info@stedvarn.ch
Chamerstrasse 172, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
Bring advanced educational leadership evidence together with new doctoral research and a defended thesis.
This advanced-standing route is designed for experienced education professionals who hold relevant advanced learning and can evidence sustained leadership, innovation or policy impact. 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 critical professional portfolio, research preparation where required, an original education research project, thesis and viva voce.
Follow the modules that make up this programme, from foundational theory through to independent research.
Diagnostic Mapping and Individual Completion Plan
Formal mapping of prior learning and identification of required gap learning.
Education Research, Ethics and Methods
Mandatory or gap-based preparation determined through academic review.
Critical Professional Portfolio
Verified evidence with a critical narrative, normally 10,000-15,000 words.
Research Proposal and Confirmation
A defended proposal establishing originality and feasibility.
Education Research Thesis
A thesis normally in the region of 30,000-40,000 words based on new research.
Viva Voce and Education Impact Plan
Oral defence, corrections and an evidence-to-practice plan.
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 supports experienced education leaders seeking to evidence, research and strengthen their professional practice through doctoral-level assessment. It does not confer teacher licensure, regulated professional status or automatic academic appointment.
Formalise advanced learning in education leadership or management through critical portfolio assessment.
Evidence sustained leadership, innovation or policy impact at doctoral level.
Combine a substantial evidence base with new, doctoral-level research.
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 education, education leadership, management or a closely related field
Normally at least seven years of relevant professional experience, including substantial leadership or specialist responsibility
A verifiable portfolio demonstrating advanced educational practice and learning
A feasible original research proposal and appropriate access to evidence or participants
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 education research outline plus an initial portfolio index identifying evidence, the applicant's contribution 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.