GlobalNxt University is an accredited private university based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specialising in flexible, globally‑oriented higher education delivered largely through online and blended learning formats. Formerly known as Manipal GlobalNxt University and originally as U21Global, the institution has a long history in online tertiary education and has been re‑established in Malaysia to offer quality programmes to learners around the world.

The university’s award programmes are approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), spanning undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in fields like business administration, management, information technology, education and criminal justice. Its global classroom model allows students to study anytime, anywhere with interactive digital content, virtual team projects and access to extensive e‑library resources.

International Accreditations and Recognitions:

• AACSB Business Education Alliance Member
• Asian Association of Open Universities
• EFMD Global
• ICDE – International Council for Open and Distance Education
• MyQuest
• MQA – Malaysian Qualifications Agency
• Association of Commonwealth Universities
• WES – World Education Services

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral degree designed to develop advanced research capabilities for addressing complex business and management challenges. The programme combines rigorous academic research with practical application, enabling learners to solve real-world organisational problems through evidence-based decision-making.

The DBA is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to advance into executive leadership, consulting, academia, or specialist management roles. Throughout the programme, students work closely with experienced supervisors who provide expert guidance from proposal development to thesis completion.

Unlike a traditional PhD, which focuses primarily on theoretical research, the DBA emphasizes the application of research to strategic business and organisational issues. Students are expected to investigate real challenges within their own organisations or industries while developing professional research competencies.

The programme also supports APEL (C) – Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, allowing eligible learners to transfer credits and potentially complete their studies within a shorter timeframe.

Key Features:

• Supervision by internationally experienced academics
• Flexible online learning with a Flexi-Pace model
• Learn anytime, anywhere
• Interactive learning environment
• Diverse research specialisations
• One-to-one thesis supervision and mentoring.

Stage 1 – Management Coursework

Students complete the following modules:

• Advanced Managing People and Organisations
• Advanced Marketing Strategy
• Advanced Finance and Accounting
• Fundamentals of Research
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Advanced International Business
• Advanced Data Analytics and Decision Making
• Advanced Strategic Management
• Qualitative Research Methods

Stage 2 – Research Proposal

• Research Proposal (minimum 10,000 words)
• Proposal reviewed by the Research Committee

Stage 3 – Research Thesis

• Research Dissertation (minimum 50,000 words)

Students may select their own research topic, with suggested areas including:

• Strategic Management
• International Business
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Finance
• Leadership
• Organisational Behaviour
• Customer Relationship Management
• Consumer Behaviour
• Retailing
• Corporate Finance
• Behavioural Finance
• Cost Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Models
• Blockchain
• Big Data & Analytics
• Knowledge Management
• Digital Marketing
• E-learning
• IT Strategy
• IT Leadership
• Sustainable Development
• Globalisation & Economic Development
• Islamic Economics
• Tourism Economics
• Gender Studies
• Cultural Studies
• Women in Leadership
• Coaching & Positive Psychology
• Youth Unemployment
• Poverty Alleviation
• Shared Value
• Employment Relations & HRM
• and other management-related disciplines.

• Minimum course duration: 3 years

Study Mode
Delivered fully online, providing flexible, global access to a doctoral qualification without the need to relocate.

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• A recognised Master's Degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years of management or professional experience.

All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not completed tertiary education in English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following (or an equivalent qualification recognized internationally):

Awarded and delivered by GlobalNxt University, Malaysia and supervised by KIMT College London, UAE.