Doctor of Business Administration

Overview

The DBA is distinct from the PhD: it is designed for senior managers who want to investigate real problems in their own organisations and contribute practitioner-oriented knowledge to the field. You will complete advanced coursework in research design, then conduct a doctoral project that typically addresses a strategic challenge in your firm or sector. Cohort-based residencies (virtual) build a lifelong network of executive peers.

How you can study

Recommended

Study online

100% tuition-free online

Every programme can be completed fully online with zero tuition fees — study from anywhere in the world.

• ✦ Tuition: £0 / $0
• ✦ Course exams from $80 — 95% sponsorship rate
• ✦ Learn from anywhere · Live online seminars

Apply online →

On-campus study

Study at our campus

Prefer to learn at our Edinburgh campus? On-campus delivery includes tuition fees, in-person seminars, and access to university facilities.

• ✦ Tuition: £14,000 / US$18,000/year
• ✦ Location: Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
• ✦ In-person seminars, library & student services

Apply for campus →

What You Will Learn

• ✦Apply doctoral-level research methods to live organisational problems
• ✦Produce a publishable doctoral thesis with managerial implications
• ✦Lead evidence-based transformation in complex institutions
• ✦Contribute to executive education and thought leadership
• ✦Bridge academic rigour with board-level strategic decision-making

Curriculum

Career Paths

• CEO / Managing Director
• Board Member or Non-Executive Director
• Executive Educator
• Senior Partner (consulting)
• Government or Multilateral Agency Leader

Programme Highlights

• ✦Designed for executives with 10+ years of experience
• ✦Cohort model with structured virtual residencies
• ✦Thesis often sponsored by your employer
• ✦Shorter time-to-degree than traditional PhD
• ✦Faculty with both academic and C-suite backgrounds

Admission Requirements

1. Master's degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution
2. Research proposal (1,500–2,000 words) aligned with faculty research areas
3. Minimum ten years of senior management experience
4. Employer support letter for research access (recommended)
5. Three academic references, at least one from a previous supervisor
6. English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 or equivalent for research writing
7. Interview with the doctoral admissions panel (online)
8. Evidence of prior research output (publications, thesis, or professional reports) preferred

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