DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Designed for mid-level executives, senior leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs, this programme offers an in-depth exploration of advanced business strategies, helping you elevate your strategic decision-making and leadership capabilities. It empowers you to tackle complex, real-world challenges with innovative, actionable solutions.

Through collaboration with academics, industry experts, and goal-oriented peers, you will expand your global network while gaining the insights and expertise needed to address today’s business complexities. Whether you are aiming for senior leadership roles or seeking to drive transformative change in your own venture, this programme provides you with the qualifications and strategic vision to succeed in the global business landscape.

Apply early to join our elite community of learners.

Duration

3-year (Full Time)4-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

Combining guided coursework, action research, and networking opportunities through conferences and retreats, this programme equips learners with the advanced skills required to contribute to the advancement of business knowledge and practice. The initial stage focuses on building and sharpening knowledge of core business disciplines. Next, learners will explore research techniques to support their journey in developing and fine-tuning their research area. In the final stage, they will employ what they have learnt previously to contribute to new knowledge, method, and discoveries in the field of business.

Modules

Year 1

Core

• Leading People, Work and Organisations
• Strategic Marketing Decision for Value Creation
• Fintech and Financial Strategy for Decision Making
• Managing Dynamic Business Environment
• Driving Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Digital Transformation

Year 2

Core

• Managing Responsible Business

Research

• Doctoral Research and Literature Review
• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Research Proposal

Year 3

Thesis

• Dissertation in Practice
   

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Business Administration, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Academician
• Consultant
• C-level Executive
• Management Analyst
• Economist
• Entrepreneur
• Project Director
• Strategic Planner
• Director of Human Resources
• Senior Market Research Analyst
• Leadership in Government Agencies

Our programme offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about the Doctor of Business Administration. To ensure a smooth admission process, please take note of our entry requirements listed below.

Fulfilling one of the requirements listed below:

i.     A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in Business Administration, as accepted by the HEP Senate; OR

ii.    A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields, accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to having relevant working experience and rigorous internal assessment; OR

iii.   A Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in non-related fields, without relevant working experience, accepted by the HEP Senate, subject to passing prerequisite courses; OR

iv.   Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) recognised by the Malaysian Government.
 

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

The following criteria shall apply for working adults applying for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL):

1. All applicants are subjected to appropriate APEL assessments conducted by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
2. The APEL provision is only to be applied to Malaysian nationalities

Working Experience

Experience can be cumulative experience even before acquiring required qualification for a particular level of study. However, the experience must be relevant to the level of study as well as the content.
 

Rigorous Internal Assessment

Rigorous assessment to evaluate the suitability of an applicant for a programme through statement of purpose, interview and other methods may cover the following criteria: 

• Demonstration of strong business experience, and that you have held significant managerial responsibilities.
• Evidence of any achievements in your professional life, for example, consistently performing at a high level, consistent career progression and any impact that you have had on your organisation.
• Professional skills that you have developed, for example, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, negotiating and analytical skills.
• How you will contribute to your class and what experiences you can bring to the institution. (Lancaster University, 2021)

Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite courses must equip the applicant with necessary business knowledge of one level lower than the programme level:

• Managing People
• Managing Financial Resources
• Understanding Customers
• Understanding Environments and Strategic Planning.

International Students

IELTS 6.0 (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score).

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university