The Swiss-SASEM DBA is designed for senior executives who wish to make an original, rigorous contribution to business and management — grounded in real-world professional practice. A flexible, personalised programme that respects both your expertise and your schedule.
The DBA is the premier qualification for senior professionals who want to combine rigorous academic research with the depth of their own executive experience. Unlike a traditional PhD, the DBA is explicitly oriented towards the application of research to real-world business and management challenges.
At Swiss-SASEM, the DBA is a deeply personalised programme. From admission, each candidate works closely with a dedicated thesis adviser — an expert in their research domain — who guides the entire intellectual journey from research proposal to final defence.
The programme is built around flexibility: candidates may pursue their DBA full-time over three years, or part-time over up to five years. Optional immersion seminars in Switzerland provide intensive in-person support at key moments.
A 25-hour foundational module covering qualitative and quantitative research methods, philosophical approaches and the initial design of the research project.
Candidates submit a 2,000-word Research Proposal covering the motivation, context, hypothesis, initial research plan and anticipated contribution to business knowledge.
Independent research conducted under continuous expert supervision. Supported by optional immersion seminars in Switzerland and regular online sessions with the thesis adviser.
Submission of the completed doctoral thesis, followed by a formal viva voce defence before an independent examination panel.
Each candidate is assigned a thesis adviser who is an expert in their chosen research domain — providing continuous, individualised guidance from proposal to submission.
The Swiss-SASEM Academic Director and Rector review all research proposals and monitor doctoral progress — ensuring academic rigour and timely completion.
Where the admissions committee identifies specific knowledge gaps, candidates may be required to complete additional complementary modules to strengthen their theoretical foundation.
A regularly updated programme of DBA seminars, available throughout the year, supports candidates' learning objectives and research progression at each stage.
Swiss-SASEM doctoral candidates benefit from an international peer network — exchanging research insights and professional experience across sectors and geographies.
Full access to the Swiss-SASEM Moodle platform — resources, databases, communication tools and progress tracking to support the research process.
Four optional immersion seminars held in Switzerland offer intensive in-person engagement at pivotal moments in the doctoral journey. Each seminar costs CHF 4,000.
Deep-dive into research design choices, epistemological frameworks and practical construction of a rigorous doctoral research plan.
Practical mastery of qualitative and quantitative data methods with direct application to each candidate's own research.
Structured support for writing the doctoral thesis: argumentation, academic voice, literature review and construction of an original theoretical contribution.
Intensive preparation for the final thesis defence — mock viva sessions, examination panel expectations and response strategies.
The DBA is designed for senior professionals. Applicants must hold a master's degree from a recognised institution, or a first-class or upper-second-class honours degree, combined with substantial executive experience.
Master's degree or Level 1 / 2.1 honours degree from a recognised university, combined with a minimum of 4–5 years of relevant professional experience.
Outstanding senior executives with a highly significant professional track record may be admitted on the basis of professional equivalence, assessed individually by the DBA Admissions Committee.
All candidates must demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted evidence includes IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge qualifications, or prior education delivered entirely in English.
Covers application processing, admissions committee review and proposal evaluation.
Total tuition: CHF 37,980 for the standard 3-year programme.
Maximum investment: CHF 16,000 if attending all four seminars in Switzerland.
We encourage prospective candidates to contact us before applying to discuss their research interests. Our admissions process includes a review, an interview, and evaluation of your research proposal outline.