Program Overview

Programme: Doctor of Business Administration [DBA]

The DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a doctoral degree with a focus on application. The doctorate is the final academic degree, and it is expected that the thesis will build on existing scholarly work. Students who are accepted onto the DBA will be offered support through online and contact sessions, and it is expected that they will also contribute to their peer community by participating in those sessions.

Programme Information

• The programme is offered by the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
• Minimum duration of study: 2 years
• Total credits: 360
• NQF level: 10

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

• All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
  • Certified copy of ID or passport
  • A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)
• All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents:
  • A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable)
  • Certified copy of passport
• All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes
• Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable)
• Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department
• Complying with the minimum admissions requirements does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree
• Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• Master of Business Administration degree or master's degree in a business-related discipline on NQF level 9
• Minimum 5 years of work experience
• Acceptable level of performance in the prescribed entrance assessment, essay and/or interview

Application Process

• Candidates will be subjected to a selection process
• Candidates will be required to complete an application form with two references and two essays
• Candidates will be required to complete a prescribed entrance assessment
• Candidates will be required to submit a compelling 20-page concept note
• Should an applicant not have a degree or not have the appropriate NQF level qualification to access the degree, they will be required to complete a prescribed entrance assessment in line with RPL policy

Additional Requirements

• An application pack comprising the following must reach the Director of Research at GIBS before the due date:
  • A completed and signed hard copy of the application form and contract
  • An application fee relevant for the year of admission, payable to the Gordon Institute of Business Science
  • Official academic transcripts of all academic qualifications obtained to date
  • A 20-page research proposal
  • Reports from two independent professional referees
• Successful candidates will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit relevant to the year of application, deductible from their subsequent tuition fees
• Assessments will be conducted to establish if candidates are capable of doctoral study

Research Information

• Progress on the research will be guided by a supervisor and monitored through regular engagement with the student
• In order to complete the research, candidates need to share their research at a practitioner-based forum
• The Dean may authorise matters not provided for in the General Academic Regulations or in the GIBS regulations

Core Modules

• GDB 900: Thesis: Business administration 900
  • Credits: 360.00
  • Module content: Students must submit a thesis on an approved topic

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

• The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University
• On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration
• Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations
• The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information

Regulations, Degree Requirements and Information

• The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) Verification Project

• The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa
• In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria
• Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative
• Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions