Doctorate in Global Studies
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
CHF 36,000
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
Program duration: 2 up to 4 academic years, part-time
Program format: Part-time, Online
Program language: English
Degree awarded: Doctor of Philosophy in Global Studies (Ph.D.)
Deadline: no deadline to apply
Location: Online
Starting dates: 6
Program Duration
Part-time students can earn a Doctorate in 2 to 4 academic years.
Kick-start Your Studies Up to 6 Times Per Year
Students can choose between multiple starting dates in the fall, winter, spring, and summer of each academic year. Our modular course design and program structure allow for optimal further education planning.
Because of the program's flexible structure and modular design, multiple starting dates are available throughout the academic year in October, November, January, February, April, or May.
Study Destinations
Students can transfer between campuses on a quarterly basis with guaranteed program compatibility. Our quarter-based academic calendar allows for a continuous study-abroad experience across Europe and Asia.
Postgraduate students can study abroad in 6 of our 9 global campus locations:
Our campuses are all located in the city center of several exciting destinations. Students are encouraged to transfer between campuses for one or more quarters but may also choose a single campus as their destination of choice. Students who prefer shorter periods abroad can join our seminar courses taught by visiting professors at several of our campuses throughout the academic year.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of the study program, students receive an international private Doctor of Philosophy in Global Studies (Ph.D.) awarded by the school's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the recommendation of the faculty of the local campuses where credits were earned.
Learn more about our Doctorate in Global Studies:
Curriculum
Teaching Schedule
Courses are scheduled across main and branch campuses from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 and 18:30, typically in sessions of 3 hours each and in an intensive seminar format with visiting professors. This provides students the flexibility to combine work and studies, while also fostering inter-campus exchanges and global networking.
Refer to the course planning for further details on the availability of seminar courses. Additional courses may be available online, and additional academic policies and conditions will apply.
Program Requirements
| Courses | European Credits (EC) | |
| PhD-specific courses @ ECLS | 3 | 15 |
| Courses from the Global Studies cluster | 3 | 15 |
| Courses from the Higher Education Cluster | 3 | 15 |
| Subtotal | 9 | 45 |
| Final Project | Dissertation in Global Studies | 15 |
| Total | 60 |
DBA courses
- ACA7001 - Applied Research Techniques (5)
- BUS7001 - Corporate Social Responsibility (5)
- BUS7002 - Global Business Development (5)
- BUS7102 - Advanced Cases in Global Business (5)
- COM7002 - Corporate Communication Strategies (5)
- ECO7001 - Advanced International Economics (5)
- HUM7001 - Advanced Organizational Behavior (5)
- HUM7003 - Global Leadership Styles (5)
- INF7001 - Management Information Systems (5)
- INT8801 - Postgraduate Dissertation Proposal (5)
- INT8802 - Postgraduate Dissertation (10)
- MAN7001 - Strategic Decision-making (5)
- QUA7001 - Quantitative Research Methods (5)
Ph.D. courses
- ACA7001 - Applied Research Techniques (5)
- CUL7001 - Applied Cultural Theories (5)
- HUM7002 - Advanced Psychology (5)
- INT8801 - Postgraduate Dissertation Proposal (5)
- INT8802 - Postgraduate Dissertation (10)
- MAN7105 - Advanced Cases in Global Management (5)
- QUA7001 - Quantitative Research Methods (5)
- SOC7001 - Advanced Sociology (5)
Higher Education courses
- ACA7002 - Global Perspectives on Teaching and Learning (5)
- ACA7003 - Higher Education Course Design and Preparation (5)
- ACA7004 - Higher Education Teaching and Evaluation (5)
- ACA7101 - Advanced Cases in Higher Education (5)
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
This program does not have any scholarship opportunities available.
Rankings
Accreditation & Global Recognition
UIBS/USLS has earned prestigious rankings in the 2025 global business education landscape:
- QS MBA Ranking 2025: Global Top 200 and European Top 60
- CEO Magazine Global MBA Ranking 2025: Tier One program
- CEO Magazine Global EMBA Ranking 2025: 31st worldwide
- CEO Magazine Global Online MBA Ranking 2025: 17th worldwide
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of the study program, students receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Studies degree awarded by the school's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the recommendation of the faculty of the local campuses where credits were earned.
Career Opportunities
Career Preparation and Job Placement
Our Careers Department supports students in planning their career paths by:
- Organizing several career seminars
- Offering the possibility of meeting with business professionals interested in recruiting
- Maintaining job and internship listings on our Careers Portal
Our study programs are designed to meet the demands of a broad range of business professions. Students are also assisted with finding attractive internships and jobs with both local and multinational companies and organizations. Additionally, we provide a review of our students' CVs and offer useful tips for job interviews.
Dedicated Career Services
With the help of our dedicated career services and online career center, students and alumni receive the career support they need to propel their professional careers forward.
Our dedicated career department organizes relevant career seminars and guest speaker events on a quarterly basis. Our online career center provides 24/7 access to the latest job offers, internship opportunities, as well as a wide range of videos and articles offering helpful tips and advice.
Professional Career Perspectives
Our professional study programs prepare students for a wide range of professions across various industries. It is important to note that our programs do not aim to provide access to regulated professions or government employment. While access to government employment may be limited due to the private nature of our degrees, several alumni have found positions with government authorities in various roles.
Facilities
Program delivery
Program duration
Part-time students can earn a Doctorate in 2 up to 4 academic years.