PhD by Portfolio

Turn Your Experience Into Academic Excellence.

Language: English

Duration

12 Months

Fees

CHF 6,900

Credit

240 ECTS

Mode

Online

Turn Your Experience Into Academic Excellence

The PhD by Portfolio can be completed within one year. The award enables candidates to gain academic recognition for pre-existing research, advanced research capabilities, and subject expertise that meets doctoral-level standards.

The programme is delivered entirely online, making it well suited to ambitious executives and professionals who are unable to take extended time away from their work commitments.

An PhD by Portfolio provides an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in today’s workforce and the confidence to advance career prospects. It enhances key business and research skills while supporting the achievement of both professional goals and personal aspirations.

This module focuses on advanced leadership theory, strategic thinking, and executive decision-making. Candidates critically examine leadership challenges within complex organisations and develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable growth and transformation.

In this module, candidates apply advanced analytical frameworks and research methodologies to solve complex organisational problems. Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation, innovation, and high-level decision-making in dynamic business environments.

The Capstone Project integrates and builds upon the work completed in Modules 1 and 2. Candidates develop an original, innovative initiative designed to transform or reinvent an aspect of their organisation. The project must demonstrate genuine disruption, driving meaningful change and creating measurable strategic value.

Learn From Experts

Industry professionals and global speakers

Practical & Engaging

Real-world exercises and interactive sessions

Global Network

Connect with peers and industry mentors

Recognized Certificate

Earn a certificate endorsed by ASBS

Fast-Track Doctoral Programme

Complete a flexible PhD by Portfolio within one year, designed for experienced professionals seeking recognised doctoral-level academic achievement and career advancement.

Fully Online Learning Experience

Study entirely online with modular delivery, enabling professionals to balance work commitments while engaging in real-world projects and portfolio-based academic assessments.

Practice-Oriented Curriculum

Structured around three research-driven modules, focusing on leadership, decision-making, and a capstone project delivering measurable organisational impact and innovation.

Executive-Level Entry Requirements

Designed for professionals with a Master’s degree and significant managerial experience, supported by academic credentials, English proficiency, and relevant professional documentation.

Expert Mentorship Support

Benefit from continuous guidance by experienced academic and business mentors, ensuring alignment between research, strategic leadership, and real-world organisational transformation.

Research Material Confidentiality

All research materials and information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Access to research data will be limited exclusively to the researcher involved, the assigned academic supervisor, and the Head of the Research Department of Alpine Swiss Business School.

All information will be securely stored and managed in accordance with Alpine Swiss Business School’s research governance policies and applicable legal requirements. Confidentiality of provided information remains subject to relevant legal and regulatory obligations.

The researcher’s name must be retained for academic and administrative purposes, including the accurate matching of research materials with student assessments and institutional records. Research data may be retained to support ongoing academic analysis related to the research topic.

Any publication or dissemination of sensitive or proprietary information will occur only with the explicit written consent of the author and the organisation involved. Where permission is not granted, the identity of the organisation will not be disclosed.

Research materials will be used solely for the purposes outlined in the approved research project and will not be shared with third parties. All data processing and storage will comply with the principles of the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP/DPA).

Frequently Asked Questions

A PhD by Portfolio recognises your existing research, professional experience, and expertise, allowing you to earn a doctoral degree through applied projects.

The programme can typically be completed within 12 months, with flexibility to extend if required.

Yes, the PhD by Portfolio is delivered entirely online, making it ideal for working professionals.

The programme carries 240 ECTS credits, aligned with European higher education standards.

It consists of three modules: Leadership and Strategic Management, Problem Solving and Decision Making, and a Capstone Project.

Applicants need a Master’s degree, professional experience, English proficiency, and supporting documents such as CV, references, and academic transcripts.

Yes, significant managerial or executive-level professional experience is expected.

Yes, each student is assigned an academic and business mentor for continuous guidance.

Yes, the programme is accredited and aligned with UK and Swiss academic standards, ensuring global recognition.

All research data is kept strictly confidential, securely stored, and only accessed by authorised academic personnel in compliance with legal regulations.

PhD by Portfolio Admission Requirements | ASBS

PhD by Portfolio

Advance your expertise and gain doctoral recognition through a flexible portfolio-based pathway designed for experienced professionals and senior leaders.

01

Master’s Degree

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree, or an equivalent postgraduate qualification, in a relevant subject area from a recognised institution.

02

Valid Passport or National ID

Submit a clear copy of a valid passport or national identification document as part of your application.

03

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language ability to undertake doctoral-level study and prepare an academic portfolio.

Accepted evidence may include:

IELTS 6.0 or above TOEFL 75 or above Two years of English-medium study
04

Up-to-Date CV or Résumé

Submit a current and detailed CV or résumé outlining your academic qualifications, employment history, professional responsibilities and career achievements.

05

Scanned Academic Documents

Provide clear scanned copies of your degrees, diplomas, official academic transcripts and any other relevant qualifications.

06

Reference Letters

Submit one or two professional or academic reference letters from an employer, senior manager, academic supervisor or other suitable referee who can support your application.

07

Executive or Managerial Experience

Applicants should demonstrate substantial professional, executive, managerial or leadership experience that is clearly aligned with the proposed doctoral focus.

08

Employer Approval, Where Required

Employer support or formal approval may be required where the proposed portfolio includes organisational projects, confidential information, workplace research or employer-owned material.

This requirement depends on your organisation’s internal policies and the nature of your portfolio.

Ready to Lead with Research Excellence?

Join a Swiss-quality doctoral journey and transform your experience into global academic impact.

Student Testimonials

Robert
    Robert

    Master in Financial Technology

    Doing the Master in FinTech with ASBS has been a valuable experience. The program provides practical knowledge, relevant insights, and a strong understanding of the evolving fintech industry.

    Jean
      Jean

      Master of Business Administration (MBA)

      I have now a broader understanding of international business and leadership. I have particularly valued the balance between academic learning, practical insight and a global perspective.

      Manuel
        Manuel

        PhD by Portfolio

        It's Amazing! I particularly appreciate how the subjects modules are designed. The flexibility of the programme has also made it possible to balance my research with my professional commitments. y tutor is very flexible and supportive.

        Erica
          Erica

          PhD by Portfolio

          My PhD by Portfolio journey at Alpine Swiss Business School has been rewarding and meaningful. It has allowed me to combine my professional experience and academic research in a structured and flexible way, while building on my achievements and taking my knowledge and professional contribution to the next level.

          Vanessa
            Vanessa

            Master of Business Administration (MBA)

            It has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot, challenged the way I think about business, and become more confident as a leader. I also really value the international perspective of the programme and the mix of UK academic standards with the Swiss approach to quality.

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