Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

Program Overview

Doctorate in Business Administration

Overview

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a highly recognized doctoral level qualification that enables you to build your research credentials while advancing your professional practice in management. The program is designed for experienced professionals in senior and managerial roles who are keen to take the next step in their career development, to undertake impactful business research, and to add to the body of knowledge in their sector and profession.

Is a DBA the right choice for me?

The DBA is an executive doctoral research degree designed specifically for business professionals, managers, and practitioners. It combines academic rigor with an applied approach based on your own professional practice. The program attracts experienced professionals who are keen to take their skills and knowledge to the highest level.

Our research

The world of business is changing, and our research is changing with it. We aim to be at the forefront of the debate on how to build better business: the kind of business that works for everyone.

What you will study

The DBA program begins with two taught 'Theory for Practice' stages comprising five core modules, including a negotiated module requiring you to undertake an applied research project agreed with your DBA supervisor and the module leader. The taught stage forms a core part of your doctoral training.

• Introduction to research (20 credits)
• Designing research projects (40 credits)
• Developing the professional self (20 credits)
• Negotiated module (20 credits)
• Communicating your research (20 credits)

The 'Independent research stage' follows from the taught stage. This stage of your DBA program aligns closely with the doctoral progression milestones culminating in the final examination of your doctoral thesis via viva voice by the internal and external examiners.

• Practitioner project (420 credits) – PhD thesis of 50,000-60,000 words

How you will learn

Doctoral level study requires a great deal of independent study, equating to around 20 hours per week. The scheduled taught sessions occur in blocks throughout the first two years of the program, and you will engage in:

• Seminars
• Practical activity
• Supervision
• Tutorials
• Work-based learning

One-to-one tutorials, typically amounting to 10-15 hours per year, are arranged between you and your tutoring/supervision team. You can access your tutorials via online, phone, or face-to-face options.

How you are assessed

Assessments are designed to be broad, wide-ranging, flexible, and innovative. They facilitate your professional learning and allow you to produce work relevant to your own specialism. The assessments will review your:

• Ability to apply and evaluate skills
• Theory development and application skills
• Literature review skills
• Critical reasoning
• Analytical and research skills
• Problem-solving
• Use of self-reflection
• Demonstration of evidence-based practice
• Academic writing and language skills

You must pass all the Theory for Practice taught stage modules in order to transfer to the independent research stage. Assessment outputs include preparing a research progress review at the end of stage 2.

At the Independent Research stage, you are required to complete reports which act as progression milestones. The final assessment for the doctoral award is through examination of your major practitioner project and a viva voce.

Who will teach you

• Dr. Polina Baranova
• Dr. Elnerine Greeff
• Professor Carley Foster
• Dr. Amanda Lee

Careers

Students choose to complete doctoral research for many reasons: you could be keen to take your professional development to the next level; to pursue applied research which has a meaningful impact in your workplace; or to add to the body of specialist knowledge about a particular professional area.

Whatever your ambition, the DBA adds prestige to your CV. When you successfully complete this program, you will have achieved the highest academic qualification and will be allowed to use the title of Doctor.

Entry requirements

• Applicants should have a master's degree in a relevant field. A good first degree may be considered instead of a master's.
• Applicants should have at least three years of professional experience.
• Where English is not the first language, applicants may need to provide the minimum English qualification IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component).
• All applicants must be interviewed.
• Decisions about entry to the program are made on the basis of application, prior education attainment, interview, professional experience, and research proposal.

Fees and funding

• Year 1: £7,800
• Year 2: £7,800
• Year 3: £5,700
• Year 4: £5,700

If you continue your DBA studies after Year 4, you will pay Year 4 fees for each year you remain on the program.

Additional costs and optional extras

• Access to online university library resources

How to apply

• All applicants must include a research proposal with their application.
• All applicants must comply with English proficiency entry standards as outlined in the entry requirements.

Additional information about your studies

• Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9 am and 9 pm.
• Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrollment on to your course.