DBAAdvanced Entry

Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta

Earn your Doctor of Business Administration in just two years with the American University of Malta. Flexible online or blended delivery, advanced entry for Qualifi Level-8 diploma holders and full doctoral status on graduation.

Duration

24 months (online or blended)

Level

Doctorate

Doctor of Business Administration students

Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta Overview

Earn your Doctor of Business Administration in just two years with the American University of Malta. Flexible online or blended delivery, advanced entry for Qualifi Level-8 diploma holders and full doctoral status on graduation.

24-Month DBA

Advanced-entry route for Level-8 diploma holders.

Online or Blended

Choose 100 % online study or attend two campus blocks per year in Malta.

AUM Award

Doctorate conferred by the American University of Malta.

Use the Title ‘Doctor’

DBA confers full doctoral status equivalent to a PhD.

Introduction to Business Research

Required for DBA Award
1
Introduction to Business Research
DBA-BR4 weeks • Mandatory
Core Module
Research Skills

Explore advanced research philosophies, design strategies and ethical considerations to frame impactful doctoral enquiries.

2
Business Statistics
DBA-BS4 weeks • Mandatory
Core Module
Data-Driven Strategy

Equip yourself with quantitative techniques to interpret, analyse and visualise large data sets for evidence-based decision-making.

3
Qualitative Research Methods
DBA-QR4 weeks • Mandatory
Core Module
Human-Centred Inquiry

Master qualitative techniques—interviews, focus groups, case studies—to capture rich insights into organisational behaviour.

4
Organisational Behaviour
DBA-OB4 weeks • Mandatory
Core Module
Leadership & Change

Analyse contemporary theories of leadership, motivation and culture to address complex workplace challenges at doctoral level.

5
Doctoral Dissertation & Viva
DBA-DISS18 months • Mandatory
60 Credits
Strategic Leadership & Innovation

Produce a 40,000–60,000-word thesis that contributes new knowledge to management practice and defend it at viva voce.

Optional Units

Not Applicable

DBA Structure: This programme consists of a single main module only. No additional optional units are required as you will have already completed the taught components through your prior qualification.

Ready to Complete Your DBA Journey?

Transform your prior qualification into a full DBA with Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta. Get a personalised quote and start your main project.

Entry Requirements

Designed for professionals holding a Level-8 diploma who aspire to earn a fully accredited DBA while continuing to work full-time.

Entry Pathways
Qualification-based entry routes for Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta

Qualification Requirements

  • Qualifi Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (or equivalent Level-8 doctoral-prep qualification)
  • No formal English test required for Qualifi Level-8 graduates
  • Professional experience at senior or C-suite level strongly recommended
Recognition of Prior Learning
Fast-track your DBA with RPL assessment
Qualifi Level-8 graduates receive 120 credits of advanced standing
Complete your doctorate in two years instead of four-plus
No additional IELTS required for advanced-entry learners
No obligation • Quick response
Assessment Method
Assessment for the Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta is designed to evaluate your ability to apply knowledge and skills in a practical context.

Doctoral Thesis & Viva

40,000–60,000-word dissertation assessed by an external panel plus oral defence to verify original contribution to practice.

Research Proposal

4,000–6,000-word proposal outlining research gap, questions, methodology and ethical safeguards.

Grading Scale
Doctorate
Pass
Doctorate Awarded
Minor Corrections
Resubmit within 3 months
Major Corrections
Resubmit within 12 months
Dedicated doctoral supervisor matched to your research specialism
Quarterly progress reviews with research committee
Workshops on advanced methodology, publishing and viva preparation

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration (Advanced Entry) – American University of Malta can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in their field.

Executive Leadership
£100,000 – £180,000
  • ✔️Chief Executive Officer
  • ✔️Chief Strategy Officer
  • ✔️Country Director
Consulting & Advisory
£90,000 – £160,000
  • ✔️Management Consultant
  • ✔️Strategy Partner
  • ✔️Change-Management Advisor
Academic & Research
£70,000 – £120,000
  • ✔️Professor of Practice
  • ✔️Research Fellow
  • ✔️Think-Tank Analyst

Progression Pathways

This qualification provides advanced standing for further study and professional development opportunities.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Current Qualification

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship

Progress to funded post-doc or research-professor roles

Professional Development: Your DBA qualification also opens doors to visiting professorships, consulting engagements and senior research roles at leading universities and think-tanks worldwide.

Partner Institutions

This programme is delivered in partnership with leading universities and professional bodies, ensuring the highest academic standards and global recognition.

🎓 University Partners
Leading universities providing degree awards

American University of Malta

Degree-Awarding Body

Accredited Maltese university conferring the DBA

Globally recognised doctorateResearch-active faculty+1 more
🌐 Educational Partners
Professional bodies and certification providers

Qualifi

Qualification Provider

Ofqual-regulated body issuing Level-8 entry diploma.

Advanced entry to DBAInternational recognition

Chestnut Education Group

Delivery Partner

Provides online/blended delivery and learner support worldwide.

Interactive e-learningAcademic and pastoral guidance

Assured Quality

Aligned to European Qualifications Framework Level-8 standards.

Global Credibility

AUM DBA respected by employers and professional bodies worldwide.

Seamless Progression

Direct pathways to post-doctoral research and professorships.

Ready to Become ‘Doctor’?

Fast-track your success with the American University of Malta’s DBA. Complete your doctorate in 24 months with flexible online or blended study.