Program Overview

DBA in Higher Education Management

The DBA in Higher Education Management programme includes a two-year taught programme phase delivered through a series of residentials, followed by a thesis phase. Most students complete the programme within six to eight years.

Taught Phase

The taught phase consists of four units, delivered over four eight-day residentials at the Bath campus.

• Residential 1 (eight days): 9-16 November 2026 inclusive
• Residential 2 (eight days): 14-21 June 2027 inclusive
• Residential 3 (eight days): 14-21 February 2028 inclusive (subject to change)
• Residential 4 (eight days): 2-9 October 2028 inclusive (subject to change)

The four units are:

1. Globalisation and higher education strategy: This unit focuses on global trends in higher education and the driving forces behind them. Topics include:

• the internationalisation of institutions
• global and national competition and ranking
• international organisations and their influence on higher education
• international higher education
• international partnerships

2. Higher education policy and management: This unit explores higher education policy and the impact it has for the management of higher education institutions. Topics include:

• public policy and policy analyses
• risk and regulation in higher education policy
• the changing policy landscape
• organisational responses to higher education policy
• case studies of higher education policy changes

3. Higher education and organisational change: This unit looks at how higher education institutions function as professional organisations. Topics include:

• how change occurs in higher education institutions
• the interests of internal and external stakeholders
• the university as a specific organisation
• leadership and people management in universities
• branding and marketing in higher education

4. Methods and methodology for higher education research: The aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of methods and methodologies for higher education research. Topics include:

• academic skills, like literature review and referencing
• the types of data used in social research and the methods for collecting that data
• data analysis methods and how to apply these to data sources
• research questions
• research ethics and ethical approval

Assignments and Progression

The taught phase is like a structured training programme. You'll be able to explore topics that interest you, and start to get ideas for your thesis.

• You'll complete four assignments. The final assignment is a research proposal for your thesis.
• Each assignment is designed to give you content-specific skills and other transferable skills.
• Completing all four assignments will give you the key building blocks you'll need to start your thesis.
• To be eligible for the thesis phase, you will need to complete and pass all four assignments.

Thesis Phase

• Your DBA thesis must relate to higher education management.
• You will work with two academic supervisors, who will review your progress every six months.
• Typically, students complete their thesis in four years. This flexibility allows you to do your thesis alongside work and other commitments.