Doctor of Business Administration

Introduction

Are you driven by ambition and aiming to climb the corporate ladder? Do you hold a master’s degree and seek to gain advanced expertise in designing impactful solutions within society? Milpark Education’s Doctor of Business Administration degree offers the ideal opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges. Take your career to the next level with our cutting-edge programme.

Next Start Date

February 2025

Duration

3 Years

NQF Level

10

SAQA ID

104778

Credits

360

About the Programme

Our DBA is designed for experienced professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs who seek to deepen their expertise, advance their careers, and contribute to business innovation and research.

The DBA degree programme offers a high-quality doctoral education that combines scholarly achievement with practical application, developing leadership and business competencies. It aims to equip students with advanced skills in business administration, enabling personal growth, economic productivity, and societal contribution.

The programme focuses on solving complex business problems, effective resource management, and ethical communication, while also promoting socio-economic transformation. The research focus aligns with Milpark Business School’s mission to promote ethical and sustainable business practices.

Programme Structure

The proposal phase is split into two parts, namely initial proposal (concept) and final proposal with defence. 

Initial Proposal

Upon admission and registration for the initial proposal phase, students must submit an initial research proposal in academic language. This proposal, not exceeding 4,500 words (excluding references), is crucial for demonstrating doctoral-level research ability and evaluating the viability of the intended research. It must follow the prescribed template and will be assessed by the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) to determine if the student can proceed to the final proposal. Failure to submit on time means waiting until the next intake, with only one application attempt allowed for the DBA at Milpark Education.

Applications for the initial proposal will be considered annually at the end of October for the January intake of the following year.

Final Proposal

Successful applicants will register for the final proposal phase, preparing and submitting a full research proposal using the prescribed template. They will defend this proposal before the Proposal Assessment Panel within one year of registration, with guidance from an allocated supervisor. Attendance at a compulsory Final Proposal workshop is required.

Students who successfully defend their final proposals can register for the candidacy phase, becoming doctoral candidates. Guided by a supervisor, they will write and submit a doctoral thesis and an article for publication. The candidacy phase lasts a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. Students must attend at least two colloquia per year to present their progress. The phase ends with submitting a thesis, assessed by three examiners, and an oral defence (viva voce) before final endorsement.

Proposal Phase Modules 

  • DBA Initial Proposal
  • DBA Final Proposal

Candidacy Phase Modules 

  • DBA Year 1
  • DBA Year 2
  • DBA Year 3/4 (if applicable)
  • DBA Thesis for Examination

An appropriate master’s degree with a mark of 65% or higher for the research component of the qualification.

Minimum Admission Requirements

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  • Appropriate masters degree.
  • Minimum of 65% for the research component.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Milpark admits a small number of students onto its programme via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The student must make an initial application to the Doctoral Research Committee (DRC) regarding RPL admission. RPL allows experienced professionals without a formal MBA to demonstrate that they possess the equivalent knowledge and skills.

Applicants may provide evidence, such as managing business research projects or publications in peer-reviewed journals. The DRC will then respond based on what the motivation is and what evidence of prior learning was listed. The DRC will ask for further evidence that may be needed to meet the programme outcomes of the MBA. The submission of a comprehensive portfolio of evidence will be required that demonstrates that the student has met the programme outcomes of the MBA in prior learning.

As part of the portfolio, the student will have to demonstrate research experience with outputs like the research output requirements of the MBA. The portfolio will be assessed by an external examiner. If the portfolio is successful, admission will be granted. However, the institution does not award an MBA.

Other / International certificates
Further to the requirements for admission provided above, foreign nationals or South African nationals seeking to apply for admission onto the qualification based on a non-South African/foreign Master’s degree, must obtain, and submit to Milpark, a Certificate of Equivalence from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (www.saqa.org.za).

Resources and Support Information

Factsheet

Download our factsheet for everything you need to know about our Doctor of Business Administration.

RPL Requirements

Find out more about being admitted via the RPL route here.

Fees and Payment Terms

Explore a detailed fees breakdown for the DBA to plan your career investment.

Technology Requirements

Ensure you're prepared with the necessary tech requirements to optimise your online learning experience.

Initial Proposal Template

Download the DBA Initial Research Proposal for essential guidelines to kickstart your doctoral journey.

Distance Learning Online

Milpark’s instructor-led online programmes offer flexible learning, as well as access to content in our virtual learning environment. A variety of workshops, set colloquia, as well as a DBA support group are available to students. You will work closely with your supervisor during the final proposal and candidacy phase. Milpark faculty are also available to assist and support you on your journey. 

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