About

Already hold a PhD or DBA? The Top-Up DBA is your opportunity to refresh, extend, and elevate your doctoral achievements with cutting-edge, practice-driven research.Highlights:Build on your existing doctorate with new, high-impact workDeliver real-world solutions and measure outcomes through KPIsPublish and share findings with global audiencesWork with expert supervisors and industry mentorsAccelerated, executive-focused pathway designed for leadersTransform your academic expertise into executive influence and make a lasting impact on organizations and society.

Overview

The objective of the Top-Up Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is to enable participants to make meaningful new contributions to both theory and practice while extending and refreshing their doctoral achievements. This practical, research-driven pathway is tailored for experienced professionals who aim to elevate their impact at the highest level of business and industry.Participants benefit from the guidance of renowned mentors and supervisors from leading global universities, ensuring a world-class academic and professional experience.

Programme Structure

Duration: 6–18 monthsAdmission: Access to the program is assessed and approved by the Head of the DBA Program.Stage 1 — Research & Impact Foundations (≈20 ECTS)Delivered via on-campus Immersion (optional) or online live (optional) or pre-recorded webinars (optional).Courses include:Advanced Applied Research Methods (10 ECTS)Research Methodology (10 ECTS)Research Methodology 1 (5 ECTS) and Research Methodology 2 (5 ECTS)Stage 2 — Research & Impact Portfolio (min. 60 ECTS)Choose one of the following pathways:Portfolio of Practice: at least two research papers published during the Top-up DBA programORDBA Thesis: an applied doctoral thesisFinal Assessment: Both stages are evaluated by your Mentor/Supervisor.* final list of available courses is subject to change

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

You can apply for and start this programme anytime.

Language

English

Credits

120 ECTS

up to 120 ECTS

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Genève, Switzerland

Disciplines

Business Administration View 15 other PhDs in Business Administration in Switzerland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

The Top-Up Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an advanced pathway open exclusively to candidates who already hold a PhD or DBA from a recognized higher education institution.Required Documents:

Copy of your PhD or DBA diploma

Official grade transcripts

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé

Copy of a valid ID or passport

One recent photo

Admissions Process

Applications are reviewed by the Doctorate Admissions Committee, which evaluates eligibility and makes final recommendations (acceptance or rejection). In some cases, a formal interview with the DBA Academic Director may be scheduled to confirm program fit.