Doctor of Business Administration
To educate business executives in the concepts and techniques needed to understand a range of business disciplines and to conduct research on issues arising in professional business practice.
The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) was established by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987 to promote access to education and training across Commonwealth member states.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, COL is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to expanding learning opportunities through the development of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) resources and innovative education technologies.
📌 COL aims to ensure that all Commonwealth citizens, regardless of location or financial status, have access to quality education.
The Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) and Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA) programmes are designed for busy professionals, managers, and public service officers seeking to:
✔ Enhance their leadership and strategic management skills
✔ Develop a global outlook and international business perspective
✔ Advance their careers in business or public administration
This part-time programme uses a learner-centred system, enabling students to study while working. The courses are delivered through a flexible combination of in-class and online learning.
The programme provides comprehensive coverage of business and public administration through a modular curriculum, allowing for multiple exit points. Upon successful completion, students are awarded either:
✔ Commonwealth Executive MBA (CEMBA) – For careers in business management
✔ Commonwealth Executive MPA (CEMPA) – For careers in public administration
📌 This internationally recognised programme is supported by leading Commonwealth universities and institutions.
The language of instruction for the programme is English.
The CEMBA/CEMPA Programme is designed with flexibility to allow working professionals to balance their career, personal life, and academic studies. Students can customise their learning experience based on their schedules and learning preferences.
✔ Part-Time Study – The programme is structured to accommodate working professionals, enabling them to pursue a master’s degree while maintaining their careers.
✔ Blended Learning (Hybrid Mode) – The programme offers a combination of face-to-face classroom sessions, online lectures, self-paced learning, and collaborative group work.
✔ Self-Paced Study – Students have the option to set their own study pace and must complete the programme within a maximum of five (5) years.
✔ Weekend & Evening Classes – Classes are scheduled during evenings and weekends to suit working professionals.
✔ Online Learning Option – Some courses are available fully online, providing greater flexibility for students unable to attend on-campus sessions.
📌 Study Commitment: Students should expect to dedicate 10-15 hours per week for lectures, tutorials, assignments, and independent study.
📌 Examinations & Coursework: Assessment is conducted through written assignments, research projects, case studies, presentations, and online discussions.
📌 On-Demand Tutorials Available: Students can request one-on-one or group tutorials for additional academic support.
📌 International Learning Exposure: The programme incorporates global case studies and industry best practices to ensure students develop an international outlook.
✔ Networking & Industry Exposure – Students will engage in:
📌 Flexibility to Study at Your Own Pace! The programme structure allows students to complete courses in their own time, ensuring they maintain a balance between professional responsibilities and academic growth.
The CEMBA/CEMPA programme consists of core courses, specialist courses, electives, and a research project.
✔ C1 – Enterprise Information Systems and Digital Strategy
✔ C2 – Management in Organisations
✔ C3 – People and Talent Management
✔ C4 – Operations Management
✔ C5 – Economic Environment for Business
✔ C6 – New Public Management and Governance
✔ C7 – Data Analysis for Decision-Making
✔ C8 – Marketing Management
✔ C9 – Accounting Issues and Financial Management for Business Decisions
📌 CEMBA Stream (Business Administration Specialisation)
✔ SC3 – Strategic Management
✔ SC4 – Managing Quality
📌 CEMPA Stream (Public Administration Specialisation)
✔ SC1 – Public Policy
✔ SC2 – Development Planning and Administration
✔ E1 – E-Commerce and Business Strategies
✔ E2 – Project Management
✔ E5 – Managerial Economics
✔ E7 – Policy Analysis and Implementation
✔ E8 – Contemporary Administrative Systems
✔ E9 – Disaster Management
✔ E10 – Business Finance for Decision Making
✔ E13 – International Marketing
✔ E24 – Business Ethics
📌 Electives may vary based on demand and availability.
✔ R1 – Research Methods
✔ R2 – Final Project
📌 To qualify for the CEMBA or CEMPA degree, students must successfully complete all required courses.
The CEMBA/CEMPA programme is delivered through a combination of in-person and online learning, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for professionals.
📌 Each course runs for 12 weeks, with a mix of the following delivery methods:
✔ Lecturer-Led Sessions (Face-to-Face or Virtual)
✔ Student-Centred Tutorials & Peer Discussions
✔ Independent & Directed Learning
✔ Workshops & Business Simulations
✔ Capstone Project & Research Work
📌 Flexible & Interactive Learning! The programme ensures engaging learning experiences that align with industry demands and professional growth.
The Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) and Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA) programmes are designed for working professionals. Applicants can qualify through either the Academic Pathway or the Technical Pathway.
To be eligible for admission under the Academic Pathway, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✔ A recognised undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
✔ A minimum of two (2) years of post-qualification work experience in a relevant field
✔ Residency in a Commonwealth country where the programme is offered (Seychelles)
✔ Proficiency in English (must be able to follow lectures, write reports, and participate in discussions in English)
📌 Who is this for?
This pathway is suitable for degree holders who wish to enhance their management and leadership skills in business or public administration.
For applicants without a Bachelor’s degree, entry may be granted based on professional experience and prior academic qualifications.
✔ A Diploma (Seychelles NQF Level 5) OR an Advanced Diploma (Seychelles NQF Level 6)
✔ A minimum of six (6) years of post-qualification work experience
✔ At least one (1) year in a management or supervisory position
✔ Residency in a Commonwealth country where the programme is offered (Seychelles)
✔ Proficiency in English
📌 Who is this for?
This pathway is suitable for working professionals who have significant industry experience and wish to pursue a master’s degree without holding a traditional undergraduate qualification.
📌 Important Note:
Applicants under the Technical Pathway will be required to demonstrate their ability to undertake postgraduate-level study, which may include an interview or a written assessment.
📌 English Language Proficiency
As the programme is delivered in English, students must have a good command of spoken and written English.
📌 Work Experience Documentation
All applicants must provide proof of employment (e.g., employer reference letters, CV, or other supporting documents) verifying their years of experience and job responsibilities.
📌 Interview (if required)
The Admissions Committee may request an interview (in-person or online) for applicants who need to further clarify their qualifications, work experience, or language proficiency.
SCR 85,000 per year*
2 years = SCR 170,000
*Fees are subject to change
SCR 11,333.33 per modules
The University offers flexible payment plans and special tuition fees for self funding students.
Kindly contact us for more information regarding these fees.
To educate business executives in the concepts and techniques needed to understand a range of business disciplines and to conduct research on issues arising in professional business practice.
The programme offers students the opportunity to study both economics and finance. In so doing, it equips them with the knowledge and understanding of methods and concepts in both economics and finance and enables them apply both financial and economic reasoning. The programme ideally prepares students for graduate study in the subjects and for a future career in finance and economics.