Bradford University School of Management

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Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

What is a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)?

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an innovative, topic-driven postgraduate qualification, deeply rooted in professional practice, Awarded on the successful completion of a part-time programme of training, study and research, the Doctorate in Business Administration will equip you with the most complete and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of both general management and your own specialist area.

The focus on professional practice and the applied nature of the Doctorate in Business Administration differentiate it from the traditional PhD, which concentrates on preparing people for careers in academia and research. The DBA is equal to a PhD, but the focus on professional practice and applied research make it more suitable for senior managers looking to make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in their area of expertise.

For whom is a Doctorate in Business Administration suitable?

You will be a highly motivated business graduate, working at a senior level in your organisation and at the forefront of your discipline, who wishes to learn from the experience of conducting research and networking with other top executives in an international, research-led environment, and to turn this rich development opportunity into the solid, career-enhancing business and management achievement presented by a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Start date for the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

September each year - apply now

How long does it take?

Four to six years

How much will it cost?

The total programme fees for those first enrolling in 2010-11 are £36,000. In each of years one and two, you pay £11,500 and in each of years three and four you pay £6,500.(Subject to approval)

Entry requirements for the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

You should:

  • have, or shortly expect to attain, an MBA or equivalent qualification with an average performance at 50 per cent or above in all assessed units
  • have at least three years' relevant management experience
  • be able to conduct your research in one or more organisations
  • be proficient in English, if this is not your first language

Where relevant to your proposed research project, you may be required to obtain a letter of support from your current employer.

Fluency in English

The programme is delivered and examined in English, so you must be able to prove your fluency in the language if it is not your mother tongue. Evidence of fluency includes residence in an Anglophone country for three or more years before starting the course, or an adequate grade in an approved test of English.

More details

Doctorate in Business Administration Accreditation

We have full ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) accreditation for our research-training programme. This covers both our PhD and DBA programmes.

Director of studies

Dr Nancy Harding
Tel: +44 (0)1274 234423
E-mail: N.H.Harding@bradford.ac.uk