MANCOSA's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is crafted for ambitious professionals poised to master and shape the business narrative. This comprehensive program transcends traditional academia, inviting you to tackle complex business phenomena with scholarly depth and inventive solutions.
Through a fusion of individual exploration and collective discourse, you will refine your analytical acumen and strategic leadership, supported by MANCOSA’s distinguished educators and industry practitioners. The DBA journey is an invitation to contribute pioneering thought leadership and engage with an elite cohort dedicated to business innovation.
The MANCOSA DBA programme will develop high-level research capacity in candidates to make a significant and original academic or professional contribution at the frontier of business, management and related fields.
Emphasis is placed on supported, self-directed and rigorous scientific inquiry. Candidates will be encouraged to give attention to the convergence of international and local knowledge that is sourced from credible repositories to achieve African excellence and global relevance in their doctoral study.
The MANCOSA DBA programme has been shaped to assist students in:
becoming highly educated individuals
achieving academic and professional excellence
assuming responsible roles in a changing world of global independence
conducting research and generating knowledge
being of service to society through dissemination and application of knowledge, as well as through innovative partnerships with the business and public sectors and civic society
The MANCOSA DBA is designated for candidates who, having already completed a Master’s degree programme, are looking to further develop their practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles that govern private and public sector organisations, through research. The strength of the DBA programme is centred in our mission to have impact on the student’s professional knowledge base and skills and to conduct rigorous research that is directly relevant to one’s organisation, industry or country.
Research Writing and Thesis Construction (6 months)
Weekend workshops
Group Supervision
Individual Supervision
Completing the Thesis
Individual Supervision Continues (18 months)
Submit Theses for Examination
Careers
C-Suite Executives
Leading Consultants
Business Scholars
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements for Pre-Registration (Phase One) of the MANCOSA DBA programme:
Have a MBA or appropriate Master’s degree with an overall minimum average of 55%; and 55% in coursework and 55% in research components; or
Have an appropriate research Master’s degree with a minimum 55% pass.
To facilitate the selection process, applicants must additionally:
Provide a statement of intent in the form of a concept note on the proposed study, in which the candidate motivates for his/her admission into the doctoral programme and outlines a preliminary research proposal.
Download statement of intent template here;
Provide three professional/academic letters of recommendation which attest to the candidate’s academic ability to undertake doctoral studies and benefit from a DBA programme;
Provide a copy of the Master’s thesis and any relevant academic publications or other recognised academic work (electronic);
Possess a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience; and
Be prepared to participate in an interview.
FAQs
Yes, a Doctorate of Business Administration is equivalent to a Ph.D.
After successfully completing the six-month Doctoral Research Proposal Development Programme (Pre-DBA Registration) with an approved research proposal, it takes a further minimum time of three (03) years to complete the DBA Thesis. The programme does accommodate students for up to a maximum of five (05) years to complete their thesis.
There are several excellent career prospects for those with a doctorate. Doctoral degree graduates have in-depth knowledge of certain areas of specialisation, which in the case of the DBA is Business Administration. These graduates can find employment as professors, heads of departments, and independent consultants.
MANCOSA’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is available via a fully online, distance learning format. This makes the programme ideal for working professionals aiming to pursue advanced scholarly research without disrupting their careers.
Flexible Online Learning: The programme offers structured support through digital platforms, enabling learners to progress at their own pace while receiving regular guidance from supervisors.
Contextual and Practical Focus: The curriculum encourages learners to explore leadership and strategy issues relevant to both African and global business contexts.
Career-Enhancing Outcomes: The DBA opens doors to senior executive positions, consulting roles, and academic or policy-focused opportunities that demand high-level analytical and leadership capabilities.
MANCOSA’s online DBA supports ambitious professionals who want to elevate their impact in business and academia. Its flexibility, relevance, and research focus make it a powerful step toward expert-level influence.
MANCOSA’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is structured to support working professionals who want to pursue advanced study while continuing in their careers.
Flexible Study Design: The online format allows you to manage your studies around your existing job commitments, with self-paced learning and supervisor support.
Work-Integrated Learning: Research projects can often be aligned with your current professional environment, adding value to both your studies and your workplace.
Dedicated Support: Academic advisors and programme coordinators offer continuous guidance to help you stay on track without overwhelming your schedule.
Balancing work and doctoral study is achievable with MANCOSA’s DBA. Designed for professionals, it enables you to advance your qualifications without putting your career on hold.
Yes, earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from MANCOSA can open doors to academic roles in higher education institutions.
Research-Focused Curriculum: The programme’s emphasis on independent research, critical thinking, and knowledge creation equips graduates with the academic rigour needed for teaching and supervision roles.
Academic Career Pathways: With a DBA, you may qualify for positions such as lecturer, senior researcher, or programme coordinator at universities or private colleges.
Contributions to Scholarship: Graduates can publish in academic journals, contribute to curriculum development, and engage in thought leadership within their areas of expertise.
MANCOSA’s DBA not only enhances your leadership skills but also positions you for academic teaching opportunities, giving you the ability to educate and inspire future professionals.
Dive into the stories of MANCOSA's finest – our graduates, sharp analytical thinkers and strategic visionaries making waves in industries at home and on the world stage.
Dr Prashina Mohangi
Mohamed Althaaf Ebrahim
Ayanda Dlamini
Marga Claassen
Thabang Patrick Malusi
Givon Christian
Start your journey & enquire about this programme now.
