Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

1- Study at Level 8 with Professional Engineers and Qualifi

1 Leadership Qualities and Practice 2 Personal Leadership Development as a Strategic Manager 3 Strategy Development in Cross Border and Global Organisations 4 Strategic Planning for Cross Border and Global Organisations 5 Strategic Direction in Cross Border and Global Organisations 6 Strategic Communication 7 Culture and Its Impact On Strategy 8 Research Methods

2No English language proficiency is required for Master's studies in England

3The program is blended

Programme strengths

• Study directly with the university
• The university is one of the most long-established in the world

Programme benefits

• A professional Doctor of Business Administration from one of the strongest universities in the world
• The study is not distance learning
• UCLan is one of the largest universities in Britain, with an advanced ranking

• Applicants must hold an approved Masters degree in business, management or in a subject that is relevant.
• Applicants should demonstrate a significant level of relevant business, management or professional experience at a level appropriate.

Structure and method of study

The programme has two stages: Stage 1 is the Level 8 diploma with Professional Engineers and Qualifi, lasting 4 months, followed by Stage 2 with the university, lasting 3 years.

Study with the university combines modules that form the building blocks of the thesis with original research built on them. The programme is blended: each year of study requires attendance at the university for at least two weeks each time.

Study concludes with a 60,000-word thesis submitted under supervision and examined by viva.

Who the programme is for

MBA holders who want to enter a higher level of competition in the job market.

Doctor of business administration certificate from UCLAN

It includes 8 powerful and in-depth academic modules covering:

Then 4 Modules with Malta University

Modules

• Introduction to Business Research
• Business Statistics
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Organizational Behaviour

Dissertation

• Proposal with 4,000-6,000 words
• Dissertation with 40,000-60,000 words and

a viva examination at the conclusion

Programme benefits

Professional and career benefits

• Promotion to senior leadership roles: this diploma is a recognised qualification for C-Suite executives such as the CEO, the COO and general managers. It prepares the holder to move from management positions to the strategic positions that shape the organisation's future.
• A strong competitive edge in the job market: the qualification recognised by Ofqual (United Kingdom) carries global credibility, making its holder an attractive candidate for multinational companies and ambitious organisations looking for leaders with sound strategic thinking.
• Income: senior leadership positions are often linked to noticeably higher reward and salary packages, and investing in this diploma can bring a significant financial return in the long term.
• Professional networking: the study offers an excellent opportunity to build a strong network of relationships that can open doors to collaboration and new opportunities.

Knowledge and skills benefits

• Developing critical strategic thinking: beyond learning theories, it builds the ability to analyse complex environments, anticipate future trends and critically evaluate strategic options to make more effective decisions.
• Leading change at a global level: the tools needed to lead strategic transformation within the organisation, manage change effectively, and lead teams across borders and cultures.
• Understanding global complexity: how to navigate the unique challenges of global business, including cultural differences, political regulations and economic disruption, and how to turn these challenges into strategic opportunities.
• Research and evidence-based decision-making skills: the ability to conduct advanced research, analyse data and use information to formulate strategies built on evidence rather than guesswork, reducing risk and increasing the chances of success.

Academic and development benefits

• A fast track to a doctorate: this diploma is equivalent to the first year of doctoral study (DBA or PhD) at many universities around the world, with the possibility of moving straight to the research proposal and thesis stage, saving considerable time and money.
• Personal development and confidence: the study and assessment process challenges assumptions and broadens horizons, so learners finish with greater confidence in tackling complex issues and speaking the language of senior management.
• Recognition of prior learning (RPL): Qualifi offers recognition of previous experience and informal learning, which may allow credit for certain units based on practical experience, making learning more efficient.

Summary of benefits

In short, the Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership does not teach “what” to do but “how” a strategic leader thinks. It turns a manager who executes strategies into a leader who designs them and steers the organisation towards the future.

Career path

promotion to C-Suite roles (chief executive, chief operating officer), better salaries, a competitive edge.

Leadership skills

critical strategic thinking, leading change, managing teams across cultures, evidence-based decision-making.

Specialist knowledge

understanding global complexity, how strategy is developed, risk management, strategic intelligence.

Academic development

a fast track to a doctorate (DBA or PhD), global recognition (Ofqual), networking opportunities.

Personal development

greater self-confidence, broader intellectual horizons, recognition of prior experience (RPL).

This investment in oneself is the strongest strategy for securing a place among the leaders shaping the future of business.

Potential applicants must have at least a master's degree.

Who the programme is for

• Business people
• Business administration professionals
• Project managers
• Consultants
• Trainers
• Researchers
• Academics

The American University of Malta's DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) program is one of the most accredited professional doctoral programs in Europe and the world. It is offered exclusively to holders of the Qualifi Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, enabling students to complete their doctorate in just two years. This program is specifically designed for executives and senior professionals seeking to enhance their research and leadership capabilities and achieve a qualitative shift in their professional and administrative careers.

Certificates, accreditation and strengths

• An internationally accredited doctorate: certified by Malta's higher education authority (MFHEA) and licensed within the European Union.
• Flexible study: either fully online, or a blended mode that combines online study with a short academic visit.
• No language test (IELTS or other) is required for holders of the Qualifi Level 8 certificate.
• Globally recognised: it can be recognised through WES in the USA and Canada, and it suits continuing academic studies or professional purposes.
• The student officially receives the title “Doctor” after graduation.

1Courses

The professional Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) develops leadership, management and research skills:

• Strategic leadership and creative problem-solving.
• Corporate strategy and organisational management.
• Strategic management in the global business environment.
• Marketing strategy and consumer behaviour.
• Entrepreneurial finance and financial decision-making.
• Corporate sustainability and social responsibility.
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• The dissertation or applied research project, on the approved track.

2English language requirements

An IELTS or TOEFL certificate is not required in every case: the university accepts other ways of showing English proficiency, under its admission rules.

3Study mode

The DBA is flexible: Westcliff University delivers it online (Online Learning), to suit working professionals and executives, on the approved study track.

• Applicants must hold an accredited master's degree in management or a related subject.
• The QUALIFI Level 8 Diploma.
• The doctorate itself: 15 to 18 months.