Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Design Management

Feb 25
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior professionals, researchers, and innovation leaders who aim to generate original contributions at the intersection of design, strategy, and organizational transformation. Positioned at a level equivalent to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the Third European Cycle, the program emphasizes independent scholarly inquiry, theoretical advancement, and high-impact research within the global design and management landscape.

With a minimum duration of 18 months and flexible study extension options, the program supports rigorous academic development while accommodating professional responsibilities. The structure includes seven modules, comprising four research-focused modules, two general academic modules, and one specialized module dedicated to Design Management, followed by comprehensive thesis and structured research activities.

The research modules develop advanced expertise in research design, innovation systems analysis, strategic foresight, academic publishing standards, and evidence-based leadership. Participants engage with complex methodological frameworks, interdisciplinary research models, data-driven innovation strategies, and contemporary debates in design-led organizational performance.

The specialized Design Management module deepens analytical engagement with design strategy, creative governance, innovation ecosystems, brand architecture, user experience systems, and sustainable competitive positioning. Emphasis is placed on producing original research that integrates design intelligence into corporate strategy, public sector transformation, and entrepreneurial development.

The general modules strengthen academic leadership, ethical research practice, advanced analytical reasoning, and scholarly communication skills. These competencies prepare participants to contribute to universities, research institutes, innovation hubs, consultancy environments, and policy-making institutions.

This doctorate study program is designed for individuals committed to advancing knowledge in Design Management, shaping innovation policy, and driving strategic transformation through research-informed creative leadership at the highest academic level.