Doctor of Business Administration programme:
Study languages available for the online degree programme are English or German.
The application process is conducted in the following sequences:
- Prospective student asks for application form for a given programme of study.
- Prospective student fills out the application form in word format and remits the scan of the application form with handwritten signature by email, including the following attachments (we accept only PDF for scans, and JPG for the photo):
- Application form signed as scan (PDF, black/white)
- Scans (PDF, b/w, legible!) of all relevant higher education credentials and qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates, with all transcripts). If those original credentials are not in English, Spanish or German, pls, provide an English translation.
- Curriculum vitae, highlighting the academic and professional background. (doc or PDF)
- Scan of the passport (or ID card) page with personal data and photo. (PDF in colour)
- Passport style facial photo of applicant (colour, JPG)
- NOTICE: Only complete applications will be considered for evaluation.
- The University conducts an evaluation report and reserves the right to charge the applicant for this service.
- The University issues the evaluation report and in case of possible admission issues an invoice to the student for the tuitions and fees of the given programme.
- Student accepts evaluation report and pays the full tuition and fees in order to enrol.
- Payment of tuitions activates the enrolment of the given student. Once a student is enrolled and discontinues a programme, no tuition payment is refunded.
TUITION & FEES:
Tuitions and fees (non-refundable) for the international university online programmes provided in English are invoiced in EURO and are for the entire programme:
| Topic | Price |
|---|---|
| Application and evaluation fee | 100 EUR |
| Executive MBA | 3,600 EUR |
| Regular MBA | 4,800 EUR |
| Executive DBA | 4,800 EUR |
| Regular DBA | 5,500 EUR |
| Research PhD | 5,500 EUR |
| Combined MBA+DBA | 6,500 EUR |
| Thesis printing and binding fee (2 hardcopies) for library | 150 USD |
Tuition for Distance Educational Programmes for Instruction Not in Real Time.
ACCREDITING AGENCIES:
- General Education Law, Law No.582 (system of higher education)
- National Council of Universities CNU for institutional authorisation of universities before they achieve autonomy by Act of Law No. 89 Law on Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education: UCN is a fully autonomous university with full and recognised degree awarding authority
- National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation of the National System for Quality Assurance in Education CNEA, Law No. 704 (Currently UCN is in the Quality Assurance process with the CNEA)
- Federal Ministry of Science and Research (BMWF, 2012-2015), Vienna, Austria, for approval and registration of UCN programmes provided in Austria by UCN European Programmes in compliance with Austrian federal Law on Quality Assurance in Higher Education – currently approved and registered by Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency AQ Austria as legally provided in Austria according to § 27 of the Austrian Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, HS-QSG, BGBl. I Nr. 74/2011 as amended (2015-)
- UCN is a member of ODAEE the Organisation of the Americas for Excellence in Education and the IAU International Association of Universities.
- UCN is a member of the IAU International Association of Universities and also listed in the International Handbook of recognized universities.
- UCN is a member of CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation) International Quality Group CIQG (USA)
Entry requirements:
Masters degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (240 ECTS credits)
Short Executive DBA programme:
60 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Executive DBA: 60 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Regular duration programme:
120 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Taught DBA: 120 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Degree options:
MBA and DBA:
MBA plus
UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua DBA
or
UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua DBA
Programme modality:
Online DBA programme.
The Executive DBA curriculum consists of 120 ECTS credits of postgraduate study,
offered as modular fashion. DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 10 required modules/courses
(60 ECTS credits), plus a final Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of management.
The DBA curriculum consists of 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study,
offered as modular fashion. DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 20 required modules/courses
(120 ECTS credits), plus a final Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of management.
Level:
Postgraduate
Objectives of the Programme
The modular Master and Doctor of Business Administration programme in Executive Management has as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical and creative. The programme aims to provide opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners.
The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.
The primary objectives of the DBA programme are to:
The specific objectives of the program will vary according to the chosen named award but will include the:
DBA Doctor of Business Administration programme
Doctor en Administración de Empresas (Dr.)
The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 240 ECTS credits in total, an MBA, MSc, or similar Masters degree, or equivalent qualifications in general management, or in a functional field by examination awarded by a professional body. We may also ask for significant experience in a managerial or professional supervisory position involving responsibility for strategic issues.
DBA candidates may specialize in areas such as management science, technology management, organizational behavior, economics, or finance or other practical fields.
Both, the DBA and PhD in Business Administration are terminal degrees. The degree of Doctor of Business Administration, abbreviated DBA and equivalent to a PhD in Business Administration, is a research doctorate in business administration. The DBA requires coursework and research beyond the Masters degree requiring a dissertation or journal publication that contributes to business practice. The portion of the programme, consisting of coursework and examination, is equivalent to that of a PhD. The part of the programme, consisting of independent research and the writing of a thesis, is geared towards more applied research in DBA programmes, with the research making a direct contribution to business practice. The DBA requires a significant thesis, dissertation or final comprehensive project including a formal defence and approval by nominated examiners or an officially sanctioned and qualified doctoral review committee. The PhD aims at the creation of new theory, while DBA aims at applying theory to business problems; thereby, the DBA programme has two purposes: (1) to contribute to both theory and practice in relation to business and management; and (2) to develop professional practice and to contribute to professional knowledge. The degree is conferred when all coursework, testing, and written research are completed and reviewed and approved by the jurors of the examination commission.
DBA Doctor of Business Administration programme / Doctorado en Administración de Empresas (Dr.)
Period of coursework: 120 ECTS credits (2 study years) - degree awarded by UCN: MBA Master of Business Administration (intermediate degree) - transfer of credits from the MBA programme to the DBA programme is possible in the extent of 120 ECTS credits (Notice: The intermediate MBA is optional)
Doctoral Thesis: 60 ECTS credits (1 study year) - degree awarded by UCN: DBA Doctor of Business Administration / Doctor en Administración de Empresas
Official study time for the short Executive DBA programme is two years (120 ECTS), and three years (180 ECTS) for the regular DBA programme.
Tuitions
Tuitions vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree options.
Tuitions are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.
Refund policy
Tuitions are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.
Degree Regulations
The applicable degree regulations for MBA and dual degree programmes of UCN apply.
Duration and workload of a course
Successful completion of a course with a workload of 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part-time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the short Executive DBA programme is two years (120 ECTS), and three years (180 ECTS) for the regular DBA programme.
Study language
The programme is conducted in English or German. English or German proficiency is required for the DBA programme.
Student Support
The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN European Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.
Programme Structure and Module Syllaba
DBA MODULES
Mandatory core courses (60 ECTS)
Elective courses (42 ECTS)
Thesis project
Elective courses (12 ECTS)
Mandatory Thesis project (66 ECTS)
Research skills and research proposal
To embark on this stage of the DBA, the candidate will be required to complete the thesis proposal. The research proposal must be submitted to the DBA Research Committee for approval. If the research proposal is not acceptable, it is returned with suitable explanations and the candidate will continue to develop the research proposal until a standard acceptable to the Research Committee is achieved.
Once the research proposal is accepted, the candidate will be allocated a supervisor whose expertise lies within the proposed area of research. The supervisor will be a senior academic with specific knowledge of the chosen area of research. He or she may or may not be a member of the university faculty, and will allocate to the candidate approximately 3 hours of contact time per month. Students can propose the nomination of a supervisor requiring the approval of the Research Committee. Communication with the supervisor will be primarily via email. During this stage of the DBA programme, candidates work independently under the direction of the allocated supervisor to conduct a literature review to support the research and underpinning methodology, carry out the research and write the thesis. As with the research proposal, each stage of the research must be developed to a level acceptable to the DBA Research Committee.
After acceptance of the literature review and synthesis, the candidate will work on the thesis (approximate length 40,000 words) under the direction of the supervisor; the thesis is then submitted formally to the university and assessment takes the form of a review followed by a viva voce 'defence' of the thesis. The examination will be conducted in person or by live video link at the university's discretion.
The thesis project is normally of 1-2 years' duration, but this may vary by individual student.
Assessments
Assessment is by formal live voice (a formal face-to face oral defence) examination comprising the student, an internal examiner, an external examiner and the supervisor.
How to Apply?
Each application will be treated individually and on merit in accordance with the University's application process, including English language proficiency.
The recognised DBA programme offered by UCN will provide opportunities for students to develop their management knowledge, competence and problem-solving ability, in a manner that will significantly enhance their ability to function as senior managers within a wide range of commercial and not-for-profit organisations and functions.
All applicants will need to:
- Have achieved Level 7 (QCF) Postgraduate Diploma or have a Masters degree, plus have successfully completed Level 8 qualifications (QCF) or coursework for research modules in a MPhil- or Doctor-level programme.
- Be in work with relevant managerial responsibility.
- As part of the application, identify a real work based project to underpin their dissertation.
- Satisfy the standard language requirements, if their first language is not English.
- Be able to study independently and defend their thesis via distance routes.
Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):
Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:
have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge based society;
Terms:
The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those attributes relevant to undertaking work or a vocation and that involves the application of some aspects of advanced learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated professions. The latter may be identified with the profile / specification.
The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for gradation of abilities or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’ assessment.
The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to a field of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to accommodate the range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic, professional and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative arts. It is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or relating solely to a traditional 'scientific method'.
Third Cycle Qualifications
| Cycle | Knowledge and understanding: |
|---|---|
| 3 (Doctorate) | [includes] a systematic understanding of their field of study and mastery of the methods of research* associated with that field.. |
| Applying knowledge and understanding: | |
| 3 (Doctorate) |
[is demonstrated by the] ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research* with scholarly integrity .. [is in the context of] a contribution that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work some of which merits national or international refereed publication .. |
| Cycle | Making judgements: |
|---|---|
| 3 (Doctorate) | [requires being] capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.. |
| Cycle | Communication |
|---|---|
| 3 (Doctorate) | with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general (dialogue) about their areas of expertise (broad scope).. |
| Learning skills .. | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement .. |
Go To PhD Philosophiae Doctor / Doctor of Philosohphy
Research doctorate in a variety of study areas – consult us for further information.
PhD disciplines:
- Management / Business Administration
- Education
- Psychology