Doctorate · Doctorate

Professional Doctorate (DProf)

The Professional Doctorate (D.Prof) awarded by Rushford Business School, Switzerland, is a practice-based doctoral qualification designed for accomplished entrepreneurs, business owners, senior executives, and industry leaders.

Quick Highlights
Rushford Business School, Switzerland
2–3 Years*
180 ECTS
Online
Practice-Based Research & Doctoral Portfolio
Entrepreneurs, CEOs & Senior Professionals
2–3 Years* Doctorate

Programme at a Glance

Degree AwardProfessional Doctorate (DProf)
Awarding InstitutionRushford Business School, Switzerland
Qualification TypePractice-Based Professional Doctorate
Duration2–3 Years*
Credits180 ECTS
Study ModeOnline
Awarded By · Rushford Business School Recognised & Accredited
Programme Overview

About this Programme

Some professionals spend their careers building businesses. Others transform industries. The Professional Doctorate offers an opportunity to research and document the knowledge developed through those achievements.

The Professional Doctorate (D.Prof) from Rushford Business School is designed for accomplished professionals seeking to connect their leadership experience with advanced practitioner research.

Unlike doctoral programmes primarily focused on academic theory, the DProf places professional practice at the centre of the learning experience.

Candidates investigate challenges arising from their own business or professional environment, critically evaluate their experiences, engage with relevant academic literature, and develop research-informed solutions.

The programme uses a doctoral portfolio approach, allowing candidates to bring together professional achievements, reflective analysis, practical research, and industry contributions in a structured academic format.

This approach makes the D.Prof particularly relevant to CEOs, entrepreneurs, senior directors, business owners, consultants, educators, and individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their industries.

Awarded by Rushford Business School, Switzerland, the qualification is intended to support the continuing professional and intellectual development of established leaders.

Campus at Rushford Business School
Rushford Business School
At Rushford Business School you will receive a first-class business education from world- leading, cutting edge academics that have different points of view. Th...
Why Choose

Why Choose This Programme?

01

Turn Your Experience into Doctoral-Level Research

Transform years of professional knowledge, strategic decisions, and industry achievements into structured academic research and a doctoral portfolio.

02

Designed for Established Leaders

Created for entrepreneurs, senior executives, CEOs, directors, and experienced professionals seeking advanced development without starting their careers over.

03

A Practice-Based Doctoral Approach

Explore real business challenges and develop research-informed solutions that contribute to your organisation, profession, or industry.

04

Flexible Online Learning

Pursue doctoral studies while continuing your professional responsibilities, with online learning and research resources.

05

Professional Experience Matters

The programme considers substantial managerial, entrepreneurial, and industry experience. Applicants without traditional academic qualifications may be assessed individually.

06

Swiss-Awarded Qualification

Earn a Professional Doctorate awarded by Rushford Business School, Switzerland, following the institution's doctoral assessment and approval requirements.

An internationally recognised pathway awarded by Rushford Business School .
What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

Students in a collaborative learning environment
Critically evaluate their professional journey, leadership decisions, and organisational achievements.
Apply practitioner research methodologies to complex business challenges.
Integrate professional experience with relevant academic theories and scholarly literature.
Identify opportunities for innovation, strategic improvement, and organisational development.
Develop evidence-based recommendations for industry-specific challenges.
Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, reflective practice, and research skills.
Communicate complex professional knowledge through structured academic writing.
Produce a doctoral portfolio that brings together research, professional expertise, and original contributions to practice.
Career Opportunities

Where This Degree Can Take You

Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director
Entrepreneur / Business Owner
Executive Director / Senior Management Leader
Business Strategy & Transformation Consultant
Industry Advisor / Subject-Matter Expert
Corporate Trainer / Leadership Mentor
Professional Researcher / Practitioner
Board-Level Executive / Strategic Advisor
Programme Structure

Your Journey, Year by Year

A structured curriculum that builds from foundations through to advanced study.
Personal and Professional Review
  • DPROF 300: Personal and Professional Review
Designing Practitioner Research
  • DPROF 301: Designing Practitioner Research
Negotiated Experiential Learning
  • DPROF 302: Negotiated Experiential Learning
Practitioner Enquiry at Doctoral Level
  • DPROF 303: Practitioner Enquiry at Doctoral Level
Practitioner Research Project
  • DPROF 304: Practitioner Research Project
Doctoral Portfolio & Thesis
  • Final Doctoral Assessment
Rushford Business School
The University

Rushford Business School

At Rushford Business School you will receive a first-class business education from world- leading, cutting edge academics that have different points of view. They will challenge your thinking as they show you the world of business from alternative perspectives.

Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs cover a wide range of business-related fields, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Rushford Business School operates in Switzerland as per the applicable regulatory framework for private education institutions and is approved by the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland.

Accreditation

Accreditation & Recognition

  • IACBE Educational Member IACBE Educational Member
  • EduQua Certified EduQua Certified
  • 5 Star QS Rating 5 Star QS Rating
  • ACBSP Member ACBSP Member
  • BGA Member BGA Member
  •  Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Your Learning Partner

Why Study Through Maverick?

Students receive:
01 — Built Around Executive Responsibilities
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
02 — No Need to Relocate
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
03 — Professional Achievements Form the Foundation
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
04 — Relevant to Real Business Challenges
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
05 — An Alternative Doctoral Approach
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.
06 — Support from Your UAE Learning Partner
Support designed to help you succeed at every stage.

Maverick Business Academy London supports professionals throughout their application and doctoral learning journey.

01

Dedicated Admissions Guidance

Personalised assistance in understanding programme eligibility, documentation, and admission requirements.

02

Professional Profile Review

Initial guidance on presenting relevant professional experience, leadership achievements, and career accomplishments.

03

Doctoral Research Guidance

Access to programme resources and guidance on research requirements, portfolio preparation, and academic expectations.

04

Flexible Payment Guidance

Information on applicable programme fees, scholarships, and payment arrangements.

05

Continuous Student Support

Communication, coordination, and assistance throughout the admission and study process.

Diverse Alumni

Join professionals across leading organizations worldwide

Graduates placing at world-class organisations across aviation, energy, finance and government

PEPSI
EGA
BWSC
F1
CocaCola
Emirates
Bridgeway
Dubai Police
DHL
ADNOC
Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Consil
etisalat
@
Landmark Group
Al Khaja Holding
Canadian Immigration Centers

Join our growing global network of industry leaders

Testimonials

What Our Students Say

Real experiences from working professionals and graduates across our global academic partner network.

“I’ve been studying at Maverick Business Academy London for about a month now, and honestly, it’s turning out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made this year. The classes are highly interactive and engaging, which makes learning practical and enjoyable. The faculty and student support team are also very responsive. Whenever I’ve had a question or needed guidance, they’ve been quick to assist. What I’ve also really appreciated is the environment created by the people in the program. The cohort is made up of working professionals, and everyone is supportive, respectful, and willing to share ideas and experiences which adds a lot of value to the learning. Overall, I’m very happy with my experience so far. If you’re considering Maverick Business Academy London, I highly recommend it.”

Christopher Kinene Christopher Kinene Global MBA (Triple Qualification) · University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Uganda

01 03

Insights From Industry Experts

Real-world perspectives from the minds shaping global business education

Prof. Alexander Schmidt
Germany
Faculty Insight • 01

Prof. Alexander Schmidt

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Germany

Alexander is a leader in AI and cloud integration, specializing in ethical AI strategy and financial services. He develops courses on Machine Learning, NLP, and AI ethics, driving tech business growth.

Prof. Dr. David Mark Holliman
British
Faculty Insight • 02

Prof. Dr. David Mark Holliman

Global Leadership Design Thinking, Counselling Psychology, Education, Management Curriculum Development British

Dr. David Holliman, an educator with 15+ years of experience, is Chairman of Holliman Holdings, managing business operations in tourism, trading, asset management, and education

Prof. Dr. Othman Abu Khurma
Jordan
Faculty Insight • 03

Prof. Dr. Othman Abu Khurma

Quality Assurance of Assessment Process & Practices (IQA) Jordan

Dr. Othman Abu Khurma, a passionate science educator with 18 years' experience in Jordan and the GCC, excels in designing engaging teaching materials, fostering dynamic discussions, enhancing learning for educators and students.

Prof. Steve Alban Tineo
Switzerland
Faculty Insight • 04

Prof. Steve Alban Tineo

Strategy Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Switzerland

Prof. Steve, a global leader and entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience, delivers corporate training and academic courses on negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation, and cross-cultural communication.

Prof. Veronika Knight
slovakia
Faculty Insight • 05

Prof. Veronika Knight

Human-Centered Soft Skills Trainer & Women’s Empowerment Ambassador slovakia

Veronika Knight delivers practical, human-centered learning experiences for corporate teams across the UAE and GCC. Her approach focuses on developing soft skills and encouraging meaningful behavioural change, helping learners apply their knowledge with confidence in the workplace.

Shyma Mohaisen
Canada
Faculty Insight • 06

Shyma Mohaisen

Corporate Trainer & Business Instructor Canada

Shyma brings over 10 years of teaching experience and a background at Microsoft, combining academic expertise with practical industry insights to support learners’ professional growth.

Prof. Dr. Shanmugan Joghee
India
Faculty Insight • 07

Prof. Dr. Shanmugan Joghee

Professor & Discipline Leader – Marketing India

Dr. Shanmugan brings over 26 years of experience in management education and research across India and the UAE, with expertise in marketing, international business, research methods, and digital transformation.

Prof. Yana Nikitina
Ukrainian
Faculty Insight • 08

Prof. Yana Nikitina

Economist, Educator & Researcher Ukrainian

Prof. Yana Nikitina is an accomplished economist, lecturer, and researcher with a PhD in Economics and a Master’s in Education Leadership. She brings extensive experience in teaching Economics, Finance, Accounting, and Business, with a strong commitment to student-centred learning, research excellence, and professional development.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Professional Doctorate (DProf)?

A Professional Doctorate is a doctoral-level qualification designed around advanced professional practice and applied research. It enables experienced professionals to investigate relevant challenges in their field and demonstrate research-informed contributions through a structured academic portfolio.

2. Who is eligible for the DProf programme?

The programme is intended for established entrepreneurs, business owners, senior executives, industry leaders, academicians, and professionals with substantial experience.

Rushford's published entry criteria generally include applicants aged 35 or above, entrepreneurs with an established business of at least five years, or senior executives with approximately ten years of senior management experience. Exceptional profiles may be reviewed individually.

3. Can I apply without a Master's degree?

Rushford Business School currently publishes a standard duration of 2–3 years. Applicants should confirm their individual study plan and any approved alternative arrangements before enrolment.

4. Is the DProf programme available online?

A DProf focuses on advanced professional practice, practitioner research, and the application of knowledge within a professional context.

A DBA generally emphasises applied research in business and management, while a PhD typically focuses on original scholarly research within a specific academic discipline.

All are doctoral-level qualifications, but their academic structures, awarding arrangements, recognition, and intended outcomes may differ.

5. What is a doctoral portfolio?

A doctoral portfolio is a structured academic submission combining professional reflection, research findings, evidence of professional practice, and contributions to knowledge.

For this programme, candidates complete an integrated thesis and supporting academic work in accordance with Rushford's assessment requirements.

6. What documents are required for admission?

Applicants generally need a completed application form, updated CV or professional profile, identification documents, photograph, evidence of professional achievements and experience, educational documents where available, and the required nomination or recommendation documents.

Additional documentation may be requested during the eligibility review.

7. Who awards the Professional Doctorate?

The qualification is awarded by Rushford Business School, Switzerland, subject to successful completion of the programme and the institution's assessment and approval requirements.

8. Does the programme include MOFA attestation?

Attestation requirements and available document services depend on the type of qualification, issuing institution, and relevant authorities. Our admissions team can explain the applicable documentation and attestation support arrangements.

9. Can I use the title "Dr." after completing the programme?

Use of doctoral titles depends on the qualification and the laws, professional regulations, employer policies, and recognition requirements of the relevant country. Candidates should verify these requirements before enrolment.

10. How do I apply?

Begin by submitting your enquiry and professional profile to Maverick Business Academy London.

Our admissions team will guide you through the initial eligibility review, required documentation, application process, and the awarding institution's admission requirements.

Enquire

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