Program Overview

DBA - Doctor of Business Administration

Our Doctorate level programme has been designed for senior executives and professionals with a track record in management seeking to develop their insight and expertise. This programme is equivalent in stature to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and provides learners with greater opportunities to undertake applied research that also contributes to the development of related theories and concepts.

Course Overview

Choose your own independent research area in business, management and/or leadership which will enable you to strengthen and sustain your organisation and those who work in it, and to enhance engagement with other key stakeholders. Develop your current knowledge of and skills in critical thinking, strategy-development and problem-solving and become part of a peer community of senior leaders sharing experience, gaining insight, and learning new business ideas, models, strategies and approaches ready to take back and action in the workplace.

On this course you will...

• Design and implement a research project that explores a specific management, leadership, and/or collaboration question
• Critically assess, select, and implement applied research methodologies and methods within complex organisational, leadership, collaboration contexts or more specific professional settings
• Synthesise, interpret, and rigorously apply relevant theoretical frameworks and research findings in relation to complex business, management and leadership contexts and issues
• Develop high-level analytical and conceptual skills, facilitating questioning and critical debate about established theoretical orthodoxy and challenges to such orthodoxy
• Engage in and manage a process of high level critical reflective personal and professional development leading to the enhancement of your own professional practice within an organisational context or a specific domain

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Ambleside
• Institute: Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
• Delivery Style: Blended Learning
• Course Duration: Part-time: 4-5 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: DBA

Minimum entry requirements

• A 1st or 2:1 honours bachelors degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas.
• Candidates may also have a masters degree.
• By exception, applicants will be considered with additional evidence of substantial relevant professional experience instead of relevant academic qualifications.

Tuition fees

• £5,650 - UK (per year)
• £11,010 - International (per year)

Course Structure

What you will learn

Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is based on a sustained, self-directed applied research project, supported by a collegial team of academic advisors, and reviewed and evaluated via seminars, workshops, and taught modules (encompassing formative and summative assessment), submission of a thesis and an oral defence.

Modules

• Understanding Dynamic Business Contexts
• Critical Thinking for Leadership & Collaboration
• Developing an Applied Research Strategy
• Advanced Research Methods
• DBA Proposal and Plan
• DBA Thesis

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Each module of the DBA programme offers flexible, blended delivery that maximises the benefits of face-to-face learning, digital support, online group seminars and tailored individual tutorials.

How you will be assessed

Each of the first four DBA modules in Years 1-2 are assessed via 5,000 word assignments. The DBA Proposal and Plan is a 10,000 word submission and presentation in the second half of Year 2 that draws together the theory and practice from the programme to date and provides a framework and basis for the DBA Thesis module that follows in Years 3-5.

Language requirements

For candidates whose first language is not English, they should provide evidence that either they possess an overall IELTS score of at least 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the 4 elements (or an equivalent English language qualification recognised by the University) or evidence that their Master’s degree was conducted in English.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £5,650 - UK (per year)
• £11,010 - International (per year)

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses.

Course Costs Per Year

• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.
• Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.
• Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.