info@stedvarn.ch
Chamerstrasse 172, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
Convert demonstrated advanced learning into a focused doctoral programme of portfolio analysis, original research and defence.
This advanced-standing route is for senior business professionals who already hold relevant learning at an advanced postgraduate or doctoral-preparatory level and can evidence a substantial body of strategic practice. Admission and the individual completion plan are determined through academic evaluation of the applicant's qualifications, professional portfolio and demonstrated learning. The published route includes a critically evaluated professional portfolio, an approved research project, a thesis and a viva voce.
Follow the modules that make up this programme, from foundational theory through to independent research.
Diagnostic Mapping and Individual Completion Plan
Formal evaluation of prior certificated and experiential learning; no automatic credit.
Doctoral Research, Ethics and Methods
Mandatory or gap-based preparation determined at admission.
Critical Professional Portfolio
Curated evidence with a critical narrative, normally 10,000-15,000 words.
Research Proposal and Confirmation
A defended proposal for new, original applied research.
Applied Research Thesis
A thesis normally in the region of 30,000-40,000 words, informed but not replaced by the portfolio.
Viva Voce and Practice Impact Plan
Oral defence, corrections and implementation/dissemination planning.
Assessment is developmental and cumulative. It may include critical essays, evidence reviews, research-methods work, reflective analysis, a proposal and confirmation review, progress reports, a thesis or approved doctoral project, and a viva voce. The final submission is examined against published doctoral criteria, with independent input in accordance with Stedvarn's academic regulations. Attendance or professional seniority alone is not sufficient for an award.
See where this programme can take your career next.
The route is intended for established professionals consolidating advanced practice through doctoral-level portfolio and research assessment. It is not an honorary award or an automatic conversion of an external diploma.
Convert a Level 8 or comparable qualification in strategic management or leadership into a defended doctoral outcome.
Formally evaluate sustained strategic impact through critically assessed portfolio evidence.
Consolidate advanced strategic practice through combined portfolio and thesis assessment.
To be considered for this programme, applicants should meet the following requirements.
An approved advanced qualification at a level comparable to UK Level 8 in strategic management, leadership or a closely related field
Normally at least seven years of relevant professional experience, including substantial strategic responsibility
A portfolio containing verifiable evidence of advanced learning and professional impact
A viable original research proposal and suitable organisational or sector access
Applicants whose prior education or professional work has not been conducted substantially in English should normally provide evidence equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, or another form of evidence accepted by Stedvarn. The Institute may require an interview, writing sample or additional language support. Acceptance of alternative evidence is an admissions decision and is not an external language-test equivalence.
Advanced standing is integral to this route but is never automatic. Prior qualifications and learning evidenced through professional practice are evaluated against the programme outcomes. The assessment determines eligibility and an individual completion plan. Stedvarn may require further portfolio, written, research, oral or gap-learning assessment and may decline advanced standing where evidence is insufficient, outdated, unverifiable or poorly matched.
What this programme costs, what is included, and how payment works.
Fees are charged according to the programme and period of study. Where a programme is completed within the initial study period, no further tuition fee is payable beyond the applicable programme fee.
Annual Tuition Fee
The annual tuition fee covers up to 12 months of registration, academic supervision, assessment and access to Stedvarn Institute's learning resources. Candidates requiring additional time beyond their initial study period may continue their registration subject to the applicable continuation or extension fee.
Any additional fees applicable to a student will be communicated in advance.
Stedvarn Institute may offer approved students the opportunity to pay their tuition fees in agreed instalments. Payment arrangements are confirmed before enrolment and may vary according to the programme, study route and individual circumstances.
Important Information
What happens between submitting your application and receiving a formal offer.
Complete the online application form and select the exact programme title.
Upload the required academic, identity and professional documents.
Submit a 1,000-1,500 word applied research outline plus an initial portfolio index showing the evidence available, the applicant's role and the learning claimed.
Attend an online admissions interview if invited.
Respond to any verification, RPL or proposal-development request.
If successful, review the written offer, individual study conditions, fee schedule and private-award disclosure before accepting.
Fees & Payment
CHF 25,000 / £22,000 annually — Professional Doctorate / DBA
See the full fee breakdown, inclusions and payment options above under Tuition Fees & Payment.
Answers to some of the most common questions about this programme.
Private award — read before applying: This programme leads to a private institutional award issued by Stedvarn Institute, an independent Swiss-based private institute. Stedvarn is not institutionally accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA), and the award is not a Swiss federally recognised higher education qualification. Recognition and title use vary by employer, institution and jurisdiction. Applicants must check suitability for their intended purpose before enrolling.
Join our community of scholars and pursue advanced private doctoral-level research within an internationally oriented academic environment. Applications are open year-round.