Program Overview
Introduction to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctorate designed for senior managers and leaders in all sectors, private, public, and not-for-profit. The DBA program at Swansea University is a part-time program that combines taught modules with a research thesis.
1. Introduction
The DBA program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake applied research, using established and innovative theory to address practical issues in their organizations. Students will develop and enrich practice in their field as well as contribute to the theoretical understanding of their work.
2. Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the DBA program, students must hold a first-degree award from a UK university or an equivalent qualification recognized by Swansea University. Typically, students will have a master's degree or be studying towards one, from a UK university or an equivalent institution. Students are also expected to have at least five years of experience in a senior management position.
3. Program Structure
The DBA program is based on six modules over three years, which is a combination of lectures, guest speaker sessions, and workshop discussions. The research element of the program involves the preparation of a research thesis under the guidance of a supervisory team.
4. Duration of Study
The part-time DBA program has a minimum duration of 4 years and a maximum duration of 7 years.
5. Submission of Thesis
Students must submit their research thesis by the final submission date as specified in the University's Regulations for Research Degree Students.
6. Interruptions and Extensions to Study
Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be required to interrupt their studies for academic, disciplinary, financial, or health reasons. Any request for an interruption or extension of study must be made in accordance with the University's Regulations for Research Degree Students.
7. Supervision
Each student will be assigned a supervisory team, which will include at least two internal supervisors. The supervisory team will be responsible for guiding the student through their research.
8. Monitoring Progress
The student's progress will be monitored regularly by the Faculty/School's Progress Monitoring Board. The Board will review the student's progress and make recommendations for continuation or termination of studies.
9. Assessment of Degree
The assessment of the DBA degree will be in four parts:
- The first part will consist of assessments of a advanced nature in specified fields of study.
- The second part will be in the form of a research thesis.
- The third part will be in the form of an oral presentation by the student to an audience including a member or members of the Thesis Examination Board.
- The fourth part will be in the form of an oral examination (viva voce).
10. Submission of Thesis
Students will submit their thesis in accordance with the University's Regulations for Research Degree Students.
11. Availability of Thesis
The thesis will be made available in the public domain, unless the University, on the recommendation of the Deputy Head, imposes an embargo on access to the work for a period of up to 5 years.
12. Composition of the Examination Board
The Examination Board will consist of an independent chair, an internal examiner, and an external examiner.
13. Oral Examination (Viva Voce)
The Examination Board will conduct an oral examination for each student. The oral examination will be conducted in accordance with the University's Regulations for Research Degree Students.
14. Exit Awards
A student who has registered for the DBA but is unable to complete the degree may be eligible for an exit award, depending on the level of study completed.
15. Aegrotat and Posthumous Degrees
The University has regulations in place for the award of aegrotat and posthumous degrees.
16. Academic Appeal
Students who are not recommended for the award by the Examination Board may appeal against the decision in accordance with the University's Academic Appeal Regulations.
17. Academic Misconduct
Allegations of academic misconduct will be considered in accordance with the University's Academic Misconduct Regulations.
18. Fitness to Practice
Allegations of unfitness to practice will be considered in accordance with the University's Fitness to Practice Regulations.
19. Complaints
Students who are dissatisfied with the teaching and learning, facilities, or services provided by the University, or with the way the University, its students, or staff have acted or failed to act, should follow the University's Complaints Procedure.
20. International Students and Visa Requirements
International students who require a visa to study at the University must be aware that their continued study at the University is dependent on complying with the conditions of their visa and the time limits specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).