Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically need to demonstrate the following within their application and interview:

1. Be employed or self-employed, and be in a position to influence organisational, sectoral or national policy (or are working towards this); and
2. An Honours degree with a minimum of an upper second class from a recognised university; and
3. A MBA degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of a ‘merit’ profile from a recognised university; and
4. A minimum of 5 years’ experience of substantial responsibility and influence (e.g. at organisational, sectoral or national levels); and
5. Advanced skills in writing (through a 1,000 word (max) project proposal outlining the 'what, why and how' of a research project); and
6. Commitment to advanced continuing professional development.

Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence at IELTS Level 7.0.

Months of entry

February

Course content

Course overview

Our DBA is designed for high-performing professionals to stimulate organisational or inter/national development and contribute to wider debates in their field.

Innovative research solutions are now required to tackle the challenging circumstances facing contemporary organisations. Our DBA participants positively engage with these challenges as active members of our research community. Our aim is develop leading practitioner-researchers who inspire strategic change and contribute to wider debates in our areas of expertise.

We are now seeking strong applicants for our 2019/20 intake, who can develop and contribute high-impact research to our areas of expertise (see our expertise here).

Why study DBA with us?

Key benefits of researching with us:

• We use innovative and whole person approaches aligned to international benchmarks (e.g. Vitae, Economic and Social Research Council).
• You will join a growing researcher community with student satisfaction above national average (Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Research Experience Survey).
• You will network with researchers recognised as creating World Leading research (2014 Research Excellence Framework).
• You can fast track your doctoral journey by getting recognition for your previous Master’s-level achievements*.
• You will be able to target strategic workplace issues and challenges for organisational and even sectorial change and benefit.

How will I be taught?

Our DBA doctoral participants engage with a combination of activities in our pioneering Researcher Development Hub at our Queen’s Park Campus, plus high-level critical reflection, and sustained independent self-directed study. Our researchers will engage in group workshops, seminars, an annual research conference, and any relevant professional body activities.

How will I be assessed?

IS8004 Researcher and Research Development is assessed through a portfolio of written work (15,000-20,000 words), and IS8005 Research Project (Thesis) is assessed through an academic report plus an oral examination (45,000-55,000 words).

Fees and funding