Course summary
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programme is one of the most established Professional Doctorates in the University. Delivered through blended learning, the DBA is cohort-driven and consists of four one-week residential workshops, monthly virtual action learning sets, and supervision via distance learning. DBA candidates study part-time, and are likely to hold senior management positions allowing them to achieve the highest academic degree while remaining in full-time employment.
- Equivalent to a PhD, the DBA is ideal for those who would like a doctoral level qualification whilst remaining in their chosen professional career
- Focus on situational issues from your own workplace, whilst continuing your employment
- Enhance not only your ability to develop new knowledge, but also the ability to apply that knowledge to a professional context
- Gain the necessary skills to carry out rigorous research
- Carry out individual projects that impact on your organisation and industry
- Undertake your research amongst a carefully-selected, highly diverse group of professionals, drawn from a wide range of nationalities, industries, cultures and backgrounds
- Develop your skills and meet your supervisors at a number of residential workshops in Liverpool
Assessment method
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic. There are various assessments throughout the programme. During the first year students are required to submit the research proposal (approx. 5K words), learning agreement (approx. 3K words) and LJMU Ethical approval form. Year 2 and year 3, students will complete a series of modules that will culminate in a written thesis (approx. 80K words), complete a reflective portfolio and publish papers. The thesis can be submitted at the earliest after completion of year 3. The assessment of the thesis takes place in form of an oral examination undertaken by two examiners, who are experts in your field. One examiner is from LJMU and one is external to the University.
Entry requirements
Postgraduate degree (required for research programmes): -A master's degree in the area of business and/or management Additional requirements: -Relevant work experience: At least two years of managerial or five years of other working experience International requirements: -IELTS: In addition to the outlined entry requirements for home applicants, you will be expected to demonstrate a good level of English language competence, for example an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no single component below 6.0) or equivalent. Other international requirements: -LJMU welcomes applications from international candidates. Most of the studying and learning will be undertaken via distance learning in your home country and there are only a small number of residential days in Liverpool required. Extra Requirements: In order to make an application to the programme you need to provide the following documents via the online application: Curriculum vitae Master's certificate and transcript in the area of business and/or management – these must be official English translations Evidence of at least two years of managerial or five years of other working experience – this can be e.g. a confirmation by your current employer or a reference letter from a former employer An academic reference, which recommends you for the programme – this can be e.g. from your master's institution An industry reference, which recommends you for the programme – this can be e.g. from your employer, from a client and/or professional body Personal statement (max. 2,000 words) – this is not a full research proposal, but should address why you would like to do a DBA, why you think you are suitable for the programme and what you expect from the DBA. You should furthermore provide a brief outline of your research topic and its contribution to theory and practice, including: title of your research introduction of your research literature review of current studies research methods contribution of your research. How your application is considered: The application is screened to ensure the candidate meets the entry requirements and has submitted all their supporting documents. If the candidate meets the minimum entry requirements and all documents have been received, the application is passed to the appropriate academics within the School for consideration and to identify a suitable supervisory team. The DBA Team and/or an appropriate academic member of staff will interview the applicant and make a decision following the interview. For applicants in the UK, they are invited to attend the interview in person at Liverpool Business School. For applicants based elsewhere, the interview will normally take place by telephone, Skype or Adobe Connect.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £13020 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £13020 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £13020 | Year 1 |
Wales | £13020 | Year 1 |
International | £13755 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Liverpool John Moores University
Student Life Building
Copperas Hill
Liverpool
L3 5AJ