Degree Pathways

Welcome to Dunster Business School Degree Pathways

Here we provide a structured academic understanding of pathways for students to achieve their educational and career goals by outlining a clear progression from foundational courses to advanced specialization. The pathways include undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, allowing you to seamlessly transition between academic levels while gaining relevant skills and knowledge.

Understanding different pathways for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, including regular, fast-track, and RPL-based options, will help you decide on the most important phase of your life.

Bachelor's Degree Options (Undergraduate Level)

A standard Bachelor’s degree requires 180 ECTS credits (3 years full-time). However, there are various alternative pathways like Regular, Fast-track, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Top-Up degree.

A. Regular Bachelor’s Degree (3-4 Years)

– Duration: 3 years (standard) or 4 years (honours, dual majors).

– ECTS: 180-240.

– Structure:

- Year 1: Foundation courses
- Year 2: Core courses
- Year 3: Advanced subjects.
  – Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent.
  – Best For: Students with no prior experience in the field.

B. Fast-Track Bachelor’s Degree (2 Years)

– Duration: 2 years instead of 3.

– ECTS: 180 (but delivered at a higher pace).

– How it works:

- Intensive study (no semester breaks, extra coursework per week).
- Blended learning (self-paced + live classes).
- Credit transfer from another institution.
– Best For: Students who can handle an accelerated learning pace.

C. Bachelor’s Degree with RPL (1-2 Years)

– Duration: 1 or 2 years instead of 3.

– ECTS: 180 (with up to 120 credits from RPL).

– How it works:

- 1-year program: Student gets 120 RPL credits, and completes the final year.
- 2-year program: Student gets 60 RPL credits, and completes two years.
– Best For: Experienced professionals with industry knowledge but no formal degree.

D. Top-Up Bachelor’s Degree (1 Year)

– Duration: 1 year.

– ECTS: 60 (only final-year courses).

– How it works:

- - Students must have a 2-year diploma (e.g., Associate Degree) or equivalent.
  - They complete the final year of a Bachelor’s degree.
    – Best For: People with previous education at the diploma level who want to get a full Bachelor’s degree.

Master’s Degree Options (Postgraduate Level)

A standard Master’s degree requires 90-120 ECTS credits (1-2 years full-time).

A. Regular Master’s Degree (1-2 Years)

– Duration: 1-2 years.

– ECTS: 90-120.

– Requirement: Bachelor’s degree.

– Best For: Students continuing academic studies or changing careers.

B. Accelerated Master’s (1 Year)

– Duration: 1 year instead of 2.

– ECTS: 90-120.

– How it works:

- Intensive coursework, no semester breaks.
- More modules per term.
- Shortened thesis/project timeline.
– Best For: Professionals who want a quick qualification.

C. Master’s with RPL (6-12 Months)

– Duration: 6-12 months.

– ECTS: 90-120 (with up to 60 ECTS from RPL).

– How it works:

- Previous work experience or prior learning assessed for exemptions.

– Best For: Experienced professionals without a formal Master’s degree.

D. Executive Master’s (1 Year)

– Duration: 1 year.

– ECTS: 60-90.

– How it works:

- - Designed for working professionals.
  - Includes business-focused modules.
    – Best For: Managers, executives, and mid-career professionals.

E. Integrated Bachelor + Master’s (4 Years)

– Duration: 4 years instead of 5 (3+2)

– ECTS: 240-300.

– How it works:

Directly combines Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

– Best For: High-achieving students who want to fast-track their Master’s.

Doctorate Options (Ph.D./DBA/Professional Doctorate)

A doctorate usually requires 3-5 years and 180-240 ECTS credits.

A. Regular Ph.D. (3-5 Years)

– Duration: 3-5 years..

– ECTS: 180-240.

– How it works:

Full-time research.
Requires original thesis/dissertation.

– Best For: Academics, researchers.

B. Professional Doctorate (DBA, EdD, etc.) (3 Years)

– Duration: 3 years (sometimes 2).

– ECTS: 180-240.

– How it works:

- Focuses on applied knowledge rather than theoretical research.
– Best For: Executives, industry professionals.

C. Accelerated Doctorate (2 Years)

– Duration: 2 years instead of 3-5.

– ECTS: 180-240.

– How it works:

- Intensive research.
- No semester breaks.
- Potential RPL for prior research/work experience.

– Best For: Professionals with strong industry experience.

D. Ph.D. with RPL (1-2 Years)

– Duration: 1-2 years instead of 3-5.

– ECTS: 180-240 (with up to 120 credits from RPL).

– How it works:

- - If the candidate has extensive publications, patents, or research, they may be awarded RPL credits.
  - Shortened thesis/dissertation requirement

– Best For: Senior professionals, and researchers with prior work.

Choosing a degree is a significant decision that shapes one’s career, personal growth, and future opportunities. Making an informed choice ensures that you align education with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Make an informed decision to take up further studies with the help of our Degree Pathways. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, an informed degree choice enhances job prospects, increases job satisfaction, and provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning and professional success.