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 Library and Information Sciences

Feb 24
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior information professionals, academic leaders, archivists, knowledge managers, digital curators, and researchers seeking to generate original and high-impact scholarship in information systems, knowledge organization, and digital information governance. Positioned at a level equal to EQF Level 8 and aligned with the third European cycle, the program emphasizes advanced theoretical inquiry, methodological rigor, and independent research addressing the evolving challenges of information societies.

With a duration of +18 months (minimum duration with flexible extension options), the program provides a rigorous yet flexible framework that enables candidates to conduct in-depth research while maintaining professional or institutional responsibilities.

The academic structure consists of seven modules, including:

Four research-focused modules dedicated to advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, information behavior studies, data analytics, bibliometrics, digital research tools, and doctoral-level academic writing and publication standards.
Two general modules addressing global information policy, digital transformation strategies, ethics in information governance, knowledge economy frameworks, leadership in knowledge institutions, and interdisciplinary research integration.
One specialized module in Library and Information Sciences, focusing on advanced metadata systems, digital libraries and repositories, archival theory and preservation, information retrieval systems, artificial intelligence in information management, data curation, records management, and emerging technologies in knowledge infrastructures.
Thesis and research activities forming the core academic component, enabling candidates to conduct original, independent research addressing contemporary issues such as digital preservation, open access systems, information equity, data governance, and the future of libraries in knowledge-driven societies.

This doctorate study program prepares candidates to contribute at the highest levels of academic scholarship, institutional leadership, policy development, and innovation in information environments. It develops the capacity to critically evaluate information ecosystems, design sustainable knowledge infrastructures, and influence the strategic direction of libraries, archives, and digital information systems worldwide.

Graduates are positioned to shape global information policy, lead digital transformation initiatives, contribute to international research networks, and advance theoretical and applied knowledge in library and information sciences.