Doctor of Philosophy in International Entrepreneurship Dual Qualification
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Entrepreneurship programme focuses on research and the development of entrepreneurial capabilities in a globalised context. It equips learners with the ability to identify and leverage international business opportunities, build and scale cross-border entrepreneurial ventures, manage innovation, and make strategic decisions in diverse cultural settings and international business environments.
Upon completion of the programme, learners are awarded a Doctoral degree from Horizons University, and qualification from an Ofqual UK-Government-recognised Awarding Body.
The dual qualification from France and the United Kingdom is directly recognised by employers in both countries and globally, helping learners confidently begin their professional careers.
The SwissEdu⁺ Doctoral programme integrates a Diplôme d’Etablissement with a UK Government-recognized qualification regulated under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF Level 8 – Ofqual, UK.Gov).
PhD in International Leadership
What do you get?
Dual Qualifications
Earn two independent qualifications from Horizons University and OTHM (Ofqual UK.Gov).
Accredited
Accredited by Horizons University and by awarding bodies regulated under Ofqual (UK.Gov).
Live Class Direct™
Live Class Direct™ learning without intermediaries, ensuring access to the original programme as designed.
Scholarship
Up to 90% scholarship for eligible countries and disadvantaged students.
PhD in International Entrepreneurship
Programme Details
- OTHM Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
- PhD in International Entrepreneurship from Horizons University
Modules
The PhD in International Entrepreneurship programme consists of mandatory modules and one Doctoral Thesis.
A. Year 1 Modules
- Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (20 UK Credits)
- Developing Research Capability (20 UK Credits)
- Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential (20 UK Credits)
- Managing Strategic Change (20 UK Credits)
- Project Development, Planning and Management (20 UK Credits)
- Thesis Proposal (20 UK Credits)
B. Year 2 Modules
- Thesis Writing (20 UK Credits)
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation (20 UK Credits)
- Strategic Human Resource Management (20 UK Credits)
- Strategic Financial Management (20 UK Credits)
- Journal Writing (20 UK Credits)
C. Doctoral Thesis Stage – Doctoral Thesis with Horizons University
- Thesis Writing and Defence – completing and defending the Doctoral Thesis (80 UK Credits)
Qualification Awarded
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).
- PhD in International Entrepreneurship from Horizons University.
Entry Requirements
- 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;
- English proficiency must be at least CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2 or IELTS 5.5
Learning Mode
Learners participate in Live Class with SIMI lecturers under the SIMI Direct™ model, and upon graduation are awarded qualifications by the the UK’s Ofqual (UK.Gov) Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and partner universities through a cross-recognition mechanism. Within the SwissEdu⁺ system, learners study SIMI’s original Swiss-designed programmes; however, SIMI does not award degrees and instead delegates this authority to its partner universities.
The SIMI Direct™ model is a direct learning model in which learners study directly with SIMI, without any partnerships, franchising, or intermediaries. This ensures full access to the original programme content, without modification, while eliminating third-party risks and issues related to unauthorised local training.
PhD in International Entrepreneurship
Accredited & Recognised
The strength of French Education combined with UK Nationally Recognised Qualifications.
The Power of a SwissEdu⁺ Dual Qualifications
- Strong dual recognition: Diplôme d’Etablissement + UK National Qualification
- Enhanced employability in France and the UK within the field of International Entrepreneurship
- Eligible for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, based on the RQF Level 8 qualification officially recognised by the UK Government
- Global recognition through compatibility between MQF/RQF/EQF frameworks and other national qualification systems(*). See more HERE
- Expanded opportunities for further study at the next academic level internationally(*).
(*) 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.
Accreditation of SIMI Swiss (SwissUK™ Higher Education Institute) - Programme developer and owner
About the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss)
SIMI Swiss is a SwissUK™ Higher Education Institute that unites the excellence of Swiss Private Higher Education with the nationally recognised qualification framework of the United Kingdom Government, regulated by Ofqual (UK.Gov). SIMI Swiss holds full international accreditation and awards dual qualifications, combining a Swiss Private Degree with a nationally recognised qualification from the United Kingdom, upholding globally recognised academic standards.
References:
Accreditation of Horizons University, France
About Horizons University, France:
- Approved and recognized for undergraduate and postgraduate training activities by the French Ministry of Education. See more: CLICK HERE
- Recognized training activities in France and abroad by the Paris professional training department;
- Achieved the French Qualiopi quality education certificate. See more: CLICK HERE
- Program accreditation by Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). See more: CLICK HERE
- Program accreditation by the European Council for Business Education (ECBE). ECBE is a member of ENQA. See more: CLICK HERE
- A member of the Federation for Education in Europe (FEDE). See more: CLICK HERE
Reference:
- See more information about Horizons University: CLICK HERE
- Guidelines of how to check the accreditation of Horizons University: CLICK HERE
- Why is Horizons University Unique? CLICK HERE
Please note: In France, there are two diploma systems: the National Diplomas (Diplômes nationaux) and the University Diplomas (Diplômes d’établissement). National Diplomas are national diploma system granted by the French Ministry of Education through national exams and studying French national curriculum in French. University Diplomas are diploma system granted by universities through examinations organized by the universities, along with evaluation from independent internal and external accreditation systems.
“The qualification awarded by Horizons University is classified as a university-awarded degree (Diplôme d’Établissement), is delivered in the English language, and does not constitute a French national degree (Diplômes nationaux).”
Accreditation of OTHM (UK Government-regulated Ofqual Awarding Body)
About the awarding body – OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK Government Awarding Organisation
- Institutional recognition: 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.
- Programme recognition: 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:
PhD in International Entrepreneurship
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor SwissEdu⁺
Which institution awards the qualification?
The programme awards two qualifications:
- PhD in International Entrepreneurship – awarded by Horizons University
- 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.
Is the qualification accredited or recognised by any government regulatory body?
Yes.
- The OTHM qualification is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government), ensuring national standards of quality, transparency, and compliance in the United Kingdom.
- Horizons University is approved and legally authorized by the Ministry of Education of France to provide post-secondary education.
Is the qualification recognised in the United Kingdom?
What is the 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 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.
How is the qualification benchmarked according to UK ENIC?
UK ENIC benchmarks RQF Level 8 at Band 14, which is equivalent to a Doctoral Level. See more details HERE
Is the qualification compatible with the European education frameworks?
Yes.
According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 8 is aligned with EQF Level 8. See more details HERE
Is the qualification evaluated as equivalent in the United States and Canada?
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
Does the qualification meet the skills requirements for the UK Skilled Worker Visa?
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
Does the qualification allow progression to a next academic level?
Yes. Learners are eligible to apply for the Postdoctoral Research (Postdoc) programme in the field of International Entrepreneurship and Leadership, Global Management, and Sustainable Development.
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.
Does the programme provide support for qualification verification?
Yes.
- OTHM offers an online qualification verification system via QR Code. See more HERE.
- The UK Department for Education confirms that OTHM qualifications (including those bearing the SIMI name) are officially recognised by the UK Government and mapped to RQF Level 7 / SCQF Level 11 / CQFW Level 7 (PGD/Master Level).
Note
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, SIMI Swiss, 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.