Doctoral Programs

Doctoral Program (Bologna-framework;  „3+2+3“)

(Tempus project with University of Vienna and University of Ljubljana, 2008)

The importance of the doctoral program within the Bologna – based educational system was first pointed out in the 2003 Berlin Communiqué. This field was further emphasized by the subsequent Bergen Communiqué from May 2005 which paved the road for further development of doctoral programs in EHEA in the form of a unique integration between the third level of higher education and research. In almost all EUA documents, doctoral education was defined as one of the major priorities for European universities. 

The need for a structured doctoral program, transparent assessment system and supervision was identified as one of the main objectives of further development in achieving synergic effects from the integration of EHEA (European Higher Education Area) and ERA (European Research Area). The standard  workload of the third – doctoral cycle was identified as 3-4 years full time.  Such a program was conceived to be the first phase of a young researcher’s career. 

The advantages of doctoral programs, as defined in the EHEA/EUA documents, are as follows:

  • Defining  a mission or vision shared by all partners that facilitates the process of turning doctoral candidates into excellent researchers;
  • Providing  a stimulating research environment and promoting cooperation across disciplines;
  • Providing  a clear administrative structure for doctoral programmes, candidates and supervisors, and offering a clear profile and status for doctoral candidates;
  • Bringing  junior and senior researchers together;
  • Supporting  the activities  of supervising candidates;
  • Organising  admissions with transparent rules and regulations;
  • Providing  teaching and transferable skills training;
  • Providing  enhanced career development opportunities, including advice on funding opportunities (scholarships, projects);
  • Implementing  quality assurance and monitoring; 
  • Enhancing the  opportunities for mobility, international collaboration and inter-institutional cooperation.

Duration of doctoral studies within the Bologna-model varies according to the mode of instruction that is applied. It is usually 3-4 years for full-time doctoral programs, while part-time programs take longer. 

Bologna-based doctoral program at the School of Economics and Business in Sarajevo (SEBS) has been developed within the Tempus Project organized with University of Vienna and University of Ljubljana.

The curriculum  comprises two separate programs:   

  1. PhD - Doctor of Philosophy Program (PhD) in two majors (areas of specialization): Economics and Management/Business. This is  an academic,   research oriented and full-time  program  that lasts three years and holds 180 ECTS credits.
  2. DBA – Doctor in Business Administration. DBA program or Executive Doctorate is a practice-oriented, part-time, doctoral program (professional doctorate). It covers applied business/business administration and lasts three years with 180 ECTS credits.