fast Track – 12–15 Months: Designed for highly motivated candidates with relevant research and professional experience who can dedicate more time to accelerated study.
Programme modality
- Study Mode: 100% Online (live classes + self-paced LMS)
- Assessment: Coursework, case study analysis, thesis submission, and viva voce.
- Supervision: Dedicated academic advisor from Stage II onwards.
Study language
English (all lectures, materials, and assessments are conducted in English)
Supervisor
Admission to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program will take into account the availability of qualified supervisors within the relevant specialization.
- Supervisor Appointment – During Stage II of the programme, students, in consultation with the DBA Programme Coordinator, will be assigned a supervisor to guide their research work.
- Timing of Assignment – The appointment of a supervisor will take place no later than two months after the successful completion of the first advanced module.
- Matching Expertise – Supervisors are appointed based on their academic expertise, research background, and alignment with the student’s proposed thesis topic.
- Student Preference – If a student identifies an appropriate potential supervisor (either from within KIMT University faculty or an approved external expert), every effort will be made to facilitate the appointment, subject to academic approval.
- Role of the Supervisor – Supervisors provide guidance in developing the research proposal, structuring the thesis, selecting methodologies, analyzing results, and preparing for the viva voce defense. They also ensure that research meets the highest academic and ethical standards.
Assessment
The DBA employs a rigorous assessment process to ensure academic quality and real-world relevance:
- Written Assignments – Critical essays, reports, and case analyses for advanced modules.
- Applied Research Projects – Linking theory to workplace or industry challenges.
- Doctoral Thesis – A 30,000-word original research project.
- Viva Voce Defense – Oral examination where the candidate defends their thesis before an academic panel.
Assessment emphasizes critical thinking, analytical ability, practical application, and original contribution to professional knowledge.
Overall workload
The DBA program is structured in line with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), where 1 ECTS credit equates to 25–30 hours of total learning effort.
- Total ECTS: 180
- Estimated Total Hours: 4,500–5,400 hours over the programme duration.
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (live lectures, seminars, research group meetings, and regular meetings with your supervisor), independent learning, and assessments.
For full-time students, the workload is roughly equivalent to a full-time professional commitment, averaging 40 hours per week across study, research, and thesis preparation.
For part-time students, the workload is proportionally reduced in line with the duration of the programme, allowing greater flexibility for those balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
This workload includes:
- Participation in scheduled live online lectures and academic discussions
- Independent reading, literature reviews, and research activities
- Preparation of assignments, case studies, and applied projects
- Engagement in collaborative learning activities with peers
- Doctoral thesis research, writing, and preparation for the viva voce defense
Key Features of the KIMT University DBA
- Globally recognized doctoral qualification.
- Designed for experienced professionals with a Master’s degree.
- Strong focus on practical application and executive-level decision-making.
- Opportunity to specialize in high-demand fields.
- Flexible schedule with global networking opportunities.
- Access to faculty with both academic expertise and real-world industry experience.
