UCC Doctoral Programmes

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | Doctor of Professional Practice (DPP)

Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and the Doctor of Professional Practice (DPP) programmes are aimed at professionals who want to make substantive contributions to their practice. Offered part‑time, they provide a supportive environment with frequent tutor and peer interaction. Graduates are expected to deliver transformational outcomes that benefit both society and industry.

Why UCC?

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) offers a vibrant community that supplies guidance throughout the programme. Diverse cohorts enrich learning through a 360‑degree reflective process, and UCC promotes research exchange within the University, the wider Caribbean, and the world.

Admission Requirements

A master’s degree, or bachelor's degree (1st class or Upper 2nd class Honours)
English language competency at postgraduate level
1–2‑page Personal Statement covering professional experience and standing
2–3‑page Research Proposal outlining the problem, aims, literature review, methodology, and timeline
Completed UCC DBA/DPP Application Form
Two references (one academic, one professional)
Official transcripts for all prior tertiary study (sent directly to UCC)
Copy of Passport or Birth Certificate (and Marriage Certificate if applicable)

Programme Length and Start Date

Flexible duration: three to seven years.
Next intake is scheduled for October 2025 (depending on subscription).

Structured Support Year Schedule

October to December – Reflective Practice
January to March – Systematic Review
April to June – Research Methods
July to September – Planning Research
End of September onward – Research Proposal

Programme Sequence

Support Year (Year 1)
Research Analysis Workshops (Year 2 – first three months)
Research Phase (Years 2 to 4)
Defence and Corrections (Year 5 – first three months)

Research Phase and Thesis

Each student is assigned two supervisors (one main, one appointed for expertise) and meets at least monthly. Annual reviews require a 5,000‑word progress report and verbal presentation. A thesis of 50,000–60,000 words is examined by two externals and one internal, followed by a viva voce.

Tuition

Total cost for the full DBA/DPP programme: US $30,000.

Accreditation and Award

UCC is registered and recognised by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) and holds Premier Status institutional accreditation from ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities). UCC is also registered by the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC) as a Teaching University. Degrees are awarded by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.