DUAL DEGREES WITH UCN
Interuniversity Master & Doctor programmes with Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN
Universidad Azteca offers recognised inter-university degree programmes with autonomous Universidad
Central
de Nicaragua UCN. Degrees awarded by UCN are recognised in Nicaragua by law. Programmes include
postgraduate
Master and Doctor courses.
Dual degree Master programmes:
Dual degree award programmes include Business Administration, Social Sciences, Education, Psychology
and
Environmental Sciences. Both universities will award the respective Master degree upon graduates of
the
course.
Dual degree programmes in Business Administration:
Universidad Azteca MBA (Executive MBA) plus
UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua DBA
or
Universidad Azteca DBA (Executive DBA) plus
UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua DBA
Programme modality:
Online DBA programme.
The Executive DBA curriculum consists of 120 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular
fashion.DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 10 required modules/courses (60 ECTS
credits), plus a
final Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of
management.
The DBA curriculum consists of 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular fashion.
DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 20 required modules/courses (120 ECTS credits), plus
a final
Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of management.
Level: Postgraduate
Dual degree Doctor programmes:
Dual degrees include the Doctor of Business Administration and the Doctor of Philosophy in
Management,
Social Sciences, Education, Psychology and Environmental Sciences. Both universities will award the
respective Doctor degree upon graduates of the course.
Doctor of Business Administration
Description of the programme:
Doctor of Business Administration (Doctor en Administración de Empresas, Dr.) degree programmes
offered
internationally. Study languages available for the online degree programme are English or
German.
The programmes offered and degrees awarded by Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN are fully
recognised and
valid in Nicaragua according to the applicable higher education laws of the country.
ACCREDITING AGENCIES:
- General Education Law, Law No.582 (system of higher education)
- National Council of Universities CNU for institutional authorisation of universities before they achieve autonomy by Act of Law No. 89 Law on Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education: UCN is a fully autonomous university with full and recognised degree awarding authority
- National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation of the National System for Quality Assurance in Education CNEA, Law No. 704 (Currently UCN is in the Quality Assurance audit process with the CNEA)
- Federal Ministry of Science and Research (BMWF, 2012-2015), Vienna, Austria, for approval and registration of UCN programmes provided in Austria by UCN European Programmes in compliance with Austrian federal Law on Quality Assurance in Higher Education – currently approved and registered by Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency AQ Austria as legally provided in Austria according to § 27 of the Austrian Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, HS-QSG, BGBl. I Nr. 74/2011 as amended (2015-)
- UCN is a member of ODAEE the Organisation of the Americas for Excellence in Education and the IAU International Association of Universities.
- UCN is a member of the IAU International Association of Universities and also listed in the International Handbook of recognized universities.
- UCN is a member of CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation) International Quality Group CIQG (USA)
- UCN is a member of CONIES with programmatic accreditation of trans-national and collaborative provision online programmes.
- UCN was accredited as Premier University by ASIC (UK) for the period 2013-2017
Doctor of Business Administration programme:
Entry requirements:
Masters degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (240 ECTS credits)
Programme features:
Short Executive DBA programme: 60 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Executive DBA: 60 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Regular taught DBA duration programme: 120 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Taught DBA: 120 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Degree options:
Dual degree programmes: (optional) MBA and DBA by UCN and Universidad Azteca
Stand alone DBA programme: UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua DBA and Universidad
Azteca
Programme modality:
Online DBA programme.
The Executive DBA curriculum consists of 120 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as
modular
fashion.
DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 10 required modules/courses (60 ECTS credits), plus a
final
Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of management.
The DBA curriculum consists of 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular
fashion.
DBA-candidates in the short programme complete 20 required modules/courses (120 ECTS credits), plus
a final
Thesis/Dissertation (60 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field or industry of management.
Level:
Postgraduate
Objectives of the Programme
The modular Master and Doctor of Business Administration programme in Executive Management has as a
general
aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise,
knowledge and
vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical and creative. The
programme aims to provide opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as
life-long learners.
The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills and
competencies
within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following
objectives.
Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex
concepts,
ideas and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.
Develop the power of critical enquiry, logical thought, creative imagination and independent
judgment.
Provide a forum of study that allows each student to build on his or her past academic and
vocational
experience in a relevant and meaningful fashion.
Expose the student to a range of prospective, which may be applicable to both the interests and work
situations as appropriate.
Recognize the variety of sources of learning and an appropriate diversity of means for assessing
achievement.
This programme intends to allow the individual student to develop their potential through a
carefully
selected curriculum of study, which includes elements of a variety of methods of study orientated
around
both the academic and vocational axis.
The primary objectives of the DBA programme are to:
- Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic competence
- Achieve personal development and to develop critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their organization
- Develop skills of initiation, implementation and analysis in a range of contexts
- Develop capability in the analysis and evaluation of complex issues and situations
The specific objectives of the program will vary according to the chosen named award and will include the:
- Development of knowledge at an advanced level
- Development of skills of analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation
- Unification of theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to business administration
- Issues of organization management and the management of people.
DBA Doctor of Business Administration programme
Doctor en Administración de Empresas (Dr.)
The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 240 ECTS credits in total, an MBA, MSc, or
similar
Masters degree, or equivalent qualifications in general management, or in a functional field by
examination
awarded by a professional body. We may also ask for significant experience in a managerial or
professional
supervisory position involving responsibility for strategic issues.
DBA candidates may specialize in areas such as management science, technology management,
organizational
behavior, economics, or finance or other practical fields.
Both, the DBA and PhD in Business Administration are terminal degrees. The degree of Doctor of
Business
Administration, abbreviated DBA and equivalent to a PhD in Business Administration, is a research
doctorate
in business administration. The DBA requires coursework and research beyond the Masters degree
requiring a
dissertation or journal publication that contributes to business practice. The portion of the
programme,
consisting of coursework and examination, is equivalent to that of a PhD. The part of the programme,
consisting of independent research and the writing of a thesis, is geared towards more applied
research in
DBA programmes, with the research making a direct contribution to business practice. The DBA
requires a
significant thesis, dissertation or final comprehensive project including a formal defence and
approval by
nominated examiners or an officially sanctioned and qualified doctoral review committee. The PhD
aims at the
creation of new theory, while DBA aims at applying theory to business problems; thereby, the DBA
programme
has two purposes: (1) to contribute to both theory and practice in relation to business and
management; and
(2) to develop professional practice and to contribute to professional knowledge. The degree is
conferred
when all coursework, testing, and written research are completed and reviewed and approved by the
jurors of
the examination commission.
DBA Doctor of Business Administration programme / Doctorado en Administración de Empresas (Dr.)
Period of coursework: 120 ECTS credits (2 study years) - degree awarded by UCN: MBA Master of
Business
Administration (intermediate degree) - transfer of credits from the MBA programme to the DBA
programme is
possible in the extent of 120 ECTS credits (Notice: The intermediate MBA is optional)
Doctoral Thesis: 60 ECTS credits (1 study year) - degree awarded by UCN: DBA Doctor of Business
Administration / Doctor en Administración de Empresas
Official study time for the short Executive DBA programme is two years (120 ECTS), and three years
(180
ECTS) for the regular DBA programme.
Tuitions
Tuitions vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree
options.
Tuitions are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.
Tuitions for the regular dual degree PhD programme are 7.500,-- € (2021/2022) for the entire
programme
including enrolment, courses, and final examination of the thesis, and the award fees.
The programme can be completed online and does not require any on campus residencies.
Refund policy
Tuitions are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.
Degree Regulations
The applicable degree regulations for DBA and postgraduate degree programmes of UCN apply.
Duration and workload of a course
Successful completion of a course with a workload of 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part-time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the short Executive DBA programme is two years (120 ECTS), and three years (180 ECTS) for the regular DBA programme.
Study language
The programme is conducted in English or German. English or German proficiency is required for the DBA programme.
Student Support
The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN European Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.
DBA Programme
Entry requirements:
Masters degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (240 ECTS credits)
Programme features:
Short Executive DBA programme: 60 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Executive DBA: 60 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Regular taught DBA duration programme: 120 ECTS in coursework plus 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Taught DBA: 120 ECTS in coursework
Research Thesis for DBA: 60 ECTS for DBA Thesis
Programme Structure and Module Syllaba
DBA MODULES
Core courses (30 - 60 ECTS)
- DBAen1105 - Macroeconomics
- DBAen1110 - Business Administration
- DBAen1115 - Microeconomics
- DBAen1125 - Organisation Management
- DBAen1210 - Marketing
- DBAen1215 - Corporate Finance
- DBAen1220 - Human Resource Management
- DBAen1230 - Innovation & Management
- DBAen1240 - Management Techniques
- DBAen1250 - Corporate Governance and International Business
Elective courses (42 – 72 ECTS)
- DBAen1315 - Human Resource Management 2
- DBAen1320 - Strategic Management
- DBAen1325 - Project Management
- DBAen1335 - Change Management
- DBAen1340 - Commercial Awareness & CRM
- DBAen1350 - Leadership
- DBAen1415 - Globalization
- DBAen1420 - Coaching
- DBAen1425 - Conflict Management
- DBAen1428 - Business Law
- DBAen1430 - Strategic Marketing
- DBAen1433 - Communication Skills
- DBAen1445 - Risk Management
- DBAen1450 - Corporate Social Responsibility
Elective courses (12 ECTS)
- DBAen1480 - Business Research Methods
- DBAen1530 - Publication
Mandatory Thesis project (66 ECTS)
- DBAen1650 - Thesis Projec
- DBAen1655 - Defence & Examination
The Doctorate in Business Administration by UCN is an integrated doctoral programme applying research
skills
in strategic focus in Management and Business Administration fields. The DBA doctoral programme
produces
business research experts who can directly apply their doctoral Level 8 (QCF) skills as executive in
an
organisation.
Exemptions
Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN MBA graduates are eligible for up to 120 ECTS credit transfers
for
relevant courses from the intermediate MBA, forming part of the DBA programme.
Entry Requirements
UA / UCN University MBA
OR An approved MBA of equivalent standard to that currently offered by UA / UCN
OR A Masters degree such as MSc, MA, Mphil in a relevant field of study
OR A professional Doctor qualification or PhD in a relevant area
OR A Level 7 (QCF) and Level 8 (QCF) qualification in a relevant area
Programme Requirements & Content
Period 1 - The Period of Instruction and Coursework – transfer credits
Applicants have to comply with two requirements to demonstrate their knowledge in the subject area of the proposed thesis:
- Complete the UCN MBA (or DBA) degree programme modules OR apply to the DBA Research Committee with details of an existing degree at Masters level (or higher).
And:
- Complete Level 8 (EQF) qualification research modules of the DBA curriculum with UCN, AND submit details of the proposed subject for the thesis.
Period 2 The Research Project Period – Literature review and Thesis
Research skills and
research
proposal
To embark on this stage of the DBA, the candidate will be required to complete the thesis proposal.
The
research proposal must be submitted to the DBA Research Committee for approval. If the research
proposal is
not acceptable, it is returned with suitable explanations and the candidate will continue to develop
the
research proposal until a standard acceptable to the Research Committee is achieved.
Once the research proposal is accepted, the candidate will be allocated a supervisor whose expertise
lies
within the proposed area of research. The supervisor will be a senior academic with specific
knowledge of
the chosen area of research. He or she may or may not be a member of the university faculty, and
will
allocate to the candidate approximately 3 hours of contact time per month. Students can propose the
nomination of a supervisor requiring the approval of the Research Committee. Communication with the
supervisor will be primarily via email. During this stage of the DBA programme, candidates work
independently under the direction of the allocated supervisor to conduct a literature review to
support the
research and underpinning methodology, carry out the research and write the thesis. As with the
research
proposal, each stage of the research must be developed to a level acceptable to the DBA Research
Committee.
After acceptance of the literature review and synthesis, the candidate will work on the thesis
(approximate
length 40,000 words) under the direction of the supervisor; the thesis is then submitted formally to
the
university and assessment takes the form of a review followed by a viva voce 'defence' of the
thesis. The
examination will be conducted in person or by live video link at the university's
discretion.
The thesis project is normally of 1-2 years' duration, but this may vary by individual student.
Assessments
Assessment is by formal live voice (a formal face-to face oral defence) examination comprising the student, an internal examiner, an external examiner and the supervisor.
How to Apply?
Each application will be treated individually and on merit in accordance with the University's
application
process, including English language proficiency.
The recognised DBA programme offered by UCN will provide opportunities for students to develop their
management knowledge, competence and problem-solving ability, in a manner that will significantly
enhance
their ability to function as senior managers within a wide range of commercial and not-for-profit
organisations and functions.
All applicants will need to:
- Have achieved Level 7 (QCF) Postgraduate Diploma or have a Masters degree, plus have successfully completed Level 8 qualifications (QCF) or coursework for research modules in a MPhil- or Doctor-level programme.
- Be in work with relevant managerial responsibility.
- As part of the application, identify a real work based project to underpin their dissertation.
- Satisfy the standard language requirements, if their first language is not English.
- Be able to study independently and defend their thesis via distance routes.
Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):
Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:
have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and
methods of
research associated with that field;
have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of
research
with scholarly integrity;
have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by
developing a
substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about
their
areas of expertise;
can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological,
social or
cultural advancement in a knowledge based society;
Terms:
The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those
attributes
relevant to undertaking work or a vocation and that involves the application of some aspects of
advanced
learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated
professions. The
latter may be identified with the profile / specification.
The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for gradation of
abilities
or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’
assessment.
The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to
a field
of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic
understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to
accommodate the
range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic,
professional
and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative
arts. It
is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or relating solely to a traditional 'scientific
method'.
Third Cycle Qualifications
| Cycle | Knowledge and understanding: |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [includes] a systematic understanding of their field of study and mastery of the methods of research* associated with that field.. |
| Applying knowledge and understanding: | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [is demonstrated by the] ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research* with scholarly integrity .. [is in the context of] a contribution that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work some of which merits national or international refereed publication .. |
| Making judgements: | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [requires being] capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.. |
| Communication | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general (dialogue) about their areas of expertise (broad scope).. |
| Learning skills .. | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement .. |
Doctor of Philosophy
UCN PhD (Philosophiae Doctor, Dr.) degree programmes are offered internationally. Study languages
available
for the online degree programme are English or German.
The programmes offered and degrees awarded by Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN are fully
recognised and
valid in Nicaragua according to the applicable higher education laws of the country.
ACCREDITING AGENCIES:
- General Education Law, Law No.582 (system of higher education)
- National Council of Universities CNU for institutional authorisation of universities before they achieve autonomy by Act of Law No. 89 Law on Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education: UCN is a fully autonomous university with full and recognised degree awarding authority
- National Council for Evaluation and Accreditation of the National System for Quality Assurance in Education CNEA, Law No. 704 (Currently UCN is in the Quality Assurance process with the CNEA)
- Federal Ministry of Science and Research (BMWF, 2012-2015), Vienna, Austria, for approval and registration of UCN programmes provided in Austria by UCN European Programmes in compliance with Austrian federal Law on Quality Assurance in Higher Education – currently approved and registered by Quality Assurance and Accreditation Agency AQ Austria as legally provided in Austria according to § 27 of the Austrian Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education, HS-QSG, BGBl. I Nr. 74/2011 as amended (2015-2022)
- UCN is a member of ODAEE the Organisation of the Americas for Excellence in Education and the IAU International Association of Universities.
- UCN is a member of the IAU International Association of Universities and also listed in the International Handbook of recognized universities.
- UCN is a member of CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation) International Quality Group CIQG (USA)
- UCN is an accredited member of CONIES-ICHE International Confederation of Higher Education, Board of Accreditation.
PhD by Thesis
The PhD is a research doctorate, requiring course-work beyond the Master´s level plus research and dissertation contributing to theory or practice in relation to the discipline as well as to development of professional practice by contributing to field-specific knowledge and hence impact practice beyond research.
UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua
List of programmes in this category of research thesis doctorates
- Administración y Gerencia de Empresas, Finanzas, Business Administration and Management, Finance
- Economía, Economics, Political Economics
- Psicología, Psychology
- Ciencia Ambiental y Gestión Ambiental, Environmental Science and Environmental Management
- Ciencias de la Salud, Health Sciences
- Ciencias Sociales, Social Sciences
- Educación, Education
Dissertation Thesis
- The range of themes for theses, their extent and particulars, as well as the requirements for theses are announced by the University based on the proposals examining committee for the thesis examination.
- A doctoral thesis is a monothematic work which brings about new findings, it is not a compilation of literature, as a rule it presents personal original research pursued by the Applicant.
- In general, the thesis is written in Spanish language. An Applicant of different nationality or a foreign Applicant shall ask the admission commission for a possibility to write the thesis in a foreign language. In case of available language capacity the admission commission shall approve the request. A thesis written in a language other than Spanish or English shall include a summary written in Spanish or English language in extent of up to 10 pages. According to available enrolments and tutoring capacities particularly the following study languages are approved: Spanish, English, German.
- The use of Master-theses or doctoral theses having already been used for the award of an academic degree is not allowed. The Applicant cannot submit as a rigorous thesis his/her diploma thesis or any other qualification thesis, neither the work of a compilation character. The University can accept a prior dissertation and doctorate only for the purpose of revalidation of the degree in order to award the equivalent degree.
- The Applicant submits to the examining committee the thesis. The thesis has to be written in text editor, printed and bound in hard cover. Upon request of the Applicant or order recommendation of the examination committee the submission of an electronic version is permitted. Two hardcopy editions of the thesis must be sent to the University.
- To evaluate a thesis the examining committee nominates at least one staff member possessing the “assistant professor” or “professor” title or the academic title PhD, Dr. or an equivalent degree at doctoral level. The evaluator/s are appointed by the examining committee.
- The evaluator first evaluates the methodological aspect of the thesis. In the event of the positive evaluation, the thesis shall be evaluated from a specialized, subject-specific perspective. Positive evaluations of the thesis are necessary preconditions for the invitation of the Applicant to the thesis defence and examination.
- The nominated evaluator shall submit to the examining committee within 60 days from the delivery of the thesis to the evaluator the evaluation of the thesis in which s/he shall state if the thesis does or does not meet the requirements determined by the examining committee and this given study plan. In the evaluation the evaluator shall also present comments on the content of the thesis and, in conclusion of the evaluation, state if s/he does or does not recommend the thesis for the oral defence, or if s/he recommends to rewrite the thesis.
- In the event that the evaluator does not recommend the thesis for the defence, the Applicant can rewrite the thesis and resubmit it for evaluation on the next deadline for theses submission as determined by the examining committee. If s/he fails to submit the thesis on the given deadline s/he shall be excluded from the registration of Applicants for examinations and thesis defences. The Applicant can ask the examining committee in writing for the extension of the thesis submission deadline not more than twice.
- Within the six months from the thesis submission before the thesis examination the examining committee shall notify the Applicant in writing of the place, date and time of the online-examination and at the same time notify him/her the result of the evaluation of the thesis.
- Precondition of the invitation to the thesis defence and examination is the positive evaluator evaluation.
Entry Requirements:
Graduate degree plus MBA, MA, MSc, MPhil or equivalent Master or Postgraduate Degree qualification or first cycle degree entitling the holder in the the country of award to enroll directly in doctoral research programmes at the MPhil level.
Individual requirements:
Individual admission evaluation and eligibility assessment is required.
After completion of coursework, examinations and written research the thesis (dissertation or
comprehensive
project report) is defended by the candidate before the panel of examiners.
The total workload of the PhD in corresponds with equivalence of three years of study or 180 ECTS
credits.
Students must focus on a specialisation or interdisciplinary research. The study area must be
offered by UCN
as doctoral programme.
THESIS: Two hardcopies of a thesis must be shipped to the following mailing address:
Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN
Semaforos del Zumen 3 C. abajo (oeste), 1 C. al lago (norte)
+ 505 2279-1160 + 505 2269-3103
Lic. Danilo Avendaño Martínez
Dirección de Relaciones Públicas e Internacionales
Coordinador de Programas Internacionales
Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN
PhD by Prior Output
Doctorate by Publication
A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of
doctorate by
thesis, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the
conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.
This is not a short cut to a PhD, however offered to recognised busy researchers and full time
professionals
who have been publishing academic work or the equivalent. The PhD by Publication, Prior Output or
Achievement is quite common among British Universities, having introduced this doctorate to
academia.
The PhD by Prior Output aims to demonstrate that the work submitted is of high distinction, does
constitute
an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of
knowledge
or to both, and does establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of
study
concerned, and that the work put forward is already ‘published’.
The objective is not to review all of an applicant’s published output, but a selection that presents
a
substantial coherence and linked original contribution. The PhD by Prior Output should be as
original and
coherent as a conventional PhD degree. The work presented should be already ‘published’ work, open
to
critical academic peer scrutiny, including written publications in peer reviewed refereed journals
and/or
published under an academic or University Press, academic publisher, monographs from an academic
press,
official reports for organisations, portfolios of creative works, or alike. The submitted work
presents an
original contribution to knowledge and will include work that has been published recently. The
submission
should be conceived of as adding to a current debate. The publications should emphasise a common
academic
research area, with a reasonable core argument, and must be original, research-based, of doctoral
thesis
quality and embedded in an academic discourse.
Applicants can submit published work for examination only after a minimum period of six months from
enrolment.
The doctoral degree of PhD by Prior Output is awarded by UCN after the successful presentation of
prior
output and a covering document of 10,000 to 15,000 words, and an examination. The covering document
should
contextualise the prior output, demonstrate that it constitutes a coherent entity, and underline the
independent and original contribution to knowledge achieved.
Tuitions
Tuition fees vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree
options.
Tuition fees are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.
Tuitions for the regular dual degree PhD programme are 7.500,-- € (2021/2022) for the entire
programme
including enrolment, courses, and final examination of the thesis, and the award fees.
The programme can be completed online and does not require any on campus residencies.
Refund policy
Course fees are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.
Degree Regulations
Successful completion of a course with a workload of 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part-time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the short Executive DBA programme is two years (120 ECTS), and three years (180 ECTS) for the regular DBA programme and the PhD.
Study language
The programme is conducted in English or German. English or German proficiency is required for the doctoral programme.
Student Support
The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN
European
Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.
In case you want to apply, pls, use the form and follow the before mentioned instructions.
Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):
Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:
- have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
- have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
- have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
- are capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
- can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
- can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement in a knowledge based society;
Terms:
The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those
attributes
relevant to undertaking work or a vocation and that involves the application of some aspects of
advanced
learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated
professions. The
latter may be identified with the profile / specification.
The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for gradation of
abilities
or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’
assessment.
The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to
a field
of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic
understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to
accommodate the
range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic,
professional
and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative
arts. It
is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or relating solely to a traditional 'scientific
method'.
Third Cycle Qualifications
| Cycle | Knowledge and understanding: |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [includes] a systematic understanding of their field of study and mastery of the methods of research* associated with that field.. |
| Applying knowledge and understanding: | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [is demonstrated by the] ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research* with scholarly integrity .. [is in the context of] a contribution that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work some of which merits national or international refereed publication .. |
| Making judgements: | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | [requires being] capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.. |
| Communication | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general (dialogue) about their areas of expertise (broad scope).. |
| Learning skills .. | |
| 3 (Doctorate) | expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement .. |