Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Program Overview

Doctor of Business Administration

Overview

Our DBA is designed for high-performing professionals to stimulate organisational, national or international development and contribute to wider debates in their field.

Course Details

Level

Postgraduate

UCAS Code

N/A

Start date

Oct 2025, Oct 2026

Duration

4 years

Location

Online

UK fees

£5,006 per year (2025/26)

International fees

£9,566 per year (2025/26)

Course Structure

Year 1

• Our researchers initially engage with the IS8004 Researcher and Research Development module to build foundational but advanced expertise before undertaking the IS8005 Research Project (Thesis).
• In the first year, there will be 10 workshops (held via on-line live delivery on one Friday per month, approximating 40 hours).

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

• Teaching is through group workshops, seminars and an annual research conference
• There may be some online learning activities

Assessment

• Assessment is through a written work and an oral examination
• The DBA is assessed through a portfolio of written work (15,000-20,000 words), and a Research Project (Thesis) that involves an academic report plus an oral examination (45,000-55,000 words).

Entry Requirements

Home Students

• Be employed or self-employed, and be in a position to influence organisational, sectoral or national policy
• An Honours degree with a minimum of an upper second class from a recognised university
• A Master's degree in a relevant field and with a minimum of a ‘merit’ profile from a recognised university
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience of substantial responsibility and appropriate seniority to specify and implement significant change initiatives within your organisation or sector
• Relevance of your research proposal by ensuring that the proposed topic addresses a practice problem faced by managers and organisations, and that the results of the research have the potential to make a significant contribution by identifying relevant solutions
• Advanced skills in writing evidenced by a 1,000 word (max.) project proposal outlining the 'what, why and how' of a research project
• Commitment to advanced continuing professional development

International/EU Students

• Same as Home Students
• Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence at IELTS Level 7.0

Where You'll Study

Queen’s Park, Chester

• Home of Chester Business School
• A corporate learning hub with links to key employers and entrepreneurial opportunities
• Get supported with Careers and Employability, Student Support and Study Skills
• A dedicated business library offers printed books, journals and e-books, laptop loan and open access computers

Fees and Funding

Home Students

• £5,006 per year (2025/26)

International Students

• £9,566 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials
• Specialist clothing
• Travel to placements
• Optional field trips
• Software

Bursaries

• The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

• Our doctoral graduates typically advance their careers into roles which require high levels of expert knowledge and independent expertise, such as consultancy, organisational development, self-employment, executive coaching, senior roles in academe, and strategic leadership positions in business

Careers service

• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences
• Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.