Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | Asia Pacific University (APU)

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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)


Duration:
Full time (3 years)
Part time (4 years)
 


Awarded by:
APU, Malaysia


Intakes:
Full Time:
20 Jan 2025 | 12 May 2025 | 
25 Aug 2025 | 15 Dec 2025


Part Time:
10 Jan 2025 | 11 Apr 2025 |
13 Jun 2025 | 15 Aug 2025 |
31 Oct 2025


 

MORE THAN JUST A DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMME

Endorsed by:

You have the exciting opportunity of enrolling for the APU-CMI Dual Accreditation by registering for a qualification through APU. Students under Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) will have the option to also opt-in for a CMI L7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice which will be awarded subject to moderation by CMI.


Digital Transformation is a central theme within the APU DBA programme, taking students through the 6 Stages of Digital Transformation:

  • arguably no longer an option for organisations.
  • various experiments throughout the organisation drive digital literacy & creativity.
  • business relevance comes in. If it is not relevant for the business, leadership should not actively support it.
  • individuals realise the power of collaboration. Their shared efforts and insights lead to new strategic roadmaps.
  • this is where a dedicated digital information team is formed to guide the business strategy and operations.
  • digital transformation has become the new ‘business as usual’ and a new ecosystem, is established.


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Master’s degree in related fields, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.

Master’s degree in non-related fields as accepted by the Senate and with relevant working experience, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.

• Master’s degree in non-related fields as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

 
MINIMUM ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS : 6.0


For more information please click HERE


PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme is designed for executives, professionals and leaders to prepare them for digital transformation, by:

  • Applying innovation and technology in problem-solving-guided by Design Thinking ideals.
  • Employing real-world coaching and providing an entrepreneurial outlook via our in-class and value-added activities.
  • Participating in thought leadership sessions delivered by our academic staff and Industry partners.
  • Learning and collaborating in a highly dynamic and interactive world-class environment.
  • Future-proofing themselves and enabling them to lead digital transformation in organisations.

THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

  • The APU DBA prepares you to address the challenges within an increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) digitalised world.
  • The knowledge and experience gained via APU’s DBA will allow you to sharpen your skills and competencies in decision making, strategic thinking, and problem solving - be it for work or personal aspirations. The programme is also designed to enhance your research skills which can be applied to strategic formulation, policy formation and organisational risk assessment and mitigation plans.
  • The APU DBA programme has a unique digital emphasis and is a technology-infused leadership programme that focuses on future-proofing leaders in a highly volatile and uncertain future.
  • The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has endorsed APU DBA to enhance and progress existing business knowledge, gaining perspective of contemporary business issues, future trends, and complex problems that require analytical skills to solve.
  • Under a strategic collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute, UK, you have the exciting opportunity of enrolling for the exclusive APU-CMI Dual Certification by adding a separate CMI qualification to your APU qualification, you are really on the road to success to be truly recognised globally as a Professional Manager.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

As a Premier Digital Technology Institution, APU’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is designed to offer professionals with a balance between business strategy, management, people, process and technology driven content, in the context of digital transformation aspirations.

A wide array of career options are available to DBA holders, including, but not limited to, C-Suite and Managerial positions, Leadership roles, Academic leadership, Policy makers/advisors, Consultants, Entrepreneurs and Researchers.

Modules & Dissertation

The emphasis of the DBA programme is on collaboration, interpersonal relationship building and applied experiential learning. Students are required to complete 10 taught modules on the DBA which are delivered in a combination of online and face-to-face blended learning modes depending on the module.

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES (FOR NON-BUSINESS STUDENTS)
 DURATION: 1 MONTH (FULL-TIME) / 2 MONTHS (PART-TIME)

  • Managing People
  • Understanding Customers
  • Managerial Finance
  • Business Environment & Strategic Planning

MODULES

  • Strategic Management for Integrated Value Creation
  • Accounting and FinTech in Digital Transformation
  • Advanced Marketing Intelligence and Research
  • Research Methodology
  • Leadership and Organisational Science
  • Digital Thinking and Innovation Management
  • Data Science and Business Analytics
  • Quantitative Research OR Qualitative Research
  • Digital Business Transformation
  • Global Economic and Business Issues
  • Dissertation

The modules are assessed through flexible assessment methods with minimal examinations, catering to the needs of busy working professionals.

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND DELIVERY

Learning is supported by materials, tasks, and activities provided through the Institution’s Learning Management System. The fundamental delivery mode of the programme encompasses the following:

  • Face to Face Learning
  • Guided Online Learning
  • Self-Managed Learning
  • Group Discussion and Presentations
  • Case Studies Analysis
  • Seminar Discussion with Guest Speakers

UNIQUE FEATURES OF APU DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

The APU DBA programme has a unique digital emphasis and is a technology-infused leadership programme that focuses on future-proofing leaders in a highly volatile and uncertain future. The content of each module is carefully designed through collaboration with business and covers the following topics:

FinTech - developed through professional engagement with MyFin.

Economics - teaching & research content infused through consultation with professionals from the Economic & Social Research Council, UK (UKRI).

Digital Thinking - inclusion of professional talks/seminars/guest lectures by Startup Malaysia and other organisations, powered by Design Thinking principles.

Leadership - collaborative case studies from the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) via the Education & Skills Strategy Board of IMechE-UK.

Data Science - supported by software tools powered by SAS Institute Inc (USA).

Digital Business Transformation - content related to business with Analytics and Artificial Intelligence platforms driven by TIBCO, USA.

Marketing - research content in consultation with Marketing Research Society of Malaysia (MRSM).

In addition to the above:

The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has endorsed APU DBA to enhance and progress existing business knowledge, gaining perspective of contemporary business issues, future trends, and complex problems that require analytical skills to solve.

Under a strategic collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute, UK, you have the exciting opportunity of enrolling for the exclusive APU-CMI Dual Certification By adding a separate CMI qualification to your APU qualification, you are really on the road to success to be truly recognised globally as a Professional Manager:

  • CMI qualifications are highly regarded by employers and are an illustration that you can demonstrate the practical skills needed to perform in the workplace.
  • CMI qualifications are linked to the QCF and European Qualification Framework, so you can be assured that the qualification you are taking is of the highest standard.


CMI DUAL ACCREDITATION

You have the exciting opportunity of enrolling for the APU-CMI Dual Certification by registering for a qualification through APU. By adding a CMI qualification to your University qualification you are really on the road to success.

  • Dual qualifications - When you complete your studies you will have both your University qualification AND a CMI qualification.
  • Theory into practice - CMI qualifications are highly regarded by employers as a testament that you can demonstrate the practical skills needed to perform in the workplace.
  • International stamp of approval - CMI qualifications are linked to the QCF and European Qualification Framework, so you can be assured that the qualification you are taking is of the highest standard.

CMI is the Chartered Management Institute, dedicated to increasing the number of professionally qualified managers and leaders. CMI works with education providers to inspire students to unleash their potential and become skilled, confident and successful managers and leaders identified by their Chartered status.


CAREER OPTIONS

  • Management Analyst
  • Business Consultant
  • Business Research Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Economist
  • Professor
  • Chief Marketing Officer (CM0)
  • General Manager
  • Analytics & Reporting Manager
  • Decision Analytics Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • International Marketing Manager


COURSE FEES

Malaysian Students

International Students

RM 54,800

RM 54,800 (USD 13,700)

​* Fees stated above do not include Enrolment Fees, Registration Fees and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details

(N/0414/8/0071)(04/28)(MQA/PA14557)

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.