Turn Experience Into Advanced Business Research.

Direct IBSS delivery is online and asynchronous, allowing students to engage with programme materials without being dependent on scheduled live classes. Approved learning centres may provide additional synchronous teaching, academic support or blended learning arrangements.

Yes. The asynchronous study model is designed to provide flexibility for professionals balancing doctoral study with work and other commitments.

The DBA offers flexible enrolment and eligible students can begin throughout the year rather than waiting for a fixed intake period.

Yes. Students who are able to dedicate more time to their studies may progress through the programme at a faster pace, subject to completing the required academic work.

Specialisations are optional additions to the 30 ECTS IBSS DBA. The base DBA consists of five core courses contributing 6 ECTS and can be completed without choosing a specialisation.

If you wish to specialise, you can add one or more specialist courses to your DBA. Each specialisation consists of one additional 7.5 ECTS course and is added to your academic record.

Specialisations can also be combined with the optional Research & Dissertation, allowing you to build an MDA structure that reflects your academic and professional goals.

Specialisation availability may vary by intake and delivery arrangement, and certain specialist options may be available through selected IBSS learning centre partners.

Students can choose the assessment model that best suits their preferred way of studying. The IBSS DBA is available through two assessment models: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) or assignment-based assessment.

This gives students the flexibility to select their preferred assessment approach rather than being assigned a particular assessment model.

Under the Assignment Model, students complete assignments at the end of the applicable module. Under the MCQ Model, module assessment is completed through multiple-choice questions.

Applicants can enter the DBA with a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Applicants without a Master’s degree can enter based on relevant professional experience. Applications through this route are assessed individually, and applicants should provide a CV for evaluation.

Applicants should also demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency for DBA study. This can be demonstrated through prior study in English, including individual modules studied in English, professional experience working in English, other suitable evidence of English proficiency, or an English-language test.

Selected IBSS Local Learning Centres deliver the programme in a local language. For these study arrangements, English-language proficiency is not an admission requirement.

The IBSS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) consists of five core courses, providing advanced study across economics, international business, leadership, strategy and research.

The five core courses are: Managerial Economics — 6 ECTS International Business — 6 ECTS Organizational Leadership — 6 ECTS Strategic Management — 6 ECTS Research Philosophy — 6 ECTS

Together, these five courses form the complete 30 ECTS base DBA. The courses are studied flexibly and do not have to be completed in a specific order.

Students can also enhance their DBA by adding one or more specialisations. Each specialisation consists of one additional specialist course worth 7.5 ECTS and is added to the student’s academic record.

A range of specialisations is available, allowing students to tailor the DBA towards their professional interests, industry and career direction.

The base IBSS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a 30 ECTS programme, consisting of five core courses worth 6 ECTS each.

Completing the five core courses fulfils the academic requirements for the 30 ECTS DBA.

Students who want to extend their DBA can add optional academic components. A specialisation adds 7.5 ECTS, while the Research & Dissertation component adds 120 ECTS.

These enhancements are optional and can be taken individually or combined. Students can therefore complete the 30 ECTS base DBA, add a specialisation, add the Research & Dissertation, or combine both enhancements with the base programme.

The applicable IBSS academic framework remains central to the programme, but learning centres may provide additional teaching, academic support or blended learning arrangements. Available specialisations and local delivery enhancements may also differ between learning centres.