Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Overview

If you are a middle or senior manager our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) course is designed so that you can study part-time while you work and carry out research project based on your professional practice settings.

On this course you will carry out advanced research into a key aspect of business administration, underpinned by a series of taught modules. The aim of the DBA is to produce independent researchers who can make an original contribution to knowledge in Business Administration.

QAA (2016), Status of the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in the UK states that “The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) sits on the highest level of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree Awarding Bodies (level 8 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and level 12 in Scotland).

The DBA is an award which meets the qualification descriptor for this level in full. All UK doctorates, regardless of their form, require the main focus of the candidate’s work to demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge in their subject, field or profession, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge or understanding.”

Course detail & modules

Course structure

Part One (years 1 and 2) consists of six modules that offer participants guided study in key areas of Entrepreneurship and Leadership, Professionalism in Social context and research methods. Each of the taught modules will result in a written assessment (Pass mark is 60%).

Part Two (Years 3 to year 5) – After passing ALL Part One modules, students will present a formal research proposal (which has been developing throughout Year 1 and Year 2 of your studies) to the Supervisors Panel. The Panel will make recommendation whether the students can proceed to the DBA Thesis stage. At DBA Thesis stage, students carry out an original and independent research under the supervision team of at least two members of staff and produce a DBA Thesis (45,000 to 50,000 words), to be submitted between the ends of year 4 and year 5, which will be assessed by Viva by a Panel of Examiners.

Taught Modules Delivery

Each taught module lasts for one academic semester. One of the six Part One modules will be available in each semester. Each taught module’s teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops (in a block of 3 days) and online support where the emphasis is on discussion. Most of the time, however, are for the students work on the assessed assignments which is research-based (at Level 8).

Entry requirements

You will normally need:

an IELTS score (International English Language Testing System) of minimum 6.5 (with no element under 6.0) for international applicants. Applicants with a previous degree obtained in the UK are exempt from this requirement.
a Master’s Degree with Merit or Distinction or equivalent in the relevant field of study.
a minimum of two years’ full-time work experience in supervisory/managerial roles that are relevant to the subject you wish to study.
to be currently employed in a professional capacity in a field related to Business Management.

You should be researching and developing professional practice in an area that falls within the Claude Littner Business School’s current research activities, to enable us to appoint suitable supervisors.

Along with your application, you will normally need:

a copy of your Master’s Degree transcript and Master’s dissertation
a copy of your CV
a research proposal (1,500 to 2,000 words)

For applicants successfully progressing from the initial stage of assessment based on the documents submitted, you will be invited to attend an interview.

Please ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements before submitting an application, and submit all required documents.

Compulsory modules

Year 1 & 2

Executive Leadership: Critical Reflection & Perspectives
Professionalism in Social Context
Methods of Professional Enquiry and Research
Strategic Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
Connecting Research and Practice
Evaluating Data in the Professions

Year 3 to Year 5

You will carry out an original piece of research and present your work as a 45,000 to 50,000 words thesis. You will work independently with the supervision of your principal and secondary supervisor.

Study & career progression

Studying for a doctorate will help you to develop research skills and evidence-based practice within your professional area.

A doctorate qualification can help you to develop your role in your current career, secure a promotion or facilitate a career change.

Completion of a professional doctorate will also allow you to progress into a postdoctoral research role.