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 Strategic Marketing and Brand Leadership (International Focus)

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The Doctorate in Strategic Marketing and Brand Leadership (International Focus) is a high-level, 100% research-based study program designed for experienced professionals, researchers, and advanced learners who aim to deepen their expertise in strategic marketing, brand development, market positioning, and international leadership. This doctorate study program is structured for individuals who want to explore how brands are built, managed, protected, and transformed in a rapidly changing global environment.

With a strong international focus, the program examines the role of strategic marketing in modern organizations, including how businesses create long-term value through brand identity, customer engagement, market intelligence, innovation, and competitive differentiation. It is particularly suitable for those who wish to investigate complex marketing challenges across global markets and contribute original thinking to the fields of branding, communication, and strategic growth.

This doctorate study program is academically positioned at a level equal to ISCED level 8 and EQF level 8, and is comparable to the third cycle of European higher education. ISCED stands for the International Standard Classification of Education, a global framework used to categorize education levels. EQF refers to the European Qualifications Framework, which helps compare qualifications across European systems. At level 8, both frameworks represent the highest stage of academic and professional learning, focused on advanced knowledge, independent research, critical analysis, and original contribution to a specialized field.

The program has been designed with a clear research orientation. It includes 7 modules, consisting of 4 research-related modules, 2 general modules, and 1 specialized module focused on strategic marketing and brand leadership, followed by thesis development and broader research activities. This structure allows learners to build strong academic research capabilities while also engaging deeply with the practical and strategic dimensions of branding, marketing leadership, consumer perception, international market dynamics, and sustainable brand value creation.

A key strength of this doctorate study program is its flexibility. The minimum duration is 18 months, while participants are given the opportunity to extend their study period according to their professional, academic, and personal circumstances. This makes the program suitable for busy executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, academics, and senior professionals who require a flexible research pathway without compromising academic depth.

The international orientation of the program also makes it highly relevant in today’s interconnected economy. Strategic marketing and brand leadership are no longer limited to advertising or product promotion; they now involve reputation management, digital transformation, cross-cultural communication, customer trust, and long-term brand sustainability. Through research, analysis, and scholarly exploration, participants are encouraged to examine these evolving themes and generate knowledge that can support both academic development and professional advancement.

Overall, the Doctorate in Strategic Marketing and Brand Leadership (International Focus) is intended for those who seek a rigorous and flexible research journey at the highest academic level. It offers an opportunity to engage seriously with strategic marketing theory and brand leadership practice while developing advanced research competence in an internationally relevant field.