Overview
Ducere Global Business School collaborates with universities to offer business degrees. These degrees are accredited through institutions such as Torrens University Australia and the University of East London. Ducere designs the course content and structure, while the partner universities officially confer the qualifications.
The courses include input from business leaders and focus on practical learning. Assessments are project-based, with students working on assignments tied to real business challenges instead of sitting exams.
Ducere delivers its programs online, targeting working professionals. Course materials blend theory with case studies and business projects. This approach aims to link academic study directly to workplace skills.
History
Ducere Global Business School was founded in 2012 by Mathew Jacobson, an entrepreneur with a background in law and arts. The institution operates as a social enterprise, funding the Ducere Foundation's educational initiatives across Africa. These programs include publishing, school development, and mentorship, impacting 27 African nations.
Regarding profit distribution, Ducere claims to allocate a portion of its profits to support the Ducere Foundation's activities in Africa. However, specific details about the percentage of profits allocated or the exact financial arrangements are not publicly disclosed.
The school has established partnerships with universities such as the University of East London, Torrens University Australia, and Rome Business School. These collaborations enable Ducere to offer accredited degrees that combine academic learning with practical industry insights. Ducere's programs are delivered online and aimed at working professionals.
Ducere's approach includes project-based assessments and input from global business leaders. The institution has offices in the United States, Australia, the UK, and Africa.
Questions Over Ducere's Role
Ducere Global Business School's role as an educational provider has sparked confusion and debate. Discussions on the Whirlpool forums, which spanned from 2015 to 2017, questioned Ducere’s legitimacy since it is neither a university nor a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Ducere relies on partnerships with accredited universities to deliver its degrees, which led some users to question how Ducere positions itself in the education sector.
Credit transfer issues were also noted, with some students reporting difficulties transferring Ducere-related credits to other institutions. Additionally, the University of Canberra discontinued certain programs involving Ducere content, raising further doubts about the consistency and recognition of its courses. These discontinuations added to the perception of uncertainty surrounding Ducere's offerings.
The nature of Ducere's staffing was another point of concern. Forum users noted a focus on marketing roles rather than academic positions, contributing to the perception that Ducere may be more of a business operation than a traditional educational institution. The ongoing debates reflect the confusing structure of Ducere and the lack of clarity in its positioning within higher education.
What Employees Have Said
Employee reviews of Ducere Global Business School on Glassdoor are mostly positive, with a 4.7-star average based on six reviews. The majority of these reviews come from current employees, praising flexibility, creativity, and a mission-driven culture. However, the small sample size and consistently positive tone raise questions about the objectivity of the feedback.
One former employee provided a more critical review. The complaints mentioned a lack of clear vision and inconsistency in direction. This review described the company's strategy as being influenced by the CEO's personal ideologies rather than market research. The same review noted a constantly changing work environment, which could impact operational stability.
Ducere’s partnerships with universities have also changed over time. In 2016, it partnered with the University of Canberra, University of Mauritius, University of Rwanda, and University of Zambia. As of 2024, Ducere lists Torrens University Australia, the University of East London, Rome Business School, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David as partners.
Low Rankings of Partner Unis
Ducere Global Business School's current degree programs are delivered through partnerships with several universities. However, these partner institutions generally hold low or unranked positions in global rankings, which raises questions about the credibility and recognition of the degrees offered.
University of East London (UEL) is ranked lower among UK universities. It appears in the 801-1000 range in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and holds a similar position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Discussions on platforms like FIND MBA Online note that this can affect the perceived value of the joint EMBA program.
Torrens University Australia is a private, for-profit institution. It is ranked 7,434th globally and 55th in Oceania by EduRank. While recognised for innovation in Australia, its international standing remains low.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) does not appear in major global rankings like the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education Rankings. Its absence from these lists contributes to uncertainty about the global recognition of its qualifications.
Rome Business School also holds a modest reputation, with its programs not being featured prominently in global rankings. While it offers specialised business programs, its international credibility is limited compared to more established institutions.
The relatively low or absent rankings of these partner universities may influence the perceived value and acceptance of degrees obtained through Ducere’s programs. Prospective students should consider these factors when evaluating the long-term credibility of their qualifications.
Absence of Reviews
Feedback on the student experience at Ducere Global Business School is limited. Due to its small size and its reliance on university partnerships to deliver degrees, Ducere’s programs are not typically evaluated as standalone offerings. This makes it difficult to find reviews from graduates.
Ducere does not appear as an independent entity in sources like Australian Graduate Surveys or similar national student satisfaction surveys. Any feedback on course experience is often attributed to the partner universities. This structure makes it challenging to assess the quality of Ducere's contributions separately from those of its partners.
The absence of substantial independent reviews leaves prospective students with little verified information about course quality, teaching effectiveness, or post-graduation outcomes.