Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration (Top-Up)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is an advanced postgraduate program designed for individuals with a strong foundation in management who wish to pursue in-depth research.

At Swiss Top-up Degree, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration Top-up program with the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI) is specifically tailored to develop learners’ independent research capabilities, enabling them to become leading experts in management. With the goal of providing comprehensive theoretical and practical insights into management, the program focuses on enhancing learners’ research and analytical skills by equipping them with state-of-the-art scientific research methods to address complex management challenges.

This program not only cultivates advanced research skills but also expands professional networks with renowned researchers and management experts, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

Top-Up, also known as a bridging or transfer program, allows learners to receive recognition for prior academic achievements and directly enter the final stage to complete an unfinished degree or earn a second qualification without having to start from scratch.

Students participate in the thesis development and defense phase (60 UK/30 ECTS Credits):

• • Doctoral Thesis
  • Defend Doctoral Thesis

List oF Majors:

• • Information Technology
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Public Administration
  • Finance & Banking
  • Education
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • HR Management
  • Project Management
  • Finance & Risk Management
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Insurance & Risk Management
  • Management

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• • Apply knowledge, critical thinking, and independent reasoning to integrate learned concepts into their personal management practices.
  • Implement global management best practices within their own enterprises with necessary adaptations.
  • Communicate effectively in business environments.
  • Develop, execute, and manage strategic business functions efficiently.
  • Lead businesses with a vision for sustainability and ethical management.

Teaching and Learning Strategy:

The core educational philosophy of the program starts with understanding theoretical concepts, exploring global case studies of successful business applications, and ultimately integrating learned knowledge into the students' businesses and professional environments. In addition to practical knowledge, the program equips students with essential leadership and managerial skills to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing global business landscape.

Student-Centered Learning Approach:

The program follows a student-centered approach, focusing on solving real-world issues faced by learners. This is achieved through foundational knowledge, global case studies, and practical applications. Throughout the coursework, students systematically address their daily management challenges under the guidance of theoretical frameworks, hands-on exercises, expert faculty, and local teaching assistants.

CANDIDATES CAN DIRECTLY ENTER THE FINAL STAGE (DOCTORAL Thesis Only):

• • Graduates of a Level 8 Diploma under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or an equivalent qualification; or
  • Holders of a doctor's degree in a different but related field.

CANDIDATES CAN JOIN THE DOCTOR'S TOP-UP PROGRAM AFTER COMPLETING THE APEL.Q PROCESS BEFORE ENTERING THE DOCTORAL THESIS STAGE:

1. • Candidates who have partially completed a doctor’s program or a different Level 8 qualification; or
   • Holders of a doctor's degree in an unrelated field.

English Language Requirements:

• • Minimum English proficiency at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) Level B2 or equivalent;
  • Alternatively, an IELTS score of 5.5, with at least 5.5 in Reading and Writing, or an equivalent qualification.

Important Notes:

• • SIMI Swiss does not accept entry qualifications from diploma mills, fake universities, or institutions accredited by non-reputable accreditation bodies.
  • SIMI Swiss reserves the right to accept or reject applications based on accreditation requirements and its global admission quota.

Swiss Top-up Degree is the bridging program system of the Schweizer Institut für Hochschulbildung in Management und Innovation (MI Swiss), an international higher education institute of SIMI Swiss. Additionally, throughout their studies, learners receive academic and English language support through the exclusive academic support system of the London Academy of Sciences United Kingdom.

Off-campus Mode:

• The program combines Live Classes with lecturers and local tutors (where applicable) for a hybrid learning experience.
• Offering interactive, real-time engagement with instructors.
• Local tutors provide additional guidance to help learners apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios (please note that local tutors only apply where SIMI has a scientific partner).
• Ideal for busy professionals seeking flexibility with personalized support.

Learn more about the overview of enrolling in online classes at SIMI Swiss [Video HERE]

Learn more about the effectiveness of SIMI Pedagogy [Video HERE]

Reference:

• Access the Academic Support Portal: CLICK HERE
• The video provide learners with a direct and comprehensive overview of the exclusive Research Support System at SIMI Swiss: CLICK HERE

A colloquium is a formal academic gathering where experts, scholars, and students come together to discuss specific topics, share research, and exchange ideas. Typically held within academic or professional settings, colloquia serves as a platform for intellectual engagement and knowledge dissemination.

SIMI Swiss, the governing body of MI Swiss and Topup Degree, collaborates with partner universities to organize colloquium for students. After attending a colloquium abroad, students engage in networking activities to build connections within the academic and professional communities.

SIMI Swiss owns the Swiss Colloquium. Check it out HERE.