Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Overview

The UKH Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is one of the first professional doctoral programmes of its kind in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, positioning the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr as a national pioneer in advanced management education. At a time when the region is undergoing rapid economic transformation, institutional reform, and expanding private-sector activity, there is an urgent need for leaders who can integrate rigorous research with informed managerial judgment. The UKH DBA directly responds to this gap by cultivating scholar-practitioners capable of generating evidence-based solutions to organisational and societal challenges. By aligning with regional leadership development priorities—such as strategic decision-making, innovation capability, and governance enhancement—the programme strengthens the human capital foundation necessary for sustainable development across both public and private sectors.

Admission Requirements

• Candidates must have an average of not less than 60 and 70 in bachelor’s and master’s degrees respectively.
• English Language Proficiency: Minimum English Language requirement is 58 in PTE – 6.5 in IELTS -79 in TOEFL or 120 in Duolingo.
• All applicants are required to submit a valid English language proficiency test from the list above, including graduates of English-medium universities.
• An equalised transcript is required for students who have graduated from international institutions.
• Research Proposal 1200-1500 words (excluding references).
• Acceptance is subject to the availability of seats.

• Application Form: Online application form is required.
• Official Transcripts: Provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript with your application.
• Interview: Applicants will be invited to attend an interview at which they may be asked questions regarding their intended programme of study. The interview is a compulsory stage of the selection process.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required to be submitted with your application, preferably one of which will be from a university academic.
• A copy of your CV.
• A copy of your passport or national ID.

Curriculum

The UKH Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is one of the first professional doctoral programmes of its kind in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, positioning the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr as a national pioneer in advanced management education. At a time when the region is undergoing rapid economic transformation, institutional reform, and expanding private-sector activity, there is an urgent need for leaders who can integrate rigorous research with informed managerial judgment. The UKH DBA directly responds to this gap by cultivating scholar-practitioners capable of generating evidence-based solutions to organisational and societal challenges. By aligning with regional leadership development priorities—such as strategic decision-making, innovation capability, and governance enhancement—the programme strengthens the human capital foundation necessary for sustainable development across both public and private sectors.

Skills Development

Knowledge and Understanding

K1. Demonstrate a systematic, critical and comprehensive understanding of advanced theories, debates, and issues within business and management research.
K2. Apply and evaluate advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies relevant to doctoral-level inquiry.
K3. Generate original research that contributes new knowledge or extends professional practice, suitable for peer-review publication.
K4. Integrate global, cultural, ethical, and contextual perspectives when analysing organisational issues.

Intellectual Skills

I1. Identify, analyse, and synthesise complex organisational problems within dynamic environments.
I2. Critically evaluate theoretical assumptions, empirical evidence, and methodological choices.
I3. Formulate innovative, theoretically grounded solutions to organisational and societal challenges.
I4. Make informed and evidence-based judgements under uncertainty.

Professional / Practical Skills

P1. Design, implement and manage sophisticated research projects in organisational settings.
P2. Employ advanced analytical tools and techniques to interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
P3. Demonstrate effective pedagogical and consultancy skills appropriate for academic and professional environments.
P4. Uphold ethical, responsible and professional standards in research and organisational practice.

Transferable Skills

T1. Communicate complex ideas effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
T2. Exercise initiative, autonomy, leadership and resilience when addressing research challenges.
T3. Engage critically with scholarly literature and produce high-quality academic writing.
T4. Collaborate effectively in research communities and interdisciplinary settings.