Making an application
Find out more about how to submit your application.
Doctorate in Business Administation (DBA)
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a professional doctoral degree focused on applying advanced research to real-world business problems.
The DBA is designed for experienced business professionals and managers who want to deepen their expertise, influence practice and drive change in organisations. The programme is cohort-based, with groups of up to 10 candidates supported and mentored throughout their research journey by an expert academic team.
While the programme includes some taught modules to strengthen your research skills, the Doctorate is ultimately awarded based on a portfolio of original research presented in a thesis.
Is the DBA right for me?
If you are a practicing manager the DBA could well be the ideal programme for you, as it will allow you to combine your professional experience with your studies.
Working at a pace that suits you, the DBA can support you in facilitating research-led impactful change inside your organisation.
Your final award is based on a portfolio of work, presented in a doctoral thesis. We will support you through taught elements and from the outset you will have a supervision team.
The DBA is located within our Research Centre for Resilient Business and Society and you will become a part of our community of postgraduate researchers.
The DBA process
Your DBA journey is divided into three key phases, each building on the last to shape your final research submission.
Phase one (12-24 months)
Creating the foundation for your DBA by establishing your research question, context, literature review and methodology.
Phase two (12-24 months)
Conducting your research through one or several practical focused projects.
Phase three (12-24 months)
Assembling the thesis and critical reflection on research findings, implementation and observation of 'change'.
Applications
To be considered for the DBA you must apply through the University’s research admissions process.
The application process asks you to outline the subject area likely to form the focus of your research thesis, showing how your experience, roles, and career goals support this choice. At this stage, you’ll also submit a proposal so we can match you with the most suitable academic experts.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your academic qualifications and professional experience, along with two references. You’ll also need to confirm funding for the fees and that a practitioner mentor has been selected.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview before a place on the programme is confirmed.
Testimonials
In the DBA programme, we are a vibrant community of passionate and talented individuals who continually inspire each other to excel and grow in our skills and character. It is a community with people to bounce ideas off, where you find partners to challenge and support one another in collaboration and in pursuit of greater heights. I am thankful to be part of this community and the DBA will always have a special place in my heart.
Michael Yap, Chairman
Being a DBA candidate provides an experience that has provided fulfilment in many more ways than I had ever contemplated. The opportunity to explore that one niggly problem in a specific area, in a way that is academically rigorous and defensible, is unique. The research process has provided me with a real appreciation of the extent and depth of study in my sector. Working with a magnificent team of supervisors, and with great peers, committing to this research to make a positive, tangible difference and develop my own skills along the way, is something I shall never regret.
Nicola Cardenas Blanco, Solicitor
Enquiries
For enquiries please contact Dr Mujahid Mohiuddin Babu, DBA Academic Director.
