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In cooperation with the European Programme of UCN & Azteca Universities | The Official Branch Campus in Switzerland

In cooperation with UCN & Azteca Universities
Official & Exclusive Branch Campus in Switzerland

Programme Summary

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration International Relations Social Sciences Management Psychology Economics Health Sciences International Law Education Management Environmental Management

Recognition

Please find Clauses: §21, §2, §20 , §19 & §3

Degree Title

Please find Clauses: § 17

Affordable Tuition Fees

Please find Clause: § 22 & Fees section

Study Method

Online & Thesis-Based Programme

Duration and Graduation

One-Year Master, 2-3 Years for Doctorate

Available Intake

Apply today to start within 20 days

Transfer Credits

Yes, Available! Please find Clauses: § 10

Study Areas

Please find Clauses: § 5

The Study Language

English, French, German, Italian, Arabic & Spanish

Online study programme For Master and Doctoral Levels in Business Administration, Economics, Education, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, International Law, International Relations, Management, Psychology and Social Sciences.

Thesis Regulations
for

Dissertation Doctorates

International Degree-Programme

Dr. / PhD
By Thesis

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

2022

Doctorates by dissertation thesis in the professional study areas of
Management and Business Administration
Social and Economic Sciences
Education
Psychology
Health Sciences
International Relations and International Law

in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

International programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as a doctoral Degree-Programme
at

Institut Avrio de Genève

Branch Campus of UCN European Programmes

Introduction

In cooperation with and as Branch Campus of UCN University, the Institute offers PhD Degrees in several disciplines, which you find below.

This doctoral programme[1] is a research-based programme, by thesis, with a duration of two years (120 credits for admission at MPhil level) or three years (180 credits). You can enrol to write your doctoral thesis in the language you fluently speak if it is English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

This programme is provided by UCN University and Avrio institute so that the admission decision is jointly made, the course/thesis work is completely done at Avrio Institute as UCN branch campus, and the degree is awarded by the university only[2]..

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN

With main campus and satellite extensions in Nicaragua, is a fully autonomous recognised university enjoying the entitlements and degree awarding powers of an autonomous university and recognised body (recognised awarding institution). UCN was approved by CNU, the National Council of Universities, the accreditation body in charge of institutional authorisation of a new university prior to award of autonomy status by Act of Parliament; additionally UCN is subject to participation in the quality assurance programme in accordance with the Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education audited by the CNEA the National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation in Nicaragua. In 2011 UCN has been awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN can issue academic and professional qualifications, enjoys academic autonomy understood as follows: Teaching or academic autonomy implies that a university alone can appoint and dismiss teachers and academic staff, through the procedures and requirements of the laws themselves, select their students, by evidence and necessary conditions to develop and approve plans and programmes of study and research, etc. Autonomy gives also the power to issue certificates of study, graduate letters, certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and equivalency of studies conducted in other universities and higher education institutions, domestic or foreign; authorise professional practice except advocacy and notary, which by law is the responsibility of the Supreme Court. Universities will maintain and develop relationships with academic, scientific and cultural entities based inside or outside the country. Academic freedom is a fundamental principle of higher education in Nicaragua.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a recognised university listed in the IAU International Handbook of Universities (World Higher Education Database WHED, “AIU-UNESCO list”): WHED number IAU-017332. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a full member of the IAU International Association of Universities. Internationally, UCN offers stand alone and joint provision degree programmes with partners and awards degrees officially recognised due to Law 89 and Law 1088 in Nicaragua. The Campus and Deanship in Austria UCN European Programmes ZVR: 075634205 is an Austrian registered Non-Profit Organisation, approved and registered by Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency AQ Austria (§ 27 Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education).

UCN European Programmes does operate a direct Branch Campus extension of the university Universidad Central de Nicaragua via UCN European Programmes on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve.

Programme Aim

The research-based Doctor of Philosophy programme in the available disciplines has as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical and creative. The programme aims to provide opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

  • Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.
  • Develop the power of critical enquiry, logical thought, creative imagination, and independent judgment.
  • Expose the student to a range of prospective, which may be applicable to both the interests and work situations as appropriate.
  • Recognize the variety of sources of learning and an appropriate diversity of means for assessing achievement.

This programme intends to allow the individual student to develop their potential through a carefully selected curriculum of study, which includes elements of a variety of methods of study orientated around both the academic and vocational axis.

The primary objectives of the PhD programme are to:

  • Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic competence Achieve personal development and to develop critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their profession or discipline
  • Develop skills of initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts
  • Develop capability in the analysis and evaluation of complex issues and situations

The specific objectives of the program will vary according to the chosen named award and will include the:

  • Development of knowledge at an advanced level
  • Development of skills in analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation

Unite theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to the discipline.

Doctorate Programmes and Titles

  • PhD in Administration (Business Administration / Public Administration) (Management)
  • PhD in Psychology
  • PhD in Health Sciences
  • PhD in Education Management
  • PhD in International Relations
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in International Law
  • PhD in Environmental Management
  • PhD in Social Sciences

For Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, please click here.

Dual Award options:

Option1: Avrio Institute, please find clause §  24 Awarding Body

Option2: Azteca University, please find the Azteca University Study Programmes on the Avrio Institute website.

Option3: Azteca University and Avrio Institute.

Study Plan

Transfer credits – Elective coursesTest modeECTS
Transfer from MPhil doctoral programme/ level 8 EQFCredits Transfer60
Mandatory Science ModuleTest modeECTS
Research Project ProposalPresentation18
Thesis / Rigorosum ExaminationTest modeECTS
Thesis in the discipline specialisationWritten thesis presentation and defence102
WORKLOADTest modeECTS
ECTSDefence / Rigorosum180

Rationale

Each programme curriculum of UCN includes a rationale setting out the aims and objectives of the programme. UCN believes that there is a need for this particular postgraduate programme for advanced researchers in the areas of management and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences. The programme is designed for researchers in the respective area of science and for professional scholars addressing candidates at the global level since the current issues and challenges are neither local nor national rather than global.

The aims for the programme serve the purpose of enabling candidates to become scholars and researchers in the science subject chosen and shall professionially benefit students completing the programme.

The Doctor of Philosophy is offered in English study language internationally with the award Philosophiae Doctor en XXX.

It is available as a general research PhD without any particular emphasis and in a variety of specialisations.

PhD candidates may specialise in areas of mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences or other practical fields for the respective discipline.

The PhD by research provides an excellent opportunity for applicants who have some experience at advanced level in any before-said specialised field offered by UCN to gain a postgraduate doctoral qualification to enhance their career prospects. The PhD is a research doctorate.

Master’s degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits). The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits in total, plus a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications of at least 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits in total. UCN may also ask for significant experience in a scientific or professional supervisory position involving responsibility for research issues.

Entry Requirements at MPhil stage to thesis:

Graduate degree plus MBA, MA, MSc, MPhil or equivalent Master or Postgraduate Degree qualification or first cycle degree entitling the holder in the country of an award to enroll directly in doctoral research programmes at the MPhil level. (150 SUCA or 300 ECTS credits)

Individual requirements:

Individual admission evaluation and eligibility assessment are required.

After completion of coursework, examinations and written research the thesis (dissertation or comprehensive project report) is defended by the candidate before the panel of examiners.

The total workload of the PhD in corresponds with equivalence of three years of study or 90 SUCA (180 ECTS) credits.

Students must focus on a specialisation or interdisciplinary research. The study area must be offered by UCN as doctoral programme.

The Ph.D. curriculum consists of 90 SUCA or 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular fashion. Ph.D. candidates complete the required modules/courses (30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits) prior to admission and enter at the advanced Mphil level, plus a final Thesis/Dissertation (60 SUCA or 120 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field of science.

Modular and research Ph.D. programme workload:

30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer) plus 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis Taught curriculum: 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer).

Research Thesis for PhD: 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis.

PhD candidates may write their thesis in areas suitable to their employment contexts, such as mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences, finance, or other practical fields.

Duration:

3 full study years – advanced programme possible for candidates entering at thesis stage.

Content:

The level and range of skill, knowledge, and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Degree options:

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua MSc (intermediate degree) and PhD (terminal degree).

The Master of Science requires the completion of the taught curriculum (MPhil level), the Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion and successful defence of the thesis.

Programme modality:

Online PhD programme

Level:

Postgraduate / Doctorate / third cycle higher education level

Structure:

The programme requires a number of mandatory and elective modules, to the extent of one full study year.

The modules can be chosen by the candidate to the extent of 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits.

In a programme with a specialisation, there are mandatory units for each degree of choice required to complete the award.

The applied assessment of prior learning and the recognition of transfer credits policy will accept identical or similar courses from a postgraduate programme at the same qualification level and in a given specialisation, including transfer credits from recognised institutions of higher education.

The modular Master and Doctor of Philosophy have as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge, and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical, and creative. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The competencies may be in general executive Management without any specialisation or within a specific field of professional management expertise, Specialisation.

The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills, and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas, and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.

Develop the power of critical enquiry, logical thought, creative imagination, and independent judgment.

Provide a forum of study that allows each student to build on his or her past academic and vocational experience in a relevant and meaningful fashion.

Expose the student to a range of prospective, which may be applicable to both the interests and work situations as appropriate.

Recognize the variety of sources of learning and an appropriate diversity of means for assessing achievement.

The PhD is a terminal degree. The degree of PhD is a research doctorate in a professional research setting. The PhD requires coursework and research beyond the Master’s degree requiring a dissertation or journal publication that contributes to management practice. The portion of the programme, consisting of coursework and examination, is equivalent to that of an internationally comparable PhD. The part of the programme, consisting of independent research and the writing of a thesis, is geared towards more applied research in management issues, with the research making a direct contribution to science or practice. The PhD requires a significant thesis, dissertation or final comprehensive project including a formal defence and approval by nominated examiners or an officially sanctioned and qualified doctoral review committee. The PhD aims at the creation of new theory, notwithstanding aims at applying theory to business problems; thereby, the PhD programme has two purposes: (1) to contribute to both theory and practice in relation to business and management; and (2) to develop professional practice and to contribute to professional knowledge. The degree is conferred when all coursework, testing, and written research are completed and reviewed, and approved by the jurors of the examination commission.

The PhD will enable graduates to become independent, self-directed researchers with the tools and motivation to continue investigating, developing, and reflecting on practice throughout their careers.

This programme intends to allow the individual student to develop their potential through a carefully selected curriculum of study, which includes elements of a variety of methods of study orientated around both the academic and vocational axis.

The primary objectives of the PhD research programme are to:

  • Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic
  • Achieve personal development and develop a critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their organization.
  • Develop skills in initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts
  • Develop capability in the analysis and evaluation of complex issues and situations

Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):

Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:

  • have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
  • have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
  • have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
  • are capable of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
  • can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
  • can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

Terms

The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those attributes relevant to undertaking work or a vocation that involves the application of some aspects of advanced learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated professions. The latter may be identified with the profile/specification. The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for the gradation of abilities or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’ assessment.

The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to a field of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to accommodate the range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic, professional, and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative arts. It is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or related solely to a traditional ‘scientific method’.

Third Cycle Qualifications

CycleKnowledge and understanding:
3 (Doctorate)[includes] a systematic understanding of their field of study and mastery of the methods of research* associated with that field..
 Applying knowledge and understanding:
3 (Doctorate)[is demonstrated by the] ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research* with scholarly integrity ..
[is in the context of] a contribution that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work some of which merits national or international refereed publication ..
 Making judgements:
3 (Doctorate)[requires being] capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas..
 Communication
3 (Doctorate)with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general (dialogue) about their areas of expertise (broad scope)..
 Learning skills…
3 (Doctorate)expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement..

Core competencies for PhD candidates:

During their training, PhD candidates are expected to become independent researchers skilled in general or special field of their discipline (financial, project management, etc) policy/decision making and research. These types of skills provide doctoral graduates for an academic career and for the professional job market beyond the university programme.

The PhD aims to provide the following competencies as identified and categorised by Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon (The core competencies of PhDs, Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon, Studies in Higher Education Vol. 41 , Iss. 8,2016):

A- Knowledge and technical skills
B-Transferable competencies that can be formalized
B.1-Knowledge of the professional environment
B.2-Professional conduct
B.3-Communication skills
B.4-IT skills
B.5-Innovation management
B.6-Project Management
B.7-Languages
B.8-Commercial skills
B.9-Administrative management
C-Transferable competencies that cannot be formalized
C.1-Lateral thinking
C.2-Capacity for innovation
C.3-Cognitive abilities
C.4-Complex problems management
C.5-Ability to collaborate
C.6-Leadership
C.7-Ability to question oneself D-Dispositions
E-Behaviors
F-Meta-competencies

Graduates of the PhD programme will be able to:

  • Develop critical self-reflection and self-awareness to enhance personal and professional development at the senior management level.
  • Develop research skills for the senior level of management.
  • Determine and apply appropriate research methods to business management problems.
  • Develop skills, capabilities and understanding in managing and organising research project in line with professional and ethical principles.
  • Evaluate and synthesize scholarly literature to general research that will significantly contribute knowledge in the chosen sector.
  • Work as an independent researcher to contribute to knowledge through original and independent research.
  • Develop and demonstrate: Research skills and knowledge
  • Enable and demonstrate: Responsible conduct of science
  • Apply and demonstrate: Personal effectiveness
  • Enable and justify: Professional development
  • Enable, apply and demonstrate: Leadership and management
  • Enable and improve: Communication
  • Enable and support: General Management
  • Enable and investigate: Specialisation field
  • Development of knowledge at an advanced level
  • Development of skills of analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation
  • Unification of theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to business administration
  • Issues of organization management and the management of people.
  • To understand and apply the principles of strategic leadership in a business environment.
  • Review and apply the principles of business management within the industry
  • To understand and apply the principles of strategic management in a specific environment.
  • To improve the employability of learners in the business world.
  • Analyse problem-solving techniques specific to business and industry
  • elect, collate, review and analyse information from a wide range of sources
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Manage one’s own personal development and growth.
  • To enable learners to apply analytical and evaluative techniques to business in the private and public sectors.
  • To enhance analytical and evaluative skills relating to business across several industries.
  • To develop the learner’s ability to recognise and reflect on the process of personal learning and development, which facilitates the enhancement of key personal, sociable and other transferable skills.
  • To encourage the student’s self-reflection, analytical, intellectual and transferable skills.

The UCN online PhD programme will help to develop research qualities and competencies.

– Develop Critical Skills

A credible, online PhD programme motivates to execute more than just consume knowledge. Crossing the category of passive learning will help achieve greater levels of critical thinking that will hone skills. This will help implement the knowledge gained via new and thrilling ways in organization, career, and field of interest.

– Justify Providing Expertise

Holding an online PhD degree will help develop and upskill new procedures and approaches that will allow to lead people in a global society that is increasing. This will also result in gaining effective skills that are required to excel in career. Apart from this, this degree helps upskill your managerial skills in current role and enables to create an impact by sharing prowess outside the organization.

– Demonstrate Scholar-Practitioner

Whether it is a campus program or an online PhD programme, this degree will give the necessary knowledge and the confidence one will need not just to attend conferences and present. Candidates will be able to write a dissertation. They might also find working with peers on various experiments and publishing articles in leading journals from their field. It will help develop managerial qualities and enable professional performance and progress. This, in turn, does make a candidate not only a scholar but also a practitioner.

– Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Teaching and mentoring are two major ways a graduate in this particular field can develop leadership and managerial skills. Being a teacher or a mentor, one will have to find a way to motivate someone to attain their goal. Candiates will also gain experience when it comes to evaluating someone’s work and delivering critical and constructive remarks.

– Apply Research Skills

Even in the field out of academia, research skills are considered highly valuable. This programme will also help to hone own research skills as a trained researcher and develop own managerial qualities. One will be able to ascertain the best approach, discover relevant information and data, find a way to analyze it and comprehend the massive amount of data, and amalgamate the findings. One will even know how to defend the conclusions with the help of research.

– Enable Written Communication

Becoming a good writer takes practice. With a PhD in management degree, one will have years of experience writing papers, dissertations, abstracts for conferences, journals, etc. The feedback you receive for this will help to upskill communication skills, which are a bonus in managerial skills.

– Personal and Professional Development

Enable graduates to focus on Business and Management research. It focuses on students´ personal and professional development through reflective, supportive and sensitised approaches.

– Strategic Management and Leadership in Organisations

Prepare students for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment. Students will be able to conduct research that will help them define, create, and evaluate further strategic direction for the organisation’s effectiveness.

– Managing Project for Applied Research

Prepare candidates for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment.

– Advanced Research Techniques

Prepare students to understand different research philosophies, techniques and methods to prepare them to apply relevant research theories and methodology to their research project.

Research – Thesis

The research project provides an opportunity for candidates to apply the research skills gained during the curriculum. Candidates can use any philosophical assumption, research design, method and approach to integrating their professional practice to research theories. PhD thesis enables learners to identify issue relating to their professional context in any organisation regardless of sector, consider relevant literature, collect data, apply research techniques and analyse data to implement change to meet research objectives.

Wordcount limit for a PhD thesis is 60,000-100,000. The standard followed for the thesis will be identical to the referencing style of UCN or an accepted standard.

PhD by Thesis

The PhD by thesis is a research doctorate, requiring course-work beyond the Master´s level plus research and dissertation contributing to theory or practice in relation to the discipline as well as to the development of the professional practice by contributing to field-specific knowledge and hence impact practice beyond research.

PhD by Prior Output
Doctorate by Publication

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of doctorate by thesis, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

This is not a short cut to a PhD, however, offered to recognised busy researchers and full time professionals who have been publishing academic work or the equivalent. The PhD by Publication, Prior Output or Achievement is quite common among British Universities, having introduced this doctorate to academia.

The PhD by Prior Output aims to demonstrate that the work submitted is of high distinction, does constitute an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge or to both, and does establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned, and that the work put forward is already ‘published’.

The objective is not to review all of an applicant’s published output, but a selection that presents a substantial coherence and linked original contribution. The PhD by Prior Output should be as original and coherent as a conventional PhD degree. The work presented should be already ‘published’ work, open to critical academic peer scrutiny, including written publications in peer reviewed refereed journals and/or published under an academic or University Press, academic publisher, monographs from an academic press, official reports for organisations, portfolios of creative works, or alike. The submitted work presents an original contribution to knowledge and will include work that has been published recently. The submission should be conceived of as adding to a current debate. The publications should emphasise a common academic research area, with a reasonable core argument, and must be original, research-based, of doctoral thesis quality and embedded in an academic discourse.

Applicants can submit published work for examination only after a minimum period of six months from enrolment.

The doctoral degree of PhD by Prior Output is awarded by UCN after the successful presentation of prior output and a covering document of 10,000 to 15,000 words, and an examination. The covering document should contextualise the prior output, demonstrate that it constitutes a coherent entity, and underline the independent and original contribution to knowledge achieved.

Tuition fees vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree options.

Tuition fees are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.

Please check out the fees page

Refund policy

Course fees are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuition after admission are not enrolled.

The applicable degree regulations for Doctorates and postgraduate degree programmes of UCN apply.

Content

The level and range of skill, knowledge and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Duration and workload of a course

Successful completion of a course with a workload of 3 SUCA or 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part- time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the PhD programme is three years with a workload of 90 SUCA credits(180 ECTS).

1 ECTS credit = 0,5 SUCA créditos (credit hours)

60 ECTS credits = 30 SUCA créditos (credit hours) (1 full study year)

Study language

The international programme is conducted in English (German upon approval). English or German proficiency is required for the doctoral programme.

Exclusively at Avrio Institute, the UCN University accepted research in French, Italian and Arabic.

Student Support

The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN European Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.

Principles of Assessment

  • Students’ assessment activities must show evidence of assessment by tutors
  • Assessment must be rigorous, fair and free from bias
  • Candidates may only submit their own Copied plagiarised work be disqualified
  • Time-constrained assessments should be supervised under examination conditions
  • Computer Marked Assignments and/or Tutors Marked Assessment records and internal verification of these will be part of the UCN quality audit process
  • The assessments should cover all the learning programme outcomes
Assessment Criteria
  • The assessment criteria should cover all the learning outcomes for the module/programme that have been listed above. They should describe the quality of work the learners must produce.
  • The assessment strategy must clearly indicate the baseline achievement for the learner to pass the programme and the procedures for credits transfer and APL, acceptance of late work and re-sits/re-submissions.
Grading Criteria
  • UCN requires the use of grades in an accredited programme. Minimum grade for passing a course at postgraduate level with UCN is 80%.
Assessment Methods
  • Assessment methods reflect the level of the programme being offered. Assessment activities and assessor’s records include Computer Marked Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Commissional Examination.
Alternative / Special Arrangements for Assessment
  • Candidates with special needs may apply for alternative, special arrangements for assessment to UCN. UCN will as far as possible enable such alternative assessments.

UCN is an autonomous university, authorised by the CNU National Council of Universities and established by Act of Parliament and Presidential Decree in Nicaragua. As such UCN takes part and is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation by the CNEA National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation, established by law in Nicaragua.

International programme quality assurance is provided by CONIES, the Council on International Higher Education Supervision, a university membership quality certification and programme accreditation council based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA FOR PROGRAMME PROVISION

I – General Criteria
  • Rationale
  • Structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Content
  • Assessment
  • Internal verification / review and evaluation
  • Market needs
  • Target group of learners
  • Resources (general)
  • Tutor details
  • Examination materials
  • Self evaluation for accreditation
  • Internal auditor qualification
II- Provision Criteria
  • Provider
  • Collaborative Provision
  • Cross-border Higher Education
  • Trans-national Quality Assurance
  • Trans-national Academic Recognition
  • Trans-national Professional Recognition
  • Collaborative Trans-national Provision
  • Recruitment
  • Resources
  • Support
  • Outcomes
III- E-Learning Criteria
  • Quality of Education
  • Technical Quality
  • The catalogisation of multi-media applications
  • The quality of visual features
  • Learning and cognitive theories
  • The functionality of the application
IV- Criteria for Quality of Online Education
  • Online learning is appropriate to the institution’s mission and purposes
  • The institution’s plans for developing, sustaining, and, if appropriate, expanding online learning offerings are integrated into its regular planning and evaluation processes
  • Online learning is incorporated into the institution’s systems of governance and academic oversight
  • Curricula for the institution’s online learning offerings are coherent, cohesive, and comparable in academic rigor to programs offered in traditional instructional formats
  • The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its online learning offerings, including the extent to which the online learning goals are achieved, and uses the results of its evaluations to enhance the attainment of the goals
  • Faculty responsible for delivering the online learning curricula and evaluating the students’ success in achieving the online learning goals are appropriately qualified and effectively supported
  • The institution provides effective student and academic services to support students enrolled in online learning offerings
  • The institution assures the integrity of its online offerings
V- Online Education and Open Educational Resources OER Auto-Evaluation
  • Extent of actual use of online education and OER in the institution
  • Assessing vision of openness and strategy for open educational practices
  • Implementing and promoting Open Educational Practices

The application process is conducted in the following sequences:

  1. The prospective student asks for the application form for a given programme of
  2. Prospective student fills out the application form in word format and remits the scan of the application form with handwritten signature by email, including the following attachments (we accept only PDF for scans and JPG for the photo):
    1. Application form signed as scan (PDF, black/white) and personal data processing agreement
    2. Scans (PDF, b/w, legible!) of all relevant higher education credentials and qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates, with all transcripts). If those original credentials are not in English, Spanish or German, pls, provide an English translation.
    3. Curriculum vitae, highlighting the academic and professional background. (doc or PDF)
    4. Scan of the passport (or ID card) page with personal data and photo. (PDF in colour)
    5. Passport style facial photo of applicant (colour, JPG)
  3. NOTICE: Only complete applications will be considered for
  4. The University conducts an evaluation report and reserves the right to charge the applicant for this service.
  5. The University issues the evaluation report and in case of possible admission issues an invoice to the student for the tuition and fees of the given programme.
  6. Student accepts evaluation report and pays the full tuition and fees in order to
  7. Payment of tuition activates the enrolment of the given student. Once a student is enrolled and discontinues a programme, no tuition payment is refunded.

Examination Criteria

(Dublin Descriptors):

Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:

  • have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
  • have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
  • have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
  • are capable of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
  • can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
  • can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

Terms

The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those attributes relevant to undertaking work or a vocation that involves the application of some aspects of advanced learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated professions. The latter may be identified with the profile/specification. The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for the gradation of abilities or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’ assessment.

The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to a field of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to accommodate the range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic, professional, and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative arts. It is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or related solely to a traditional ‘scientific method’.

Third Cycle Qualifications

CycleKnowledge and understanding:
3 (Doctorate)[includes] a systematic understanding of their field of study and mastery of the methods of research* associated with that field..
 Applying knowledge and understanding:
3 (Doctorate)[is demonstrated by the] ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research* with scholarly integrity ..
[is in the context of] a contribution that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work some of which merits national or international refereed publication ..
 Making judgements:
3 (Doctorate)[requires being] capable of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas..
 Communication
3 (Doctorate)with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general (dialogue) about their areas of expertise (broad scope)..
 Learning skills…
3 (Doctorate)expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social or cultural advancement..

Thesis Grading Standards / Criteria

CRITERIA100908070Fail
Research: Purpose
30%
Purpose is clear; original ideasClear thesis; some independent thoughtRecognizable thesis but lacks of original, significant
purpose
Contains thesis but purpose is not always clearNo clear purpose; often does not correctly
respond to the assignment
Development
30%
Thesis is imaginatively, logically and precisely
developed; analysis guides development
Examples support the thesis in an orderly and logical
fashion; analysis predominates, but some descents into narrative
Adequate development; some evidence of analysis, but
narrative guides development
Some developmentNo development
Organization
15%
Well organized; not mechanical or imposedClearly, logically organized; transitions are sometimes
strained
Organized; predictable, mechanical sequenceSome evidence of organization; not clearly followedNo apparent principle of organization; no apparent
rationale for paragraphing

Source materials
10%
References to materials are appropriate and
significantly related to purpose
Most references to materials are appropriate and related
to thesis
References to materials are appropriate but not always
related to thesis
Few references to materials; references seldom related
to thesis
No references to materials or references are irrelevant
Sentence / Structure
5%
Sentences are varied in length and structureSentences are usually variedVery few errors in sentence structure; some variation in
length and structure
Errors in sentence structure; no variation in length and
structure
Frequent sentence structure errors; some indicate a
failure to understand the basic grammar of the sentence
Diction
5%
Concrete, specific words used correctly; diction is
distinctive and mature; no colloquialisms, clichés or trite expressions
Word choice is generally accurate; writer goes beyond
automatic word choices to more precise and effective choices
Word choice is generally correct; range of words is
limited, and in some cases the wording is abstract and imprecise
Vague, ordinary words; relies on clichés and jargonWords that should be within the range of college
students are misused or confused
Grammar/ Mechanics
5%
Virtually free from grammatical / mechanical errorsGenerally correct mechanically; some problems with
complex grammar and punctuation traps
Some errors in syntax, agreement, pronoun case and
reference, spelling and punctuation
Sentence fragments and run-on sentences, and basic
errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling and punctuation
Frequent misspellings, syntax errors, and other basic
errors make comprehension difficult

Additional Criteria for Assessment

Assessment Criteria4=Exceptional3=Strong2=Marginal1=UnacceptableN/AScore
PART I: Written Defence Draft
1. Mastery of fundamental knowledge in the fieldConsistently applies fundamental and advanced concepts to topics
in subject area.
Frequently applies fundamental and some advanced concepts to topics
in subject area.
Somewhat applies fundamental concepts to topics in subject area.Does not apply fundamental concepts to topics in subject area.  
2. Ability to access and integrate information into a
cohesive overview of current knowledge; ability to critically evaluate
the meaning, value, and contribution of published literature in the
field
Command and understanding of the current research literature in the
field.
Relates and understands the current research literature in the
field.
Aware of the research literature in the field.Knowledge is unrelated to the current research literature in the
field.
  
3. Imagination and originality of thoughtProblem/purpose of study very creative or original with new and
innovative ideas;
Explored original topic and discovered new
outcomes.
Problem/purpose of study original
or creative; Design/approach appropriate or innovative.
Problem/purpose of study moderately original or creative; Design/
approach moderately appropriate
or innovative.
Problem/purpose of study lacked creativity or not new; Duplication
of previous
work.
  
4. Ability to design and implement an appropriate
collection and analysis of data or ability to articulate a critical
response to dramatic or artistic theory, literature, design and
performance in one’s own work or that of another artist
Data interpretation is appropriate and creatively uses correct
methodology; identifies weaknesses in interpretation; Demon-strates a an
advanced ability to articulate a critical response to dramatic or
artistic theory, literature, design and performance in one’s own work or
that of another artist
Data interpretation is appropriate and uses many correct
methodology; identifies some weaknesses in interpretation Demonstrates a
an ability to articulate a critical response to dramatic or artistic
theory, literature, design and performance in one’s own work or that of
another artist
Data interpretation is appropriate and uses limited number of
correct methodology; identifies no weaknesses in interpretation
Demonstrates a an limited ability to articulate a critical response to
dramatic or artistic theory, literature, design and performance in one’s
own work or that of another artist
Data interpretation is inappropriate and/or uses incorrect
methodology; identifies no weaknesses in interpretation Demonstrates a
lack of ability to articulate a critical response to dramatic or
artistic theory, literature, design and performance in one’s own work or
that of another artist
  
5. Ability to draw reasoned conclusions from a body
of knowledge
Discussion was superior, accurate, and engaging;
Conclusions/summaries and recommendations appropriate and clearly based
on outcomes.
Discussion sufficient and with few errors; Greater foundation needed
from past work in area; Conclusions/summary based on outcomes and
appropriate, included some recommendations.
Major topics or concepts inaccurately described; Considerable
relevant discussion missing; Conclusions/summary not entirely supported
by findings/outcomes.
Little discussion of project findings/outcomes; Displayed poor grasp
of material; Conclusion/ summary not supported by findings/outcomes.
  
6. Impact of research on the fieldThesis or dissertation is very relevant or
has significant importance/ authenticity to field and
will make an important contribution to field.
Thesis or dissertation has fair relevance or
significance/authenticity to field and will make a good contribution to
field.
Thesis or dissertation only moderate relevance
or significance/authenticity to field and will make a nominal
contribution to field.
Thesis or dissertation has little relevance or
significance/authenticity to field and will make little contribution to
field.
  
PART II: Oral Defence
7. Oral
presentation and
defence of
thesis/dissertation
Masterfully defends
research by providing
clear and insightful
answers to questions;
Uses presentation
resources as
a guide, gives detailed
explanations, is easily
understandable, and
keeps appropriate eye
contact with the
audience.
Competently defends
research
by providing very
helpful answers
to questions; may
occasionally manifest
need for further
reflection on minor
points; Uses
presentation resources
as a guide, is easily
understandable, and
keeps eye contact with
the audience with the
audience.
Adequately defends
research; answers
questions, but often
with little insight;
frequently shows a need
for deeper reflection on
minor points; Relies too
much on
presentation and has
difficulty speaking freely
to the audience, and is
somewhat
comfortable with the
topic.
Does not adequately
defend research;
does not answer key
questions; frequently
shows a need for
deeper reflection on
vital points;
Reads the
material from
presentation to make
the report and is clearly
not comfortable with
the topic.
  

General Regulations

Professional Doctorate “Dr.”

PhD Research Doctorate “Philosophiae Doctor”

International University programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as doctoral Degree-Programme

§ 1 Objective – Qualification

  1. UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua (Managua, Nicaragua) – called “University“– conducts postgraduate and doctoral programmes for international students in distance learning mode.
  2. The examinations and defences of dissertations (theses) before the examining committee are conducted in compliance with the provisions of applicable Nicaraguan study laws and with the study and examination regulations of the university.
  3. The examination and defence of the thesis are to prove, on the basis of his/her independent study and research in the given field of study, that the Applicant has gained a deeper insight in the wider basis of the discipline and is capable of acquiring latest theoretical and practical knowledge, s/he is also capable of creative and independent application of the gained knowledge and experiences in practice.
  4. The examination and thesis defence are conducted in the subject field for which the admission has been approved by the University subject to the degree programme of the University in order to conduct examination and thesis defence.
  5. The doctoral study programme is available to graduates of Master and postgraduate studies.
  6. The distance learning study programme has asynchronous design aiming at the transfer and acquisition of knowledge at a high level of independent self-study and research. The opportunity of networking collaboration via the eLearning platform of the University provides practical integration for the participants of the programme, resulting in high-end theses.
  7. The research findings gained in this programme qualify the alumni as specialists in their given study area.

§ 2 Accreditation

All programmes and degrees offered by UCN are duly and legally registered with the CNU “Consejo Nacional de Universidades” (National Council of Universities) the national agency responsible for the authorisation of universities and registration and authentication of HE programmes, and degrees awarded by universities in Nicaragua. UCN as recognised autonomous university is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation system conducted by CNEA National Council on Evaluation and Accreditation according to Nicaraguan law.

The programmes provided at the Branch Campus on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve are under the direct supervision and responsibility of the Dean of European Programmes of the university as postgraduate Master and Doctor degree programmes offered by the university and the degrees awarded by the university in accordance with Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education.

UCN University degrees are officially recognised in Nicaragua by law and hence “official degrees”.

In 2011 UCN was awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is listed in the IAU-WHED International Handbook of Universities and an approved member of the International Association of Universities IAU

UCN is a member of ODAEE ORGANIZACIÓN DE LAS AMÉRICAS PARA LA EXCELENCIA EDUCATIVA.

For more details, please visit the Accreditation page

§ 3 UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

Nicaraguan higher education law is embedded in the principle of freedom of instruction, guaranteeing in Article 125 of the Nicaraguan Political Constitution full autonomy being implemented by Law no. 89 about the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (No. 89[3]). The law 89 determines in Articles 7 and 9 that the institutions of higher education can award academic degrees. UCN is a fully autonomous accredited university with the unrestricted right to award certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and to issue certificates of recognition and validation of studies on equivalent level, completed at other university or centres of higher education, domestic or abroad, entitled to recognise academic degrees, titles and diplomas awarded by foreign university, entitled to award professional rights, except for lawyers and notaries for whom, by law, the Supreme Court is in charge. Furthermore, UCN is entitled to establish relations with academic, scientific and cultural establishments located domestically or abroad. According to Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación 2006[4] the explicitly mentioned “Doctorates” constitute – literally quoted –the “nationally and internationally fully recognised academic degrees“ in Nicaragua.

The new law No. 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education regulates the official recognition of degrees by the Nicaraguan State as well as the form of awards of academic titles and degrees awarded by autonomous Universities authorised to award them and the creation of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees.

The Institutions of Higher Education authorised to award titles and academic degrees in compliance with the corresponding laws are the only institutions empowered to emit and award these titles and academic degrees.

The State only recognises the following as academic degrees:

1 . At the undergraduate and graduate level:

  1. Higher Technician (Associate level)
  2. Licenciado, Physician (Medic), Architect, Engineer
  3. At the postgraduate level:
    1. Specialist
    2. Master
    3. Doctor

The National Council of Universities CNU by approving the academic programmes or professional graduate degrees of the public, private and community universities has to determine the title and the level of the academic degree to be awarded.

Applicants must have a corresponding graduate degree in order to enroll in an academic postgraduate programme.

Students are entitled to be awarded the respective degree when meeing all requirements of the degree without requirement to attend a graduation ceremony.

All professionals can apply for the replacement of his degree to the awarding university or in case of dissolution of the university the National Council of Universities is in charge.

A National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees shall be created as a responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU for the purpose of inscription, consulting, verification and certification of titles and academic degrees, awarded by the universities empowered to award titles and who have been recognised and incoroporated in conformity with this given law.

The CNU is in charge of administration and maintainance of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees as well as for the approval of the technical norms regulating the management and the administrative, technical procedures and the security thereof.

All Register services are free of charge.

The universities empowered to award titles are obliged to enter in the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees the titles and academic degrees emitted and provide all information related to them, as required for the content.

It is the responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU as a public entity to issue the certification of the registers of titles and academic degrees awarded by the universities empowered to award them.

§ 4 Examining Committee

The University establishes an examining committee for the evaluation and examination of doctoral candidates (theses). Detailed provisions are given in §14.

§ 5 Study Areas

The study areas include:

  • Administration
    • Business Administration
    • Public Administration
  • Economic and Social Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • International Relations and International Law

§ 6 Master’s degree and Doctorate degree

The Master degree is the period of study and intermediate degree to the doctoral research programme.
The doctorates are differentiated as

  • Professional Doctorates with the academic degree “Doctor en…” abbreviated “Dr.”; and
  • Research Doctorates with the academic degree “Philosophiae Doctor en …”, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD” in English.

§ 7 Workload and Structure of the Study Programme

  1. The volume of the study programme is determined by the workload, given in creditos (in brackets: ECTS points).
  2. The Master degree requires a minimum workload of 30 SUCA or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) with an admission level of 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS points). The Master level comprises a total of 8 to 10 semesters and a workload of 120 to 150 SUCA creditos or 300 to 375 SATCA creditos (240 to 300 ECTS points).
  3. The professional doctorate requires as thesis doctorate a workload of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points), to be achieved in the event of Applicants with 150 SUCA creditos or 375 SATCA creditos (300 ECTS) on admission by thesis only; in the event of Applicants with 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS) on admission to be achieved by thesis of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 4 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the professional doctorate is 180 SUCA or 450 SATCA creditos (360 ECTS points).
  4. The research doctorate requires a workload of 90 SUCA creditos or 225 SATCA creditos (180 ECTS points), to be achieved by thesis of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 6 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the research doctorate is 240 SUCA creditos or 600 SATCA creditos (480 ECTS points).

§ 8 Admission

  1. Applicants can be admitted to the asynchronic distance education programme throughout the year.
  2. Admission Requirements:
    1. Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Professional Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 8 semesters with no less than 120 SUCA creditos (240 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (Master level)
    2. Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Research Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 10 semesters with no less than 150 SUCA creditos (300 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (MPhil level)
  3. The admission-commission of the university rules on the grounds of the formal requirements and the application per single case and upon request of the Applicant according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, as well as of the submitted research proposal for the thesis. The admission-commission can require an admission-test.
  4. Application procedure and admission: Applications for admission to the respective doctoral programme must be submitted with the required documents (application form, curriculum vitae, proof of degrees earned, and professional experiences gained, passport copy, passport photo). The admission-commission may require the submission of “original transcripts” directly from the awarding tertiary education institutions.
  5. Persons who have been admitted to the programme and who have paid the programme tuitions and fees, will be admitted by the study department of the university as international students

§ 9 Application

  1. The Applicant submits his/her application to the admission-commission.
  2. The application for the admission has to be submitted in a written form and the Applicant shall state in addition to his/her personal data the following:
    1. the subject field in which s/he has obtained a university degree,
    2. the subject field chosen for the thesis examination in line with these regulations,
    3. the topic of the thesis,
    4. the research project of the thesis.
  3. The Applicant can choose the subject field in which s/he has completed university study or a related subject field.
  4. The Applicant can suggest his/her own topic of the thesis.
  5. The application for the thesis examination has to include the following enclosures:
    1. the completely filled and signed application form,
    2. copy of the Diploma and Diploma Supplement (transcript),
    3. the graduate of a foreign university has to include the proof that the awarding institution is a recognised institution of higher education in the country of its origin, this requirement can be waived, however, if this fact is evident,
    4. Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant,
    5. copy of passport or identification document of the Applicant,
    6. passport photo in colour.
  6. The admission commission shall examine the application for the thesis examination and within 30 days from its delivery shall announce the decision to the Applicant in writing.
  7. In the event the application complies with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall, according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, confirm its acceptance in writing. The admission commission shall simultaneously notify the Applicant of the subjects which shall become part of the postgraduate specialisation as the wider basis of the discipline in the chosen subject field.
  8. In the event the application does not comply with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall ask the Applicant to complete the missing data before the stated deadline.

§ 10 Transfer Credits

Doctorate by Transfer Credits and degree validation is possible
  1. The evaluation of degrees and transfer-credits is subject to the provisions of UCN. In the international evaluation of credits UCN applies the full study year transfer-factors on the credits.
  2. Total autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua offers the doctoral programme according to Nicaraguan study law. In evaluating degrees and transfer-credits UCN applies the standards in compliance with Article 9 Paragraph 2 of the Law no. 89 on the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education[5].
  3. 3) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred by Applicants with 120 SUCA créditos (240 ECTS) on admission into the curriculum of the Professional Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation.
  4. 4) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred into the curriculum of the Research Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation..
  5. 5) Credits can be accepted from coursework taken with recognised institutions of higher education, recognised degree programmes, or programmes validated by the University, or from course-work taken with the University at the postgraduate level, according to a study plan matching the chosen specialisation.

§ 11 Doctorate by Publication

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of § 13 Paragraph 4, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

§ 12 Duration of Programme

  1. The thesis examination programme starts with the confirmed acceptance of the application form by the admission-commission of the University and is becoming effective upon the payment of the non-refundable study-tuitions by the Applicant with the receipt of the payment by the University.
  2. The thesis examination programme ends:
    1. by the act of granting and awarding the academic title by the university,
    2. by the decision of the examining committee that the Applicant did not meet the requirements including the retake options,
    3. by delivering the written request to the examining committee to terminate the thesis examination,
    4. by failing to complete thesis examination programme within the allowed retake options in compliance with the Letter b.

§ 13 Dissertation Thesis

  1. The range of themes for theses, their extent and particulars, as well as the requirements for theses are announced by the University based on the proposals examining committee for the thesis examination.
  2. A doctoral thesis is a monothematic work which brings about new findings, it is not a compilation of literature, as a rule it presents personal original research pursued by the Applicant.
  3. In general, the thesis is written in Spanish language. An Applicant of different nationality or a foreign Applicant shall ask the admission commission for a possibility to write the thesis in a foreign language. In case of available language capacity, the admission commission shall approve the request. A thesis written in a language other than Spanish, or English shall include a summary written in Spanish or English language in extent of up to 10 pages. According to available enrolments and tutoring capacities particularly the following study languages are approved: Spanish, English, German.
  4. The use of Master-theses or doctoral theses having already been used for the award of an academic degree is not allowed. The Applicant cannot submit as a rigorous thesis his/her diploma thesis or any other qualification thesis, neither the work of a compilation character. The University can accept a prior dissertation and doctorate only for the purpose of revalidation of the degree in order to award the equivalent degree.
  5. The Applicant submits to the examining committee the thesis. The thesis has to be written in text editor, printed and bound in hard cover. Upon request of the Applicant or order recommendation of the examination committee the submission of an electronic version is permitted. Two hardcopy editions of the thesis must be sent to the University.
  6. To evaluate a thesis the examining committee nominates at least one staff member possessing the “assistant professor” or “professor” title or the academic title PhD, Dr. or an equivalent degree at doctoral level. The evaluator/s are appointed by the examining committee.
  7. The evaluator first evaluates the methodological aspect of the thesis. In the event of the positive evaluation, the thesis shall be evaluated from a specialized, subject-specific perspective. Positive evaluations of the thesis are necessary preconditions for the invitation of the Applicant to the thesis defence and examination.
  8. The nominated evaluator shall submit to the examining committee within 60 days from the delivery of the thesis to the evaluator the evaluation of the thesis in which s/he shall state if the thesis does or does not meet the requirements determined by the examining committee and this given study plan. In the evaluation the evaluator shall also present comments on the content of the thesis and, in conclusion of the evaluation, state if s/he does or does not recommend the thesis for the oral defence, or if s/he recommends rewriting the thesis.
  9. In the event that the evaluator does not recommend the thesis for the defence, the Applicant can rewrite the thesis and resubmit it for evaluation on the next deadline for theses submission as determined by the examining committee. If s/he fails to submit the thesis on the given deadline s/he shall be excluded from the registration of Applicants for examinations and thesis defences. The Applicant can ask the examining committee in writing for the extension of the thesis submission deadline not more than twice.
  10. Within the six months from the thesis submission before the thesis examination the examining committee shall notify the Applicant in writing of the place, date and time of the online-examination and at the same time notify him/her the result of the evaluation of the thesis.
  11. Precondition of the invitation to the thesis defence and examination is the positive evaluator evaluation.

§ 14 Examining Committee

  1. The examination and thesis defence take place in front of the examining committee via video conference.
  2. The right to act as examiners is granted only to university teachers occupying the posts of professors or assistant professors or other experts possessing at least the academic title PhD, Dr. or comparable qualification at doctoral level, approved by the University.
  3. The committee is appointed by the University; the nominees are selected from the eligible staff members as stated in Paragraph 2.
  4. The committee consists of a chairman and a minimum of two other members. An external evaluator is appointed.
  5. As a general rule, the committee is appointed for a period until dismissal.

§ 15 Examination and Defence of Thesis

  1. The examination can take place only when a chairman and a minimum of two other members are present online. The procedure of the examination is delivered by means of electronic tele-communications media (video conference).
  2. The examination is generally conducted in the language of the thesis.
  3. The examination consists of two parts. It starts with the thesis presentation and defence and continues immediately by the oral examination by the examining committee. In defence of thesis the Applicant responds to the comments and answers the questions of the committee members.
  4. The committee members vote upon the result of the examination in the non public part of the session on the day of the doctoral examination. The examination result is expressed in words as “passed” or “failed”.
  5. The examination procedure is recorded in writing. All documents including the notation and the evaluation are kept in the Archive in compliance with the valid regulations.

§ 16 Retaking Examinations

  1. In the event the Applicant cannot take the online examination on the given date and gives a written apology for his/her absence within seven days thereafter, the examining committee shall provide on the basis of Applicant’s request and consultation with the committee chairman a substitute date for taking the examination.
  2. In the event the Applicant fails to appear in the stipulated time for the onlineexamination without giving a written apology within seven days thereafter, s/he shall be evaluated as if s/he had “failed” in the examination.
  3. In the event the Applicant failed in the defence of the thesis or in the oral examination, the examination can be repeated on the next date announced for the examinations; the examining committee shall determine the date of the repeated examination. The examining committee can permit two further repetitions of the examination.

§ 17 Academic Degree

  1. In compliance with the provisions of the Ley de Autonomía de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, applicable to UCN in Nicaragua, after passing the examination of the thesis the following academic degrees are conferred By UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua:
    • Professional Doctorate: Doctor en Administración de Empresas, abbreviated “Dr.” (English diploma: DBA Doctorate in Business Administration)
    • Research Doctorate: Philosophiae Doctor, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD.“
  2. The doctoral degree of the fully autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua, validating and offering the programme, is a fully recognised doctoral degree in the sense of Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación (Nicaragua) and Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education, and legally awarded in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (Nicaragua).

§ 18 Distance Learning Mode

Notification: The International Doctoral Programme – Double Degree Programme is a distance education programme only to be completed by means of electronic media of tele-communications and e-learning directly at the University in Nicaragua[6].

§ 19 Quality Assurance

  1. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN was founded in 1997 as a private, non-profit, and authorized by the National University Council in session CNU No. 10-98 of 18. November 1998 and approved by the Assembly of the Republic Decree No. 2822 according to the Constitution of Nicaragua and the Law No. 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a fully autonomous Nicaraguan university participating in the mandatory programme of auto-evaluation and quality assurance of National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation CNEA in Nicaragua. All professional titles and academic degrees are recognised by the professional associations and public services; UCN in 2010 is again among the best university in Central America and has been awarded by the Central American Coalition USA as “Exemplary Central American University 2010“ in the United States of America. UCN is internationally accredited by ASIC Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ENQA and CHEA listed), a UK government Home Office approved and recognised Accreditation Body: systems accreditation of UCN covers the range of educational establishments and courses as Premier University (2013-2017).
  2. Written Assignments will be checked with a plagiarism-analysis-programme for authenticity.
  3. Online-examinations are standardised “Computer-Marked-Assignments”.
  4. Written assignments and course-papers are “Tutor Marked Assignments”.
  5. Scientific articles and publications are subject to a “peer-review”.

§ 20 Degree Recognition

The professional and research doctorates subject to these thesis guidelines are validated and approved as distance-education programmes of postgraduate study by Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN, and, therefore, all academic degrees and titles awarded by UCN are fully recognised in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Nicaraguan Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education in the sense of Article 82 of the Nicaraguan General Law of Education in combination with Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education.

For more

§ 21 Graduation

The University will award the respective degrees, postgraduate certificates and diploma supplement to a graduate no later than 120 days. The graduation Package includes the following documents:

  • Degree diploma in Spanish and a second version in English for completion of postgraduate doctor programme according to Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Institutions of Higher Education in Nicaragua and the format defined by UCN for the official university degree awarded by the University;
  • Diploma Supplement or transcript.
  • Required: National Council of University CNU authentication and Foreign Ministry Apostille of the degree (Spanish version only)
  • Apostille of the Diploma Supplement or Transcript by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

§ 22 Tuitions

This program is not subject to the terms, conditions, policies, regulations, and rules of the institute, as well as tuition fees. The tuition and administrative fees you find on the “Fees” page do not include nor belong to this study programmme, unlike the optional fees of the Institute.

Please click here to find in details all fees

Refund policy

Tuitions are due with enrolment. Once the programme started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.

§ 23 Study Language

The programme is conducted in Spanish, English, German. French, Italian or Arabic Language, therefore proficiency is required for the PhD programme.

Regardless of the language of study, all official administrative correspondences are done exclusively in English, as well as documents issued by the institute. The English language is the official language adopted by the institute, as well as by the partner university.

Therefore, the candidate will submit, upon successful completion, the thesis summary in English (it can be written in the language of the thesis, and then translated by the candidate, or upon request by the institute).

For other Languages, please contact us.

§ 24 Awarding Body

All degrees are issued by the UCN University. However, Avrio Institute may issue second award upon the candidate request and if applicable and available at the Institute. Also, it’s possible to obtain a degree from Azteca University as a dual Award program with an additional fee.

Upon request and if applicable, Avrio Institute may issue;

UCN University PhD ProgrammeAvrio Institute
upon request, if applicable and available with an additional fee)
Business AdministrationD.Phil. in Business Administration or DBA
Education ManagementD.Phil./DBA in Educational Institutions Management
PsychologyD.Phil./DBA in Business Psychology
International LawD.Phil./DBA in International Business Law
International RelationsD.Phil./DBA in International Business Relations
Health SciencesDBA in Health & Social Care Management
Environmental ManagementD.Phil./DBA in Environmental Management
EconomicsD.Phil./DBA in Management, Economics & Commerce
ManagementD.Phil. in Management
Social SciencesDBA in Health & Social Care Management

§ 25 Policy, Terms & Conditions

The UCN University, UCN European Program, and Avrio Institute Policies, Terms & Conditions are applicable and must be followed and respected respectively.

In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the partner university must be followed and respected first, as they are legally responsible for admission, quality, and degrees issuance.

[1] If you do not have a master’s degree, you can enrol in the program that qualifies for a master’s and then a doctorate in three years. (Institute) [2] For Management and Business Administration, Avrio Institute may issue its own certificate upon request. (Institute) [3] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990, Kapitel II, Art. 7-9 (University) [4] Ley General de Educación, 382/2006, Art. 82 (University) [5] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990 (University) [6] Through Avrio Institute (Institute) [12] Ley No. 89 Ley de Autonomía de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, published in the Official Journal on April 20, 1990 (University) [13] Ley General de Educación, Ley 582 de 2006 (University) [14] Ley No. 704, law on creation of the national system for quality assurance of education and regulating the national council of evaluation and accreditation – Law No. 704 (University)

All information and details on this page about the program and/or universities are included verbatim from universities files. While the information related to the institute has been written by the administration of the institute.
Furthermore, this page has been reviewed and approved by the Deanship of the European Program

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Language

NOTE

Thesis-based programs are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. It is important to be aware that the site has undergone electronic translation primarily from English, occasionally from German or Spanish into English, and subsequently into other languages. Consequently, it is imperative to acknowledge that the non-English content may lack precision, and some information could be inaccurate. The translation serves promotional purposes, and complete reliance on it is not advisable.

Please note that the thesis writing is feasible in any of the aforementioned languages. However, all official documents and communications are exclusively handled in English. Should your proficiency in English be insufficient, you may, at your own discretion, seek assistance from a third party to facilitate communication with the institute.