Ph.D in Management
GlobalNxt University (MQA/PA17429)
The Doctor of Philosophy in Management is designed for managers, leaders, lecturers and professionals ready to develop independent research skills, explore complex management challenges and make an original scholarly contribution.
Drawing on your experience in business, organisational leadership or teaching, you will identify knowledge gaps, frame meaningful research questions and develop an in-depth doctoral thesis. This journey connects professional insight with research evidence, broadens your perspective and opens new directions for management.
Upon meeting all academic requirements and receiving graduation approval, you will be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy in Management by GlobalNxt University, Malaysia.
The programme is delivered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and holds accreditation under MQA/PA17429. International candidates complete the applicable University and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) registration process and, upon approval, receive an EMGS Approval to Study for ODL letter.
Ph.D in Management · MQA/PA17429
What You Gain
A GlobalNxt Ph.D
Earn your Ph.D in Management from GlobalNxt University upon successful completion.
MQA-Accredited ODL
Study through ODL under the programme’s MQA Provisional Accreditation, MQA/PA17429.
Research Support
Access additional academic, research and English-language support throughout your doctoral journey.
Financial Support
Eligible candidates receive partial financial support, with fees and applicable costs disclosed before enrolment.
Ph.D in Management · MQA/PA17429
Programme Details
Ph.D in Management — GlobalNxt University · DU034(W)
Programme Structure
The Ph.D in Management develops your research capabilities through three components, progressing from research methodology to a thesis proposal and an original doctoral thesis.
1. Research Methodology
Develop the ability to define management problems, frame research questions and select appropriate methods. Build your theoretical foundation and research design while addressing data access, analysis and research ethics.
2. Thesis I (Proposal)
Develop a proposal setting out your research problem, literature review, theoretical foundation, objectives, methodology and intended contribution. Complete and defend your proposal in accordance with GlobalNxt University’s academic requirements.
3. Thesis II (Final Defence)
Conduct independent research, analyse evidence and complete a thesis that makes an original contribution to management. Fulfil GlobalNxt University’s assessment, final defence and revision requirements.
Your Qualification and Documentation
Candidates receive:
- EMGS Approval to Study for ODL: issued following approval through the applicable international candidate registration process.
- Ph.D in Management from GlobalNxt University: awarded upon successful completion of all academic and graduation requirements.
The programme’s referenced accreditation status is MQA/PA17429, with ODL identified as its delivery mode.
Research Areas
Propose a research direction that reflects your experience, academic interests and the management challenges you want to address.
Suggested areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence in Business
- Digital Transformation
- Corporate Finance
- Banking Leadership
- International Business
- Healthcare Management
- Organisational Psychology
- Pharmaceutical Management
- Management Information Systems
- Business Analytics
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Marketing and Brand Management
- Human Resource Management
- Investment and Wealth Management
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
These are suggested research areas, not formal degree specialisations. Topic approval depends on academic review, candidate readiness and the availability of suitable supervision at GlobalNxt University.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification accepted by GlobalNxt University’s academic authorities.
- Direct entry from a Bachelor’s degree to the Ph.D is not available.
- Candidates already enrolled in a Master’s programme who achieved a Bachelor’s CGPA of 3.67 or above may request transfer to the doctoral programme, subject to demonstrating doctoral research capability and passing the University’s rigorous internal assessment.
English-language requirements
International applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously completed higher education in English must provide evidence of English-language proficiency.
Study Mode and Programme Overview
The Ph.D in Management places advanced management research at the centre of your studies from the outset. Completion depends on the quality of your thesis and fulfilment of GlobalNxt University’s academic requirements.
- Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Management
- Level: MQF Level 8
- Study mode: Open and Distance Learning (ODL)
- Awarding university: GlobalNxt University, Malaysia
- Accreditation status: MQA Provisional Accreditation
- Accreditation reference: MQA/PA17429
Three layers of institutional and programme assurance:
- Institution: GlobalNxt University — DU034(W).
- Programme: Ph.D in Management — MQA Provisional Accreditation, MQA/PA17429.
- Delivery mode: Open and Distance Learning (ODL), identified in the programme’s referenced MQA record.
Candidates enrol directly with GlobalNxt University, with additional research resources and partial financial support available from Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) under the applicable support policy.
SwissEdu⁺ and SIMI Swiss provide coordination and supplementary support within the scope approved by GlobalNxt University. Academic delivery, supervision, assessment and degree awards remain the responsibility of GlobalNxt University. Neither SwissEdu⁺ nor SIMI Swiss awards a qualification under this arrangement.
Ph.D in Management · MQA/PA17429
Accreditation & Recognition
GlobalNxt University
GlobalNxt University: Origins and Development
GlobalNxt University is a recognised university in Malaysia, operating within the national higher education system overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), with programme quality assurance through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
The University is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU). Its qualifications may be submitted for international credential assessment, including through WES and IQAS, subject to each organisation’s eligibility requirements and individual assessment.
With faculty and learners from different countries, GlobalNxt offers an international academic environment. Its participation in networks including ACU, ICDE and AAOU reflects its focus on academic collaboration, innovation and accessible higher education.
Guided by its motto, “Inspirati a Doctrina” — Inspired by Learning, GlobalNxt continues to develop flexible higher education with practical relevance in a connected world.
2001 — Founded 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 was an early initiative in international online higher education.
Universitas 21 brought together leading research universities, including the University of Melbourne, University of Nottingham, University of Virginia and National University of Singapore. This heritage helped shape U21Global’s international outlook and commitment to academic quality.
These historical connections do not mean that the named universities award or jointly accredit the current Ph.D.
2012 — Established as GlobalNxt University in Malaysia
In 2012, U21Global relocated and was re-established in Malaysia following an invitation from the Ministry of Higher Education, supporting the country’s ambition to become an international education hub.
This transition created GlobalNxt University as a licensed university within Malaysia’s higher education system.
Recognition by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education
GlobalNxt University holds university registration DU034(W) under Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), establishing its status as a university within the Malaysian higher education system.
MQA Programme Accreditation
GlobalNxt University’s Ph.D in Management holds Provisional Accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) under MQA/PA17429.
Provisional Accreditation evaluates a programme’s proposed curriculum and readiness for delivery. It is a formal stage in MQA’s quality assurance process and is distinct from Full Accreditation, which requires a subsequent assessment.
Recognition of ODL Delivery in Malaysia
When reviewing an online programme, it is important to check both its accreditation status and its specified delivery mode.
The referenced MQA record identifies GlobalNxt University’s Ph.D in Management, MQA/PA17429, as an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programme under Provisional Accreditation.
Listed in the World Higher Education Database
GlobalNxt University is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) in collaboration with UNESCO.
This provides an additional reference for checking the University’s institutional status. A WHED listing does not constitute automatic recognition of every qualification in every country.
Credential Assessment Through WES
GlobalNxt University qualifications may be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for credential assessment, subject to WES requirements.
An assessment may support further study, employment or immigration applications where accepted. Eligibility, assessment outcomes and acceptance are determined by WES and the relevant receiving organisation.
Credential Assessment Through IQAS
GlobalNxt University qualifications may be submitted to the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), subject to its applicable requirements.
IQAS is a credential assessment service operated by the Government of Alberta, Canada. It assesses eligible international qualifications against Canadian educational standards.
The outcome depends on the individual qualification, supporting documents, assessment purpose and rules in force when the application is made. An IQAS assessment may support employment, further study or immigration where accepted; it does not guarantee admission, employment or immigration approval.
Association of Commonwealth Universities — ACU
As an ACU member, GlobalNxt University connects with a network of Commonwealth universities supporting academic collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of higher education.
AACSB International
Participation in the AACSB network connects GlobalNxt University with an international community working to advance business and management education.
Membership is distinct from AACSB accreditation and does not establish accreditation of this Ph.D in Education.
European Foundation for Management Development — EFMD
EFMD membership connects GlobalNxt University with the international management education community, supporting dialogue on educational quality, leadership development and academic practice.
Membership should not be interpreted as programme accreditation.
International Council for Open and Distance Education — ICDE
Through ICDE membership, GlobalNxt University participates in a global community advancing open, flexible and distance education, wider access to learning and lifelong learning opportunities.
Asian Association of Open Universities — AAOU
Through AAOU, GlobalNxt University connects with open universities across Asia to exchange experience, strengthen distance education and expand access to learning.
Malaysian Higher Education Institutions Quality Assurance Network — MyQAN
Participation in MyQAN supports GlobalNxt University’s engagement with quality assurance practice, institutional improvement and peer exchange across Malaysian higher education.
Ph.D in Management · GlobalNxt University
Frequently Asked Questions
Make an Informed Choice
Who is this Ph.D in Management for?
The programme is designed for managers, executives, lecturers, consultants and professionals seeking to conduct advanced research in management, organisations and business.
You should have a clear area of interest and be ready to commit time to reading, developing arguments, analysing data and producing an independent research contribution.
Can I research a challenge within my own organisation?
Yes. You may propose a topic arising from professional practice, such as organisational behaviour, management effectiveness, workforce development, international business or organisational transformation.
Your topic must meet academic requirements, receive University approval and comply with research ethics, confidentiality and data-access requirements.
Is this an online programme or full-time study in Malaysia?
This page presents the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programme referenced under MQA/PA17429, which is compatible with the SwissEdu⁺ digital higher education model.
International candidates complete the applicable University and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS)registration process and, upon approval, receive an EMGS Approval to Study for ODL letter.
Distance learning allows you to pursue research from your place of residence and balance study with work and personal commitments, subject to University requirements and applicable local rules. The ODL approval letter is not a Malaysian Student Pass or residence permit.
Is GlobalNxt University recognised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education?
Yes. GlobalNxt University is a recognised higher education institution within Malaysia’s national higher education system, with university registration DU034(W).
Is the online delivery mode nationally recognised?
The Ph.D in Management holds MQA Provisional Accreditation under MQA/PA17429, with Open and Distance Learning (ODL) identified as its delivery mode in the referenced record.
Provisional Accreditation and Full Accreditation are separate stages. The PA reference should not be presented as Full Accreditation or as a guarantee of future accreditation outcomes.
What support will I receive?
Alongside GlobalNxt University’s own support, candidates benefit from additional academic and research resources coordinated by SIMI Swiss, with supplementary academic support within the SwissEdu⁺ model.
Support includes:
- Research direction: clarify your problem, research questions and intended contribution to management.
- Proposal development: strengthen your approach to literature reviews, theoretical foundations and proposal structure.
- Research methods: develop your understanding of methodological choices, data collection and analysis.
- Academic writing and English: improve management terminology, expression, argument structure and presentation.
- Learning resources: access supplementary materials, online support sessions and available recordings.
- Academic integrity: develop sound referencing practices and understand plagiarism risks and research ethics.
- Thesis defence preparation: build confidence in presenting your research, explaining findings and responding to academic questions.
Your GlobalNxt-approved supervisor remains responsible for formal research supervision. SIMI Swiss and SwissEdu⁺ provide supplementary resources; they do not replace the University’s supervision, assessment, approval or degree-awarding authority.
Candidates conduct their own research and remain responsible for their work. SIMI Swiss coordinates supplementary resources and applicable financial support but does not award a qualification under this arrangement.
What does “three layers of recognition” mean?
“Three layers of recognition” is SwissEdu⁺’s framework for reviewing the institution, programme and delivery mode. Each layer must be considered according to its actual status.
For GlobalNxt University’s Ph.D in Management:
- Institution: GlobalNxt University holds registration DU034(W).
- Programme: the Ph.D in Management holds MQA Provisional Accreditation — MQA/PA17429.
- Delivery mode: Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is identified in the referenced programme record.
Acceptance of the qualification elsewhere remains subject to the requirements of the receiving organisation or competent authority.
Important Information
Programme, qualification, accreditation and recognition information is based on the referenced institutional and regulatory records. Information may change following policy updates or decisions by the competent authorities.
The programme reference MQA/PA17429 denotes Provisional Accreditation. It should not be interpreted as Full Accreditation or a guarantee that Full Accreditation will be awarded. Candidates should confirm the latest programme status with GlobalNxt University and MQA before enrolling.
Recognition, comparability and equivalency depend on the requirements of the country, authority, educational institution or organisation where you intend to use the qualification. You should verify the relevant requirements, including any conditions relating to accreditation status and study mode, before enrolling.
Registration through EMGS and issuance of an EMGS Approval to Study for ODL letter confirm approval under the applicable Malaysian process; they do not establish automatic qualification recognition in another country or confer immigration or residence rights.
The programme may not be suitable for applicants who require a qualification for public-sector employment or roles subject to specific equivalency, study-mode, residency or professional licensing requirements.
SwissEdu⁺, SIMI Swiss, GlobalNxt University and associated parties do not guarantee qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration outcomes or professional licensing in any jurisdiction. These decisions rest with the relevant receiving authorities or organisations.
This information is provided to help you assess whether the programme fits your academic, research and career objectives.