Course Information

Programme Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Kings University College is a rigorous, practice-oriented doctoral programme designed for experienced business professionals and senior managers who want to combine advanced academic study with original research that addresses real-world organisational and business challenges. Delivered over three years through a combination of structured coursework, face-to-face seminars, and supervised dissertation research, the DBA at Kings equips graduates with the advanced strategic knowledge, research methodology expertise, and analytical capabilities required to lead organisations, contribute to management scholarship, and drive evidence-based business transformation.

Unlike a traditional PhD, which is primarily research-focused, the Kings DBA begins with a substantial coursework component — covering nine advanced modules across financial analysis, digital transformation and business analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship, global marketing, HR management, economic dynamics, strategic management, and research methodology — before candidates progress to their dissertation or thesis. This coursework foundation ensures that DBA candidates develop both the theoretical depth and the applied commercial knowledge required for original research that is meaningful, practical, and genuinely contributes to solving real organisational problems.

The DBA is delivered in a cohort format — combining face-to-face seminars with research activities — allowing students to collaborate with, learn from, and build professional networks alongside a cohort of experienced practitioners from diverse industries and organisational backgrounds. This peer learning dimension is one of the most valuable aspects of the DBA experience, ensuring that the academic rigour of doctoral study is enriched by the real-world commercial and managerial insight of fellow senior professionals. Upon completion, DBA graduates are among the most highly qualified business professionals in Malaysia and internationally — equipped to lead at the highest levels of corporate, academic, and public sector organisations.

Why Choose This Programme?

Who Should Apply?

• Senior Executives and C-Suite Leaders: Chief executives, directors, vice-presidents, and senior managers from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Hong Kong, and beyond who want to combine their professional experience with doctoral-level research to advance their organisations and careers.
• MBA Graduates Targeting Doctoral Qualifications: Kings MBA graduates and MBA holders from other institutions who want to continue their academic journey to doctoral level — applying the strategic management and business knowledge of their MBA to original DBA research.
• Management Consultants and Business Advisors: Professionals who advise organisations on strategy, operations, and organisational change — and who want a doctoral qualification that enhances their credibility, deepens their research capability, and strengthens their professional authority.
• Academics and Researchers Entering Business Education: Those who want to combine professional management experience with academic research — pursuing a career in business school teaching, management education, or policy research.
• Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Those who have built significant business experience and want to apply doctoral-level research methods to investigate and solve the strategic, organisational, or market challenges their businesses face.

Programme Structure

Career and Research Outcomes

• Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director: Leading organisations at the highest executive level — with doctoral-level strategic, analytical, and research capabilities that distinguish DBA graduates from MBA-qualified peers.
• Chief Strategy Officer / Strategy Director: Developing and executing organisational strategy — applying advanced strategic management, economic analysis, and research methodology to drive long-term business performance.
• Academic / Business School Professor: Contributing to management education as a lecturer, programme director, or research fellow — with the DBA providing the doctoral qualification required for academic appointment in most business schools.
• Management Consultant (Partner / Director Level): Leading consulting engagements at the most senior level — with original research, strategic analysis, and business intelligence capabilities that command the highest levels of client confidence.
• Organisational Development Director: Leading enterprise-wide transformation, change management, and organisational development initiatives — drawing on the advanced HR, strategy, and innovation management knowledge of the DBA.
• Research and Development Leader / Chief Innovation Officer: Directing research, innovation, and intellectual property development within corporations, government agencies, and research institutions.

How to Apply

• Step 1 — Check Eligibility: Confirm your master’s degree meets the entry requirements. Boomerang International provides free personalised eligibility assessments for doctoral applicants.
• Step 2 — Prepare Documents: Certified master’s degree transcript and certificate, bachelor’s degree transcript, passport copy, English proficiency results, CV/resume, research proposal or statement of intent, and any publications or professional portfolio.
• Step 3 — Submit Application: Apply through Boomerang International — Kings University College’s official education partner — for a fully guided application process.
• Step 4 — Receive Offer Letter: Kings University College reviews your application and issues a conditional or unconditional offer of enrolment, including supervisor assignment for research programmes.
• Step 5 — Accept and Pay Deposit: Confirm your place by accepting the offer and paying the required enrolment deposit.
• Step 6 — Student Visa: Boomerang International provides full Malaysian Student Pass application support and immigration documentation guidance.
• Step 7 — Arrive and Begin: Travel to Kuala Lumpur and commence your doctoral studies at Kings University College.