Doctor of Business Administration
- IPS/UniKL Business School
- (N/0414/8/0116) (12/32) (MQA/PA18560)
Program Learning Outcomes
Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Business School is designed for experienced professionals, senior executives, managers and business leaders seeking to advance their managerial expertise, strategic leadership capabilities and applied research skills. The programme equips candidates with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex business challenges and enhance organisational performance through evidence-based decision-making.
The programme integrates contemporary business and management theories with practical applications in organisational management, digital transformation, technology entrepreneurship, business sustainability, and data analytics. Through advanced coursework, research methodology and applied business research, candidates develop the analytical and critical thinking skills required to formulate innovative solutions to real-world organisational challenges.
Combining advanced business education, research consultation and a doctoral dissertation, the programme aims to develop scholar-practitioners capable of conducting independent research and contributing to the advancement of business knowledge and professional practice. Graduates are expected to demonstrate strategic leadership, ethical responsibility and research capabilities that support organisational innovation, sustainable business development and long-term competitiveness.
Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)
The Doctor of Business Administration programme aims to develop graduates who are able to:
- PEO 1: Demonstrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in business.
- PEO 2: Demonstrate advanced managerial, entrepreneurial, and professional skills through sound theory and rigorous research to solve complex issues and lead effectively and responsibly in different organisations.
- PEO 3: Adopt and apply a broad range of digital applications and analytical techniques competently to support business functions.
- PEO 4: Demonstrate effective collaborative and interpersonal communication skills.
- PEO 5: Commit and seek learning for continuous development.
Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- PLO 1: Integrate theories and concepts in business to advance the frontiers of knowledge and/or professional practice.
- PLO 2: Resolve complex problems and contemporary issues by providing novel solutions to business organisations through advanced research.
- PLO 3: Demonstrate the ability to carry out specialised and original research independently and ethically to resolve complex and contemporary business issues.
- PLO 4: Display mastery of written and oral communication and collaborative skills with diverse stakeholders.
- PLO 5: Adapt a broader range of suitable digital applications and analytical techniques for research/work/study.
- PLO 6: Evaluate numerical, qualitative and graphical data to resolve complex problems and contemporary issues in work/study.
- PLO 7: Display professionalism and responsibility in assigned research, projects and tasks.
- PLO 8: Display continuous self-improvement for professional development.
- PLO 9: Display entrepreneurship skills in resolving complex business problems.
Programme Structure
Full-time (Minimum 6 Semesters; 3 – 4 Years)
Semester 1
- Ecology of Organization in Agile Environment
- Contemporary Marketing and Business Digitalization
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance
Semester 2
- Global Business Sustainability
- Data Analytics and Econometrics in Decision Making
- Technology Entrepreneurship
Semester 3
- Research Methodology for Business
- Consultation Project for Business
Semester 4
- Dissertation
Semester 5
- Dissertation
Semester 6
- Dissertation
Part-time (Minimum 8 Semesters; 4 – 6 Years)
Semester 1
- Ecology of Organization in Agile Environment
- Contemporary Marketing and Business Digitalization
Semester 2
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance
- Global Business Sustainability
Semester 3
- Data Analytics and Econometrics in Decision Making
- Technology Entrepreneurship
Semester 4
- Research Methodology for Business
- Consultation Project for Business
Semester 5
- Dissertation
Semester 6
- Dissertation
Semester 7
- Dissertation
Semester 8
- Dissertation
Career Opportunities
The DBA programme prepares graduates for advanced leadership, strategic management, consultancy, applied research and academic roles across various industries.
1. Executive Leadership and Corporate Management
Potential roles: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Managing Director, Executive Director and General Manager.
Relevant industries: Multinational corporations, government-linked companies (GLCs), manufacturing, financial services and other business sectors.
2. Strategic Management and Business Consultancy
Potential roles: Management Consultant, Strategy Director, Business Transformation Consultant and Corporate Strategy Adviser.
This pathway is particularly relevant for professionals who aim to provide strategic insights and evidence-based solutions to complex organisational challenges.
3. Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation
Potential roles: Entrepreneur, Business Founder, Innovation Director and Business Development Director.
Graduates may apply advanced managerial and research capabilities to develop innovative business strategies, identify emerging opportunities and support enterprise growth.
4. Academic and Research Careers
Potential roles: University Lecturer, Business Researcher, Applied Research Consultant and Academic Programme Leader.
The programme provides a foundation for doctoral-level research, scholarly activities and knowledge dissemination. Academic appointments remain subject to institutional requirements.
5. Digital Transformation and Business Analytics
Potential roles: Digital Transformation Director, Business Analytics Consultant, Innovation Strategist and Technology Strategy Adviser.
This pathway is particularly relevant for professionals interested in integrating digital technologies and advanced analytics into organisational strategy and decision-making.
6. Corporate Governance and Sustainability
Potential roles: Corporate Governance Adviser, Sustainability Director, Risk Management Consultant and Corporate Policy Adviser.
Graduates may contribute to responsible business practices, organisational governance, sustainability initiatives and long-term strategic planning.
i. A master’s degree (Level 7, Malaysian Qualifications Framework [MQF]) in a related field, as accepted by the Universiti Kuala Lumpur Senate; OR
ii. A master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in a non-related field, as accepted by the UniKL Senate, with relevant work experience AND subject to a rigorous internal assessment; OR
iii. A master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) in a non-related field, as accepted by the UniKL Senate, without relevant work experience, subject to successful completion of prerequisite courses; OR
iv. Other qualifications deemed equivalent to a master’s degree (Level 7, MQF) and recognised by the Malaysian Government, subject to applicable admission regulations.
Applicants may also be required to submit a preliminary research proposal AND/or attend an interview to assess their suitability for doctoral study, where stipulated by the approved programme admission requirements.English Language Requirements for International Students International applicants must achieve a minimum score of Band 4 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET), Band 6.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), 60 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), or 59 in the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), or demonstrate an equivalent English language proficiency level of CEFR Mid-B2. For further information, please refer to the International Student Entry Requirements.
Tuition Fees Malaysian Students – Full-time
- Tuition fee per semester: RM 9,000.00
- Total estimated tuition fee: RM 54,000.00
- Minimum study duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
- Tuition fee per semester: RM 6,750.00
- Total estimated tuition fee: RM 54,000.00
- Minimum study duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Tuition fee per semester: RM 11,700.00
- Total estimated tuition fee: RM 70,200.00
- Minimum study duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
* Fees shown are the tuition fees only. Please enquire us for more details. ** Fees shown are not inclusive of visa processing fee (international students). *** Fees and charges are subject to Malaysian Sales and Service Tax (SST) for international students at the prevailing rate of 6%. **** Fees shown are correct at time of publication and subject to changes without prior notice.
Demonstrate an understanding of how communication shapes patterns of social interaction, the expression of cultural values and norms, political practices and relations of power, and our positions as local and global citizens.
Be able to use a variety of methodological tools to analyze interpersonal, intercultural, and rhetorical discourse that structures everyday interactions in both our public and private lives.
Demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities, problems, and history of discourse and deliberation in democracy and will be prepared to use their knowledge to work for a just and more humane world.
Programme
| Semester 1 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric & the Public Sphere | 4 | ESTU 203 |
| Communication & Everyday Life | 2 | ESTU 340 |
| Critical & Rhetorical Methods | 4 | ESTU 657 |
| Semester 2 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Relational Communication | 4 | ESTU 768 |
| Public Relations Campaigns | 4 | ESTU 432 |
| Rhetoric of Social Movements | 2 | ESTU 873 |
Contact us
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR
KAMPUS CAWANGAN BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE (UniKL BMI)
Batu 8 Jalan Sungai Pusu, 53100 Gombak, Selangor.
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