DBA Coursework (ProDBA) and DBA Research (DBAR)

Admission Requirements

Minimum admission requirements:

1. A cognate master’s degree by research only, passed with at least 60% or an equivalent grade that reflects a relevant standard of knowledge in a particular field as well as research competence OR A cognate master’s degree by course work and research, with the treatise or mini-dissertation passed with at least 60% or an equivalent grade. In addition, a pass of at least 60% or an equivalent grade should have been attained for each of the course work modules.
2. Candidates who have completed their master’s degree by course work and treatise or mini-dissertation may be required to do and pass an approved research methodology module, at the appropriate level, with at least a 60% or an equivalent grade, should such a module not have been included in their learning programme.
3. Candidates who have not met all of the criteria as outlined above, may apply for provisional registration for the degree of DBA and will be required to register for and pass, with at least 60% or an equivalent grade, a module or modules as recommended by the HOD for approval by the RTI Committee of the relevant School within the Faculty.

Selection process:

In addition to the minimum requirements above, the following conditions for selection apply:

1. Timeous application is required to allow for a thorough adjudication.
2. Applicants, as part of their application, need to present a preliminary proposal (10-12 pages) outlining the focus and nature of the intended research.
3. The acceptance of an application is subject to the availability of the implied supervisory capacity, both in terms of time and expertise.
4. Upon application, candidates, who have not previously studied at NMU, will be required to submit an official, verified transcript of their academic record that, where applicable, includes the syllabus of each module passed in their preceding degree programme together with a copy of the research project, mini-dissertation or treatise.
5. International students who have completed previous qualifications in a language other than English must submit proof of English language proficiency reflecting minimum adequate scores as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score with minimums of 6 in each section;

OR

TOEFL:

1. Paper-based (PBT) – 580 minimum overall score with minimums of 53 in listening, 52 in reading and 59 in structure/written;
2. Computer-based (CBT): 237 minimum overall score with minimums of 19 in listening, 19 in reading and 25 in structure/written;
3. Internet-based (IBT): 92 minimum overall score with minimums of 18 in listening, 17 in reading, 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

If the above-mentioned conditions are met, students will be selected against the following information:

1. Two letters of recommendation, one from an academic and one from a prominent business leader or manager.
2. Resume/CV
3. A two-page personal essay describing the following is required:
4. An expression of the proposed research idea or other research interests (1000-1500 words)
5. The professional organisations to which you belong
6. Awards, activities and other creative accomplishments, and
7. A brief autobiographical statement including future professional plans   

4. The preliminary research proposal (10 12 pages) 

5. Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by means of video-conference or personal for final acceptance onto the programme.

Duration of study:

Full-time: 2 years minimum and 6 years maximum duration of study.

Part-time: 2 years minimum and 6 years maximum duration of study.

Re-admission:

Coursework component: A candidate will be allowed a maximum of 2 years to complete this component.

Thesis: A candidate will be allowed a maximum of 4 years to complete this component.