Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Course Fee: £7500
About This Course
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the Euro American Institute is an MQF/EQF Level 8 doctoral qualification designed for experienced professionals who wish to combine advanced business knowledge with original applied research. The programme develops high-level capability in strategic management, leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, corporate governance and doctoral research.
The programme is structured around a taught phase followed by an advanced research and dissertation phase. Learners complete eight compulsory modules and undertake an original doctoral dissertation that is defended through a viva voce examination.
The approved curriculum carries 180 ECTS and 4,500 total learning hours. The curriculum states a full-time duration of approximately 3 to 3.5 years and a part-time duration of approximately 6 to 7 years. The programme is delivered in English and is approved at doctoral level under the Malta Qualifications Framework.
Am I eligible for this programme?
Applicants are expected to hold a recognised Master’s degree or an EQF/MQF Level 7 full qualification with a minimum overall score of 55%, or GPA 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher, in accordance with the Euro American Institute admissions standard for doctoral programmes.
Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency. The Institute currently lists the following accepted English language scores:
- IELTS Overall: 6.5
- TOEFL: iBT 58+, PBT 490+, or CBT 167+
- TOEIC Overall: 555+
- PTE Overall: 50+
- Duolingo Overall: 90+
English proficiency testing may be waived for native English speakers, applicants who completed their schooling or undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English, or applicants with at least two years of work experience in an organisation where English is the primary language of communication. Learners should also have basic digital competence, including familiarity with computers, the internet and common software applications.
Course Fees
£7,500
The course fee for the Doctorate in Business Administration (Level 8) is £7,500.
Module Listing
The DBA programme contains eight compulsory MQF/EQF Level 8 modules. The first six taught modules carry 10 ECTS each, Advanced Research Design and Methodologies carries 10 ECTS, and Research and Dissertation carries 110 ECTS, giving a total of 180 ECTS.
Core Units
1. Strategic Financial Management
10 ECTS
Develops advanced understanding of financial and managerial accounting for strategic decision-making. Learners examine costing, budgeting, funding sources, working capital, investment appraisal and the use of financial analysis to support organisational strategy.
2. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
10 ECTS
Explores enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation in global business contexts. Learners examine entrepreneurial strategies, business opportunities, innovation, market feasibility and the practical considerations involved in developing and growing new ventures.
3. Strategic Marketing
10 ECTS
Develops advanced understanding of strategic marketing concepts and their application in contemporary organisations. Learners explore product development, promotion, distribution, pricing, relationship management, segmentation, targeting, branding and the development of integrated marketing strategies.
4. Globalisation and Corporate Governance
10 ECTS
Examines the relationship between globalisation, international business and corporate governance. Learners explore multinational organisations, global institutions, ethical and social issues, corporate responsibility and governance principles including transparency, disclosure and board responsibilities.
5. Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential
10 ECTS
Develops advanced understanding of strategic management in a globalised environment and the role of leadership in strategic change. Learners evaluate strategic position, strategic choices and implementation while examining leadership approaches that influence organisational effectiveness.
6. Developing Research Capability
10 ECTS
Builds the research capability required to identify and investigate complex business problems. Learners examine research philosophies, critical thinking, literature review, research problem definition, theory development and the design of rigorous research proposals.
7. Advanced Research Design and Methodologies
10 ECTS
Advances knowledge of complex research design and higher-level qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Learners explore data collection, mixed methods, advanced data analysis tools, research frameworks and the interpretation and presentation of robust research findings.
8. Research and Dissertation
110 ECTS
Guides learners through the development, execution and defence of an original doctoral research project. Learners formulate research questions, conduct literature review, select appropriate methodologies, analyse data, present findings and produce a scholarly dissertation that contributes new knowledge to business administration.
Written Assignments
Assessment uses a combination of written assignments, research papers, case study analysis, presentations, examinations, projects and the doctoral dissertation. The approved assessment structure is:
- Strategic Financial Management: Assignment 50%; Presentation 30%; Examination 20%
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Assignment 40%; Presentation 30%; Examination 30%
- Strategic Marketing: Presentation 30%; Case Study Analysis 30%; Marketing Plan Development, Group Project 40%
- Globalisation and Corporate Governance: Research Paper 40%; Group Presentation 30%; Case Study Analysis 30%
- Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential: Case Study Analysis 40%; Strategic Project Presentation 30%; Written Examination 30%
- Developing Research Capability: Research Proposal Development 40%; Literature Review Analysis 30%; Written Examination 30%
- Advanced Research Design and Methodologies: Research Proposal 40%; Data Analysis Project 30%; Written Examination 30%
- Research and Dissertation: Originality and Contribution to Knowledge 25%; Research Design and Methodology 25%; Literature Review 10%; Presentation and Defence, Viva 40%
The programme therefore does not consist of a single fixed number of written assignments. Assessment is module-specific and combines written work with presentations, examinations, applied projects and a major doctoral dissertation. The dissertation must demonstrate original research and is defended through a viva voce examination.
University Progression
Successful completion of the full programme leads to the Doctorate in Business Administration at MQF/EQF Level 8, the highest level of the Malta and European qualifications frameworks.
The approved curriculum also identifies a Master of Philosophy at MQF Level 7 as an exit qualification for a learner who exits after two years in accordance with the programme requirements. As the DBA is already a doctoral-level qualification, the curriculum does not specify progression to a higher academic qualification. Graduates may use the doctorate for advanced professional, research, consultancy or academic pathways, subject to the requirements of the relevant employer or higher education institution.