Doctor of Business Administration Dual Qualification OTHM - GlobalNxt University

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) dual-qualification programme involving OTHM and GlobalNxt University is designed for senior leaders and executives, focusing on the development of strategic management capabilities through applied research connected to real business practice. The DBA is a practice-oriented doctoral degree in the field of business administration.

 

The integrated dual-qualification programme consists of two stages:

  • Stage 1: Completion of the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, awarded by OTHM, United Kingdom. This qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual under the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework and is positioned at Level 8. It reflects doctoral-level professional competency and may support progression to DBA, DProf, PhD pathways, or senior professional practice. Graduates may apply for a UK ENIC Qualification Reference Statement where applicable.
  • Stage 2: Completion of the doctoral dissertation and award of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) by GlobalNxt University, Malaysia. The DBA programme is listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register under reference number MQA/FA3846, MQF Level 8, as a Doctoral Degree delivered through Open and Distance Learning. GlobalNxt University has historical roots in U21Global / Universitas 21 Global. This background may be referenced for institutional context only and should not be interpreted as a current award, endorsement, partnership, or academic involvement by any Universitas 21 member university.

Doctor of Business Administration

What do you get?

Dual Qualifications

Receive two independent qualifications: the OTHM Level 8 Diploma and the Doctor of Business Administration awarded by GlobalNxt University.

Recognition and Accreditation

Benefit from a programme structure aligned with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework and Malaysia’s national higher education quality assurance system.

Live Class Direct™

Study through Live Class Direct™ with no intermediaries, giving direct access to the original programme structure and learning model.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships may be available for eligible applicants, subject to admissions review and the scholarship assessment process.

Doctor of Business Administration

Programme Details

  1. OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
  2. Doctor of Business Administration awarded by GlobalNxt University

Modules for Stage 1: OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice

  • Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential (L/618/5988): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Managing Strategic Change (R/618/5989): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Project Development, Planning and Management (J/618/5990): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (L/618/5991): 40 UK Credits / 20 ECTS Credits.
  • Developing Research Capability (R/618/5992): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Strategic Financial Management (L/616/2727): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management (F/616/2725): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (R/616/2728): 20 UK Credits / 10 ECTS Credits.

Doctoral Dissertation and Defence Stage with GlobalNxt University

  • Dissertation Writing and Defence – completion and defence of the doctoral dissertation.

During the Doctoral Dissertation stage, doctoral students will undertake their dissertation under the academic supervision, regulations, and quality assurance of GlobalNxt University.

Upon graduation, students will receive:

  • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTHM (UK government-recognized, equivalent to a Master’s degree in the UK ENIC/NARIC Band 12).
  • Doctor of Business Administration awarded by GlobalNxt University.

Admission through the typical route:

  • Applicants must be over 24 years of age;
  • A Master’s degree in any discipline from an accredited university;
  • Or a Level 7 qualification under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or an equivalent qualification.

 

Admission through the special route:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree;
  • Be at least 35 years old with 10 or more years of management experience; or
  • Be at least 30 years old with 5 or more years of experience in a C-level or equivalent leadership experience (e.g. CEO, CFO, CHRO, CPO, Managing Director, Executive Director position within the organization)
  • Pass the APEL.A assessment route (support provided).

 

English Requirements:

  • English proficiency must be at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2 or IELTS 5.5

Learners attend Live Class sessions directly with lecturers from Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) under the SIMI Direct™ model. Through Stage 1, learners complete the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by OTHM, United Kingdom. This qualification develops advanced strategic management, leadership, practical capability, and applied research skills, and is positioned at Level 8 within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework, with comparability to EQF Level 8 as referenced in the OTHM specification.

 

After completing Stage 1 and meeting the relevant academic and admission requirements, learners may progress to the doctoral research stage at GlobalNxt University, subject to GlobalNxt University’s admission, credit transfer, dissertation, and academic regulations. During this stage, learners undertake their doctoral dissertation under the academic supervision, regulations, and quality assurance of GlobalNxt University.

 

Upon satisfying all academic, research, and institutional requirements, learners will be considered for graduation and the award of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) by GlobalNxt University.

 

The Live Class Direct™ model enables learners to study directly with Swiss Information and Management Institute, without franchise delivery or intermediaries. This helps maintain the original programme structure, ensure direct academic access, and reduce third-party delivery risks.

Doctor of Business Administration

RESEARCH TOPICS

Research activities and doctoral dissertation development are undertaken with GlobalNxt University after learners complete Stage 1 and are awarded the OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, an Ofqual-regulated qualification at Level 8. Progression to the dissertation stage is subject to GlobalNxt University’s applicable admission, progression, credit transfer, and academic regulations.

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Big Data
  • Fintech
  • Blockchain
  • Web3 and Emerging Digital Technologies
  • IT Leadership
  • E-Learning
  • Digital User Engagement
  • Business Models
  • New Venture Finance
  • Entrepreneurial Teams
  • Collaborative Knowledge Management
  • Creative Knowledge Management
  • Outsourcing Models & Frameworks
  • Corporate Finance
  • Behavioural Finance
  • Cost Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Customer Relationship Marketing
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Retailing
  • Sustainable Development and Shared Value Creation
  • Globalisation and Economic Development
  • Competitiveness and Microeconomic Foundations
  • Cluster Theory and Policy Implementation
  • Socio-Economic Systems
  • Emerging Economies, Regional Development and Islamic Economics
  • International Economics
  • Poverty Reduction
  • Employment Relations and Human Resource Management
  • Cross-Border Employment and Labour Practices
  • Women in Leadership
  • Gender Dynamics in Organisations
  • Gender, Leadership and Workplace Inclusion
  • Leadership Coaching and Positive Organisational Psychology

Swiss Information and Management Institute, through the SwissEdu⁺ initiative, works with an international academic support network to provide a structured research support system. This system supports learners from research topic development to dissertation completion and, where applicable, research publication preparation.

 

Learners may receive guidance on research topic orientation, research methodology development, academic structure, formatting standards, and alignment with applicable research ethics requirements. Throughout the process, academic support experts may provide critical review, professional feedback, and support for improving analytical quality, helping strengthen both the academic value and practical relevance of the research work.

 

For eligible research projects, the academic support network may also provide guidance on publication orientation, academic networking, and dissemination of research outcomes in an international context.

 

This support system is designed to complement, and not replace, the academic supervision, assessment, approval, and quality assurance regulations of GlobalNxt University.

Level 8 Diploma RQF

Accredited & Recognised of OTHM (UK)

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by OTHM, United Kingdom. It is positioned at Level 8 within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework and is designed to support advanced strategic management, leadership, and applied research capability.

OTHM is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), the official education regulator of the UK Government. Ofqual recognition number: RN5284. View the official recognition information HERE.

OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is accredited with the Ofqual UK.Gov code 603/6996/6. Refer to the accreditation information HERE

References:

  • Sample diploma and transcript of OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice HERE
  • How to verify OTHM regulation and recognition: HERE

After graduation, if required, learners may register for the service to obtain an official UK Qualification Reference Statement issued by an authorised representative of the UK Department for Education.

The UK Qualification Reference Statement issued by an authorised representative of the UK Department for Education is a reference document with the highest legal and academic value within the scope of qualification recognition, benchmarking, and level verification in the United Kingdom. It is commonly used for professional, academic, and international competency assessment purposes.

For OTHM qualifications (with the qualification bearing the name Swiss Information and Management Institute as the programme delivery and ownership institution), the representative of the UK Department for Education confirms and issues the qualification recognition at RQF Level 8, with the following key information:

UK Qualification Framework Levels

  • RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8

Training Provider Information

  • The programme delivery institution (training provider) is registered with and regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) – the qualifications and examinations regulator under the UK Government.

Qualification Information

  • The qualification is officially recognised in the United Kingdom and classified at Level 8 within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
  • The entry requirement for the programme is a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
  • The total learning and research time is 1,800 hours.
  • The assessment method is based on coursework and assignments.

Use of the Qualification for Employment and Further Study in the United Kingdom

This qualification confirms management and leadership competencies within the UK national competency framework, opens access to advanced career opportunities in management-related fields, and provides a basis for progression to advanced research pathways at RQF Level 8, including PhD programmes.

As a qualification recognised at the national level in the United Kingdom, the OTHM Level 8 Diploma is benchmarked within the UK National Qualifications Framework and correspondingly referenced against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). This benchmarking provides an academic and regulatory basis for the recognition and evaluation of the qualification across European jurisdictions. For further details, please refer HERE.

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma (issued under the name Swiss Information and Management Institute as the programme delivery and ownership institution) may be submitted for WES (World Education Services) recognition, providing a basis for qualification recognition in the United States and Canada. For further details, please refer HERE.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level required for the Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma is recognised as a qualification at RQF Level 8. Under the latest regulations, although the required standard has been significantly raised, OTHM Level 8 still exceeds the mandatory academic requirement for proceeding with the UK Skilled Worker Visa application.

  • See more HERE

The OTHM Level 8 Diploma (issued under the name Swiss Information and Management Institute) is recognised for employment in Switzerland without any additional procedures, as the field of Business and Management is classified as a non-regulated profession that does not require a professional license.

 

The Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a Swiss-UK Agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, effective from 01/01/2025. Under this agreement, professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for recognition when applying for a professional licence in the other country, including professions that fall under the professionally regulated category—those requiring a licence to practise.

 

As a result, qualifications awarded by Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations may support recognition or professional assessment processes where relevant to the profession concerned, including as part of an initial application for professional recognition in Switzerland. However, recognition is not automatic and remains subject to the applicable Swiss regulations, the nature of the profession, and the decision of the competent recognition authority.

 

References:

  • Swiss-UK Agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications from the UK Government: HERE
  • Swiss-UK Agreement on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications from the Swiss Government: HERE
  • List of approximately 200 regulated professions requiring a professional licence under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (qualifications within the SwissUK™ system—including those from Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible for initial assessment according to the agreement): HERE

Qualifications positioned within the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) may be benchmarked against the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a basis for assessing qualification recognition in Australia. For further details, please refer HERE.

Doctor of Business Administration

ACCREDITATION & RECOGNITION OF GLOBALNXT UNIVERSITY

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) awarded by GlobalNxt University is listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR).

GlobalNxt University is a private university in Malaysia recognised within Malaysia’s higher education and quality assurance system, including the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

 

The university is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU). GlobalNxt University qualifications may be submitted to credential evaluation organisations such as World Education Services (WES) and the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), subject to the policies, documentation requirements, and assessment outcomes of each organisation. Such evaluations may support employment, further study, or immigration-related purposes where applicable; however, final recognition decisions remain subject to the receiving authority, institution, employer, or immigration body.

 

With faculty members and learners from many countries, GlobalNxt University provides a diverse and international academic environment. The university is associated with international academic networks and organisations, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). Any institutional membership should be verified against the relevant organisation’s current membership records before publication.

 

Guided by the motto “Inspirati a Doctrina”, GlobalNxt University continues to provide flexible and quality learning opportunities with practical relevance in an increasingly connected world.

 

2001 – Founding as U21Global in Singapore

U21Global was established in Singapore in June 2001 as a joint venture between Universitas 21 and Thomson Learning, later known as Cengage Learning. It represented an early model of global online education.

 

Universitas 21 is a global network of research-intensive universities, historically including institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Nottingham, the University of Virginia, and the National University of Singapore. This historical background is provided for institutional context only and should not be interpreted as a current award, endorsement, partnership, or academic involvement by any Universitas 21 member university.

 

2012 – Relocation to Malaysia and Formation of GlobalNxt University

In 2012, U21Global relocated to Malaysia and was re-established as GlobalNxt University in support of Malaysia’s ambition to become a global education hub. Since then, GlobalNxt University has operated as a licensed and recognised Malaysian university headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) has granted GlobalNxt University a university licence (University category) under licence number DU034(W). This confirms that GlobalNxt University is a higher education institution with full university authority within the Malaysian higher education system.

All programmes offered by GlobalNxt University are accredited and recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring compliance with the national standards under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework for higher education.

GlobalNxt University is officially listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) — the global higher education database managed by the International Association of Universities (IAU) under the auspices of UNESCO, confirming the institution’s legitimacy and international recognition.

Qualifications awarded by GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by World Education Services (WES), supporting credential recognition for purposes such as further study, immigration, and employment in North America, as well as in many other regions.

Qualifications awarded by GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), supporting the international mobility of graduates and facilitating academic recognition in many countries.

The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) is an international credential assessment authority under the Government of Alberta, Canada. IQAS evaluates and compares foreign qualifications with the Canadian education system for purposes such as further study, immigration, and employment.

The fact that qualifications from GlobalNxt University are accepted for evaluation by IQAS means that the university’s qualifications are eligible to be considered within Canada’s international credential assessment process. The final evaluation outcome will depend on the individual application, the programme level, and the regulations in effect at the time of submission.

This contributes to enhancing the international flexibility of graduates, supporting opportunities for further study, employment, or immigration in Canada and other regions that recognise IQAS assessment results.

As an institutional member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), GlobalNxt University is connected to an international network of universities across the Commonwealth. This membership supports opportunities for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, international engagement, and participation in higher education development activities.

 

Through the ACU network, the university may access opportunities related to research collaboration, academic development, professional exchange, and international higher education initiatives, reflecting its commitment to global engagement and continuous development in higher education.

GlobalNxt University’s connection with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) reflects the university’s participation in a global network dedicated to advancing business and management education.

This engagement reflects the university’s commitment to academic improvement, international engagement, and leadership development in the context of the global economy.

Being a member of EFMD reflects GlobalNxt University’s engagement with an international network in business and management education.

This membership supports opportunities for academic development, professional exchange, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in business and leadership education within an international context.

As a member of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), GlobalNxt University is part of a global network that promotes the development of open, flexible, and distance education.

This membership reflects the university’s commitment to innovation in teaching and learning, broader access to flexible education, and adaptation to global learning trends in the digital age.

Through its membership in the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), GlobalNxt University is connected to a regional network of open and distance education institutions in Asia, supporting knowledge exchange, professional engagement, and the development of flexible learning.

This membership facilitates opportunities for sharing experience, good practices, and innovation in online and distance education, contributing to the development of flexible and inclusive education across the region.

As a registered member of MyQAN, GlobalNxt University is connected to a peer network of Malaysian higher education institutions focused on quality assurance, internal quality enhancement, and the sharing of good practices.

Through MyQAN, the university may engage in quality assurance discussions, peer learning, professional exchange, and activities that support the strengthening of internal quality assurance and academic governance within Malaysia’s higher education ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Programme

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Doctor of Business Administration

Frequently Asked Questions

SwissEdu⁺

Yes. Eligible learners may apply for a Malaysian student visa / Student Pass, subject to applicable requirements and approval.

The programme is delivered through flexible learning models, including:

  • Fully online study with Live Class Direct™.
  • Online study combined with a study-abroad option during the direct research stage with GlobalNxt University.

Doctoral students applying for a full-time student visa / Student Pass may be supported through the StudyAbroader system. Learn more HERE.

The programme awards two qualifications:

  • Doctor of Business Administration – awarded by GlobalNxt University, Malaysia.
  • Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice – awarded by OTHM (United Kingdom)

These two qualifications are fully integrated, creating maximum strength and value for graduates upon completion.

Yes.

  • The OTHM qualification is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government), ensuring national standards of quality, transparency, and compliance in the United Kingdom.
  • The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) awarded by GlobalNxt University is listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) at MQF Level 8 as a Doctoral Degree.

The OTHM qualification is part of the RQF and regulated by Ofqual, and it is recognised at the Doctoral Degree Level within the UK education system.

 

References:

  • Official UK Government recognition assessment: HERE
  • Recognition of equivalency to a Doctoral degree in the UK and across Europe: HERE

Yes.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) awarded by GlobalNxt University is listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) as a Doctoral Degree at MQF Level 8.

The UK Qualification Reference Statement issued by an authorised representative of the UK Department for Education is the highest-level document confirming the status of a graduate’s qualification, serving to authenticate and recognise:

  • Verification that the qualification is recognised in the United Kingdom.
  • Recognition of the qualification’s level and position within the UK national qualification frameworks, including all three frameworks:
    • The Regulated Qualifications Framework of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (RQF)
    • The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
    • The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)

Example: A qualification recognised by the UK Department for Education with the notation UK Framework Levels – RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8 means that the qualification is classified at the DOCTORAL level across the entire United Kingdom and holds academic validity in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

  • Confirmation that the awarding institution is recognised by the UK Government.
  • Confirmation of the entry requirements for obtaining the qualification.
  • Confirmation of the assessment and examination procedures.
  • Confirmation of the graduate’s competency and employability.
  • Confirmation of progression opportunities for further study within the UK National Education System after completing the qualification.

UK ENIC benchmarks RQF Level 8 at Band 14, which is equivalent to a Doctoral Level. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 8 is aligned with EQF Level 8. See more details HERE

Yes. It may be evaluated as equivalent to Doctoral Level, depending on the individual application, through:

  • CICIC (Canada)
  • WES (USA/Canada)

The final outcome depends on the purpose of the evaluation and the independent assessment conducted by these agencies. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level for the Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.

A qualification at RQF Level 8 exceeds the mandatory academic requirement.

  • See more details HERE

Yes. Learners are eligible to apply for the Postdoctoral Research (Postdoc) programme in the field of Business Administration.

Reference: Recognition of RQF/EQF Level 8 as a Doctoral level under international education standards. See more details: HERE

All recognition or acceptance for further study, including equivalency mapping under competency frameworks, is subject to the specific policies of each country, the competent regulatory authorities, and the internal regulations of the receiving educational institutions. The programme is designed for study and employment within an international context.

Information regarding the programme, qualifications, accreditation, and recognition is sourced from official publications of the UK Government, regulatory authorities, and other relevant competent organizations. The content is accurate at the time of publication but may change without prior notice based on updates to policies and regulations issued by these authorities.

 

Although frameworks for recognition, cross-recognition, and equivalency are established on transparent and verifiable criteria, each country, ministry, department, or receiving institution may apply its own regulations during the evaluation and recognition process. Therefore, learners are strongly advised to verify recognition requirements directly with the relevant authority or institution before using the qualification for any specific purpose.

 

In accordance with principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, Swiss Information and Management Institute, OTHM, and all related parties do not make any commitment or representation regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration status, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or regulatory body.

 

This information is provided to ensure accuracy and transparency in public communication, consistent with international standards and best practices in academic disclosure.

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