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 Media, Communication and Influence Strategy (International Focus)

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The Doctorate in Media, Communication and Influence Strategy (International Focus) is a 100% research-based study program designed for professionals, researchers, and advanced learners who wish to explore the evolving relationship between media, strategic communication, public influence, and global information environments. This doctorate study program is intended for those who seek to investigate how communication shapes institutions, audiences, markets, and public perception in an increasingly interconnected world.

With its international focus, the program addresses the strategic role of media and communication across different cultural, political, business, and digital contexts. It examines how messages are designed, distributed, interpreted, and amplified, and how influence can be understood through research, analysis, and critical inquiry. Participants are encouraged to engage with contemporary issues such as media transformation, digital communication ecosystems, reputation management, public narratives, persuasion, audience behavior, and strategic influence in both traditional and emerging communication spaces.

This doctorate study program is academically positioned at a level equal to ISCED level 8 and EQF level 8, and it is comparable to the third cycle of European higher education. ISCED, or the International Standard Classification of Education, is an international framework used to classify and compare educational levels across countries. EQF, the European Qualifications Framework, is a reference system that supports the comparison of qualifications across Europe. At level 8, these frameworks represent the highest stage of academic learning, associated with advanced expertise, independent research capacity, critical evaluation, and the ability to contribute original knowledge to a specialized field.

The structure of the program reflects its strong research orientation. It includes 7 modules, consisting of 4 research-related modules, 2 general modules, and 1 specialization module focused on media, communication and influence strategy, followed by thesis development and broader research activities. This academic design supports the development of rigorous research competence while also enabling participants to investigate complex questions related to communication strategy, influence mechanisms, media systems, leadership narratives, public trust, and cross-border communication practices.

A major advantage of this doctorate study program is its flexibility. The minimum study duration is 18 months, while participants have the flexibility to extend their study period based on their professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and research needs. This makes the program suitable for experienced professionals, communication specialists, executives, consultants, academics, and other motivated learners who require a flexible but academically serious research pathway.

The field of media and communication has become central to leadership, governance, business strategy, education, diplomacy, and social transformation. Influence today is shaped not only by content, but also by timing, credibility, networks, platforms, framing, and audience engagement. For this reason, the program encourages participants to approach communication as a strategic and research-driven domain, where theoretical insight and analytical depth are essential for understanding how ideas and narratives move across societies and institutions.

Overall, the Doctorate in Media, Communication and Influence Strategy (International Focus) is designed for those who want to pursue advanced research at the highest academic level in a field of growing global importance. It provides a structured yet flexible opportunity to examine strategic communication and influence through serious academic inquiry, while contributing meaningful insights to an international and rapidly evolving area of study.