Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Entry requirements

If you are seeking to enter the DBA programme, you'll normally be expected to hold a Masters degree in the broad area of business or management, together with at least five years' relevant experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Are you looking to shape the way the world does business and find unique solutions to age-old problems? On the Henley DBA programme, you’ll develop advanced research capabilities and analytical thinking skills, learning how to apply them to real and complex business situations.

The prestigious status of the Henley DBA means students can further their careers and contribute towards growing competitive advantage, differentiating themselves in the marketplace. You will expand your professional network and form strong connections with your peers from different organisations, countries and backgrounds in a space that fosters new ways of thinking and diverse perspectives.

What is a DBA?

The Henley DBA is a part-time professional doctoral degree with an international scope and reputation. The programme is designed to enhance professional and research practice.

It enhances the capability to develop and apply knowledge and theory, with a strong emphasis on personal development in the context of rigorous and relevant research.

Delivered from our impressive campuses in Henley-on-Thames in the UK, and Johannesburg in South Africa, the DBA programme provides an energising and reflective environment away from the commotion of everyday life.

The DBA typically takes between 4 – 6 years to complete.

Aims

The Henley DBA will enable you to:

• Develop a sound understanding of the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of your chosen area of research into business and management.
• Have a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry.
• Create and interpret knowledge through original research. Enhance both your performance as a reflective practitioner and your professional practice.
• Develop personal competences to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level. Also, to contribute to theory and practice in business and management.

Who should consider a DBA?

Do you have a Master’s degree in the broad area of business and management, and at least five years’ relevant managerial experience? Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Then the DBA programme could be the right path for you.

A DBA from Henley will enhance your professional capability and credibility. The networks you develop will provide a firm foundation for further career development, or a major career move. Employers also benefit from supporting learners on the DBA by attracting, developing and retaining key talent and building knowledge for competitive advantage.

To thrive, DBA students need to be innately curious and ambitious, with the commitment and passion to make a real impact.

See some DBA student profiles here.

DBA and PhDs: Equal but different

The DBA has both rigour and relevance as it contributes to theory and practice in business and management. The DBA typically focuses on research ‘in’ organisations rather than research ‘on’ organisations and is often cross-disciplinary.