Course summary
Our Doctorate level programme has been designed for senior executives and professionals with a track record in management seeking to develop their insight and expertise. This programme is equivalent in stature to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and provides learners with greater opportunities to undertake applied research that also contributes to the development of related theories and concepts. COURSE OVERVIEW Choose your own independent research area in business, management and/or leadership which will enable you to strengthen and sustain your organisation and those who work in it, and to enhance engagement with other key stakeholders. Develop your current knowledge of and skills in critical thinking, strategy-development and problem-solving and become part of a peer community of senior leaders sharing experience, gaining insight, and learning new business ideas, models, strategies and approaches ready to take back and action in the workplace. ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...
- Design and implement a research project that explores a specific management, leadership, and/or collaboration question
- Critically assess, select, and implement applied research methodologies and methods within complex organisational, leadership, collaboration contexts or more specific professional settings
- Synthesise, interpret, and rigorously apply relevant theoretical frameworks and research findings in relation to complex business, management and leadership contexts and issues
- Develop high-level analytical and conceptual skills, facilitating questioning and critical debate about established theoretical orthodoxy and challenges to such orthodoxy
- Engage in and manage a process of high level critical reflective personal and professional development leading to the enhancement of your own professional practice within an organisational context or a specific domain
- Understanding Dynamic Business Contexts
- Critical Thinking for Leadership & Collaboration
- Developing an Applied Research Strategy
- Advanced Research Methods
- DBA Proposal and Plan
- DBA Thesis
Assessment method
Each of the first four DBA modules in Years 1-2 are assessed via 5,000 word assignments. The DBA Proposal and Plan is a 10,000 word submission and presentation in the second half of Year 2 that draws together the theory and practice from the programme to date and provides a framework and basis for the DBA Thesis module that follows in Years 3-5.
Entry requirements
A 1st or 2:1 honours degree, or Merit or Distinction Master’s degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognised university in the UK or comparable university overseas. By exception, applicants will be considered with additional evidence of substantial relevant professional experience instead of relevant academic qualifications. This will include business or organisational management or leadership, or related organisational consultancy, appropriate to the proposed research. Applicants will typically have a minimum of five years’ experience; however each application will be considered individually.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5400 | Year 1 |
| International | £10550 | 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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cumbria
Registered Office
Fusehill Street
Carlisle
CA1 2HH