Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Northumbria University

United Kingdom, Newcastle upon Tyne

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Home/United Kingdom/Newcastle upon Tyne /Northumbria University/Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Northumbria University

United Kingdom , Newcastle upon Tyne

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Newcastle

Northumbria University

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 16,805 / year(s)

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

About

The DBA Programme, or Professional Doctorate, is part of a portfolio of doctoral programmes within Northumbria University. The two-year full-time programme (the part-time programme takes three years) is designed to build on previous Masters level study and/or significant experience of business and management practice.

The programme will enhance managers’ theoretical understanding, critical ability and research skills, enabling you to carry out a substantial piece of practice-based research that makes an independent and original contribution to your field of practice.

Over the course of your studies, you will:

Acquire and develop advanced research skills through a programme of in-depth study, and personal and research development.
Develop your skills in understanding, evaluating and creating new knowledge within your profession.
Produce a thesis or portfolio based on high quality original research of publishable standard of approximately 60,000 words (suitable for dissemination to your profession), demonstrating critical evaluation and synthesis in relation to current literature and professional practice.

You will be expected to pass through milestone targets in each year of study, giving clear structure to the DBA programme. For both full and part-time programmes, these milestones include Project Approval and Annual Progression.

You will study in a block release mode, supported by daily use of our eLearning Portal.

"[My DBA supervisor] was always accessible to me and I enjoyed regular contact and access to her – by phone, email, Skype and in person. Her relentless encouragement for my research studies, personal well-being and development, have been invaluable." Dr Helen Shiels

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have

A minimum of a 2.1 honours degree; or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

A 1000 word research proposal, outlining your area of research; please note that even if you are applying for a specific research vacancy with a pre-defined research proposal, you are still required to write a proposal expanding on the provided description of the project. For guidance on writing your research proposal, please see here. Applied Sciences studentships do not require submission of a proposal, please refer to the studentship advert for further information.

If you are applying for a course within Newcastle Business School or Northumbria Law School you will need to use the PGR Research Proposal Template

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with component 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent*). Applications to the Faculty of Business and Law also require a writing component score of 6.5.

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Career

Individuals who have completed a professional doctorate or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) often pursue careers in senior leadership and management roles across various industries. The DBA is specifically designed to enhance practical expertise and problem-solving skills, making graduates well-suited for positions that require a deep understanding of business administration and strategic decision-making. Some typical careers for DBA graduates can include:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): DBA graduates are equipped with advanced leadership and management skills, making them suitable candidates for top leadership positions in companies.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Given their expertise in business finance and strategy, DBA graduates can excel in CFO roles, overseeing financial planning and management for organizations.
Chief Operations Officer (COO): With their understanding of operational efficiency and process optimization, DBA graduates can assume COO roles, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Management Consultant: DBA graduates can work as management consultants, providing expert advice to businesses on various strategic and operational matters.
Business Analyst: With their analytical skills and business acumen, DBA graduates can work as business analysts, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
Entrepreneur: DBA holders with a passion for entrepreneurship can launch their own businesses, using their knowledge to lead and grow their ventures.
Business Development Manager: DBA graduates can take on roles in business development, identifying and pursuing opportunities for business expansion and growth.
Corporate Strategist: Graduates can work as corporate strategists, developing long-term plans and initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
University Professor or Researcher: Some DBA graduates may choose to pursue careers in academia, conducting research and teaching in business schools or universities.
Executive Leadership Positions: DBA holders are often sought after for executive leadership positions in various departments, including marketing, human resources, and technology.
Non-profit and Government Leadership: DBA graduates can also contribute their expertise to non-profit organizations or government agencies in leadership and advisory roles.

It's important to note that the career path of a DBA graduate can vary depending on their area of specialization and previous work experience. Furthermore, DBA programs often emphasize industry-specific knowledge, which can open up opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing, and more. Overall, DBA holders are well-positioned to make significant contributions in their chosen field and drive positive change in the organizations they lead.