The Top-Up DBA is an accelerated, impact-focused pathway that builds on your existing doctoral qualifications. It is typically completed within 12–18 months part-time and consists of two core stages:
This stage ensures that all candidates—regardless of whether they hold a prior DBA or PhD—are aligned with our applied, executive-focused methodology.
Delivery Options:
Immersion Program — an intensive, multi-day, on-campus experience combining workshops, case studies, and peer networking (optional)
Online Webinars — a flexible, interactive series of live virtual sessions with faculty and industry experts.
Modules:
Advanced Applied Research Methods
Mixed-methods, design science, and action research
Organizational data collection in complex environments
Ethics, Governance & Impact Design
Institutional review processes, confidentiality, and ethical compliance
Building measurable impact frameworks
Dissemination & Executive Communication
Writing for practitioner journals, white papers, and high-impact outlets
Designing presentations for C-suite and board-level stakeholders
The core of the Top-Up DBA. Candidates choose one of two portfolio formats:
Option A — Portfolio of Research Papers
Minimum of two publishable research papers addressing new organizational challenges (each published paper is 30 ECTS)
Option B — Executive Thesis
A 40–60k word applied thesis
An implementation artifact (e.g., playbook, toolkit, decision model)
Impact Case showing practical benefits and measurable results
| Feature | Standard DBA | Top-Up DBA |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Senior professionals seeking to earn their first doctoral degree in business and management | Holders of a recognized PhD or DBA who want to update, extend, or reframe their doctoral work |
| Entry Requirements | Master’s degree (or equivalent) + significant managerial experience | Accredited PhD or DBA from another institution + proof of research capability and/or published doctoral work |
| Total Credits | 120 ECTS (or equivalent) | 60 ECTS (or equivalent) |
| Duration | 2–4 years part-time | 12–18 months part-time |
| Coursework | Full set of taught modules in research methods, leadership, strategy, innovation, etc. | Bridging modules only: Advanced Applied Research Methods, Ethics & Impact Design, Dissemination & Executive Communication |
| Research Component | Full doctoral thesis or portfolio developed from scratch | Research/Impact Portfolio or Executive Thesis building on prior doctoral expertise with new, original contributions |
| Supervision | Continuous from program start | Focused, one-to-one supervision with experienced faculty to guide applied outputs |
| Expected Outputs | 60–80k word thesis + possible journal publications | 2 publishable papers + impact case study or 40–60k applied thesis + implementation artifact |
| Focus | Developing doctoral-level research skills and delivering original contribution to knowledge | Translating prior doctoral research into high-value organizational impact and expanding into new areas |
| Mode of Study | Online / Blended | Fully Online (with optional residencies) |
| Assessment | Proposal defense, progress reviews, viva voce | Proposal approval, progress review, impact delivery, viva voce |
Top-Up DBA – Accelerated, Impact-Driven, and Prestigious
Earn your Doctor of Business Administration in just 12–18 months by building on your existing PhD or DBA. Delivered in English on our world-class online platform, the program blends academic rigor with executive-level application.
Focus on creating new, high-impact research that addresses real organizational challenges and delivers measurable results. Through our Research & Impact Portfolio, you will produce publishable work, case studies, and practical solutions ready for immediate implementation.
Choose to attend our Immersion Program on campus or complete Stage 1 through interactive online webinars—ensuring flexibility without compromising quality.
Graduate with renewed research credentials and the strategic influence to shape decisions at the highest levels of leadership.
The tuition fee depends on your chosen Stage 1 delivery mode and the scope of your Research & Impact Portfolio:
5,500 EUR — Immersion Program (Stage 1 on campus)
4,500 EUR — Online Pathway (Stage 1 via live webinars)
A personalized assessment will confirm your final tuition based on program structure and any additional requirements.
We also provide various scholarship opportunities. We encourage you to review our scholarship options carefully and contact our admissions team to explore which funding opportunities may apply to you.
To join the Top-Up DBA, applicants must:
Hold a recognized PhD or DBA from an accredited institution
Demonstrate research capability through a completed doctoral thesis or equivalent scholarly work
Provide evidence of professional or managerial experience relevant to the proposed research
Have access to an organization or context for applied research (for the Research & Impact Portfolio)
Demonstrate proficiency in English
Required Application Documents:
Completed application form
Certified copies of doctoral degree and transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research interest statement outlining proposed focus for the Top-Up DBA
Application Review:
All submitted applications are subject to a formal evaluation by the Research Committee, which will assess eligibility, research readiness, and alignment with the program’s objectives before a final admission decision is made.
The program is completed in two stages over 12–18 months.
Delivered either through our on-campus Immersion Program (optional) or online live webinars.
Advanced Applied Research Methods
Ethics, Governance & Impact Design
Dissemination & Executive Communication
Choose one of the following:
Portfolio of Practice — minimum of two published research papers (papers have to be published during the TopUp phase)
Executive Thesis — applied thesis with an implementation artifact and an impact case
Final Assessment: Evaluation of the two stages is done by the Research Committee
In-depth research knowledge on latest business and leadership topics.
You will get a holistic and strategic understanding of business.
Our TopUp DBA fits with working professional busy schedule by providing flexible study structure.
Empower Your Leadership
Our distinctive programs are designed to expand your strategic thinking, boost your performance, and strengthen your leadership capabilities—preparing you to excel in managing modern organizations.
