Doctor of Business Administration DBA
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Course Summary
Our DBA is designed for high-performing professionals to stimulate organisational, national or international development and contribute to wider debates in their field.
Innovative research solutions are now required to tackle the challenging circumstances facing contemporary organisations. Our DBA participants positively engage with these challenges as active members of our research community. Our aim is to develop leading practitioner-researchers who inspire strategic change and contribute to wider debates in our areas of expertise.
You will join a growing researcher community with student satisfaction above national average (Higher Education Academy Postgraduate Research Experience Survey).
You can also fast track your doctoral journey by getting recognition for your previous Master’s-level achievements*.
*It is expected that participants will apply for the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning for the first stage of the doctoral course: an MBA or equivalent Master’s award in the area of business, leadership or management.
We are now seeking strong applicants who can develop and contribute high-impact research to our areas of expertise.
What you'llStudy
Our researchers initially engage with the IS8004 Researcher and Research Development module to build foundational but advanced expertise before undertaking the IS8005 Research Project (Thesis). In the first year, there will be 10 workshops (held via on-line live delivery on one Friday per month, approximating 40 hours).
Associate Professor Lisa Rowe
Programme Leader for Professional Doctorate
Our DBA doctoral participants engage with a combination of activities in our pioneering Researcher Development Hub and the wider University research community at our Queen’s Park Campus, in conjunction with high-level critical reflection, and sustained independent self-directed study. Our researchers will engage in group workshops, seminars, an annual research conference, and any relevant professional body activities.
Whilst on programme, participants are typically expected to engage with their supervisory team on a monthly basis with individual activities customised in conjunction with your research supervisor and which may take place in person or via on-line live delivery.
Our researchers focus on a range of themes which normally build on and extend a field developed during their MBA (or equivalent). It is therefore expected that participants will apply for the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning for the first stage of the doctoral course, e.g. with a MBA (or equivalent) related to the expected area of research.
The DBA is assessed through a portfolio of written work (15,000-20,000 words), and a Research Project (Thesis) that involves an academic report plus an oral examination (45,000-55,000 words).
Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically need to demonstrate the following within their application and interview:
- Be employed or self-employed, and be in a position to influence organisational, sectoral or national policy; and
- An Honours degree with a minimum of an upper second class from a recognised university; and
- A Master's degree in a relevant field and with a minimum of a ‘merit’ profile from a recognised university; and
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience of substantial responsibility and appropriate seniority to specify and implement significant change initiatives within your organisation or sector; and
- Relevance of your research proposal by ensuring that the proposed topic addresses a practice problem faced by managers and organisations, and that the results of the research have the potential to make a significant contribution by identifying relevant solutions; and
- Advanced skills in writing evidenced by a 1,000 word (max.) project proposal outlining the 'what, why and how' of a research project (please contact the programme leader prior to application for specific guidance in this regard); and
- Commitment to advanced continuing professional development.
If you do not meet these criteria you may find that our PhD programme is more appropriate for your requirements.
Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence at IELTS Level 7.0.
Applicants will typically need to demonstrate the following within their application and interview:
- Be employed or self-employed, and be in a position to influence organisational, sectoral or national policy; and
- An Honours degree with a minimum of an upper second class from a recognised university; and
- A Master's degree in a relevant field and with a minimum of a ‘merit’ profile from a recognised university; and
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience of substantial responsibility and appropriate seniority to specify and implement significant change initiatives within your organisation or sector; and
- Relevance of your research proposal by ensuring that the proposed topic addresses a practice problem faced by managers and organisations, and that the results of the research have the potential to make a significant contribution by identifying relevant solutions; and
- Advanced skills in writing evidenced by a 1,000 word (max.) project proposal outlining the 'what, why and how' of a research project (please contact the programme leader prior to application for specific guidance in this regard); and
- Commitment to advanced continuing professional development.
If you do not meet these criteria you may find that our PhD programme is more appropriate for your requirements.
English Language Requirements
Students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence at IELTS Level 7.0.
For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
Fees and Funding
£4,786 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for home students studying Doctor of Business Administration in 2024/25 are £4,786 per year.
£9,287 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for home students studying Doctor of Business Administration in 2024/25 are £9,287 per year.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
Our doctoral graduates typically advance their careers into roles which require high levels of expert knowledge and independent expertise, such as consultancy, organisational development, self-employment, executive coaching, senior roles in academe, and strategic leadership positions in business.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.