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Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at University of Derby - UCAS

University of Derby

Degree level: Postgraduate

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (Research)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Aimed at high-achieving professionals, our part-time Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) provides an exciting practice-based route to a research degree. It enables you to create and apply original business and management knowledge in ways which will benefit your organisation, industry and profession as well as your career.

  • Our DBA programme leads to a highly recognised doctoral level qualification, enabling you to build your research credentials while advancing your professional practice in management
  • Your doctoral studies will be specific to you and your working role: you will undertake independent research in the area relevant to your professional and academic development and advance your knowledge which can be harnessed to improve your own organisation’s performance
  • You do not have to put your career on hold: the DBA is structured to offer maximum flexibility, with teaching in short study blocks and a substantial research project which can be fitted around your work schedule
  • We equip you with high-level research and analysis skills so that you can integrate evidence into practice and become a more critical and reflective practitioner
  • You will receive extensive support from academic supervisors with specialist knowledge in your subject area – all within a truly international research community where you benefit from peer learning and networking
  • Adding the title of Doctor to your CV will make an instant impression, helping you to raise your professional profile and give added momentum to your career.
Is a DBA the right choice for me? As an executive doctoral research degree designed specifically for business professionals, managers and practitioners, the Derby DBA will challenge you to take your skills and knowledge to the highest level. It combines academic rigour with an applied approach based on your own professional practice. The DBA attracts experienced professionals in senior and managerial roles who are keen to take the next step in their career development, to undertake impactful business research, and to add to the body of knowledge in their sector and profession. Many of our students have already achieved masters qualifications and choose the DBA as an alternative to more traditional PhD programmes. Flexibility is central to the DBA. In the first two years, you will attend the University for scheduled taught sessions which are delivered in five short study blocks – three blocks in Year 1 and two blocks in Year 2 of your study- so that you can fit your learning around your work and home commitments. Throughout your DBA programme, you will undertake your independent research project with the support and guidance of expert supervisors. This structure makes the DBA an excellent choice for international as well as UK students. You will benefit from being part of a dynamic research community where professionals from different countries, sectors and backgrounds can exchange ideas. It is a chance for you to gain global perspectives and build international networks which will serve you well in your future career.

Assessment method

Assessments are designed to be broad, wide-ranging, flexible and innovative. They facilitate your professional learning and allow you to produce work relevant to your own specialism. The assessments will review your: ability to apply and evaluate skills; theory development and application skills; literature review skills; critical reasoning; analytical and research skills; problem solving; use of self-reflection; demonstration of evidence-based practice; academic writing and language skills

How to apply

International applicants

All applicants must include a research proposal with their application. All applicants must comply to English proficiency entry standards as outlined in the entry requirements.

Entry requirements

The programme seeks to admit highly capable individuals able to demonstrate motivation, interest and aptitude for doctoral level study with interests in business and management research. Both home and international applications are encouraged. Applicants should have a masters degree in a relevant field. A good first degree may be considered instead of a masters Applicants should have at least three years professional experience Where English is not the first language, applicants may need to provide the minimum English qualification IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component). IELTS may not be needed where a degree has been obtained in the UK or another English speaking countries. English speaking professional settings may be considered All applicants must be interviewed Decisions about entry to the programme are made on the basis of application, prior education attainment, interview, professional experience and research proposal. Where English is not the first language: Applicants need to provide the minimum English qualification IELTS level 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component area). All tutorials, supervision and assessment are in English. Other substantial evidence of English Proficiency may be taken into account. Applicants may be required to undertake a pre-sessional English course at additional cost to ensure that they have a standard of English appropriate to this level of study. If applicants do not pass this course they will not be permitted to study on this programme. Potential applicants are strongly advised to discuss the programme and alternative doctoral study options with the Programme Leader prior to applying to ensure a best fit in terms of personal, professional and career aspirations.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

Please see our website for the latest fee information
Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at University of Derby - UCAS