Program Overview

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Introduction

The Universiti Malaya (UM) Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is focused on developing professionals with higher critical thinking skills in the field of business and capable of conducting cutting-edge research. The DBA programme is a coursework-based doctorate degree programme designed to meet the needs of high-achieving business professionals who wish to advance their careers and aspire to climb up the management ladder either in the public or private sectors.

Programme Overview

The three-year doctoral programme aims to support professionals in developing a rigorous thinking process, acquiring deeper management knowledge and advanced research methodologies, and promoting analytical skills that enable them to solve complex organisational problems with a worldwide perspective. Through the integration of theory and practice curriculum, candidates can associate the practical value of learning theoretical concepts more closely. By enrolling in this comprehensive programme, candidates are offered an opportunity to develop close industry linkages and work with world-class academics who are actively engaged with the corporate, government, and NGO sectors, and published in high-impact business journals.

Career Opportunity

The Doctor of Business Administration graduates have a variety of career opportunities. Anyone attaining this doctorate degree is prepared to work in executive positions within organisations and run major corporations and international companies. Alternatively, graduates may pursue an academic career at universities and colleges to teach business.

Programme Structure

The programme offers weekend classes from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm with an emphasis on quality teaching and candidate participation. The minimum and maximum periods of candidature are six and twelve semesters, respectively. A full-time DBA programme at the faculty commences once a year (October Intake). The design of the programme structure allows candidates to maximise their learning and develop the skills that are essential for their research development. Candidates are required to take a total of 81 credits that comprise three components: core courses, elective courses, and dissertation. The breakdown of the courses and the credit hours are as follows:

• Core Courses: 43
• Elective Courses: 3
• Dissertation: 35
• Total: 81

Entry Requirement and Programme Fee

The programme is open to Malaysian and international students.

Programme Coordinator

Associate Prof. Dr. Rosmawani Che Hashim

Programme Details

• The pedagogies are designed to optimise the efficiency of the learning process.
• Each candidate is required to complete a minimum of 81 credit hours of learning and research activities.
• On average, candidates would require three years of study.