Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Kingston University is a prestigious postgraduate research degree designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and leadership capabilities in the dynamic world of business. This programme offers a rigorous academic pathway that combines advanced research training with practical application, enabling students to contribute new knowledge and innovative solutions to their respective fields. The DBA at Kingston University is tailored for senior managers, entrepreneurs, and industry specialists who aim to deepen their understanding of complex business challenges and develop strategic, evidence-based approaches to problem-solving. Throughout the programme, students engage in comprehensive coursework, attending lectures, seminars, and workshops delivered by leading academics and industry experts. They are encouraged to critically explore areas such as organisational leadership, strategic management, emerging technologies, sustainability, and global economic trends. The research component of the DBA involves the formulation and investigation of a significant business issue, culminating in a thesis that demonstrates original contribution to theory and practice. This is supported by comprehensive research methodology training, ensuring students are well-equipped to design and implement high-quality research projects. Kingston University’s supportive academic environment, combined with access to extensive library resources, research facilities, and professional networks, fosters a stimulating setting for scholarly inquiry. The programme is flexible, with options for part-time study designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Graduates of the DBA at Kingston University are equipped to assume senior leadership roles, influence industry practices, and contribute meaningfully to academic and professional communities. They benefit from Kingston University’s strong reputation for research excellence and its commitment to fostering innovative thinking. Upon successful completion, students will have developed advanced research skills, strategic insights, and a global perspective, enabling them to drive change and lead transformation within a wide range of organisations.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Kingston University is designed to equip experienced business professionals and senior managers with advanced knowledge and research skills required to excel in strategic leadership and organizational development. This doctoral program offers a rigorous academic journey that combines theoretical insights with practical application, enabling candidates to address complex business challenges and contribute to their fields through original research. The DBA curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and innovative problem-solving approaches, preparing students to lead organizational change and influence business practices at a senior level.

Throughout the program, students engage in a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues in management, marketing, finance, human resource management, and entrepreneurship. The coursework is structured to foster a deep understanding of theoretical frameworks and their real-world applications, ensuring graduates have the competence to generate impactful research findings. Students are supported by experienced faculty who provide mentorship and guidance, facilitating the development of a robust research proposal and methodology.

The programme is delivered through a flexible blend of part-time study, allowing working professionals to balance their academic pursuits with ongoing employment commitments. The research component culminates in a doctoral thesis that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of business administration. Candidates are encouraged to investigate topical questions related to digital transformation, sustainable business practices, leadership development, and global market dynamics, among other current issues.

At Kingston University, the DBA program also emphasizes networking and professional development, offering opportunities to collaborate with fellow academics, industry experts, and practitioners. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to assume senior leadership roles, influence organizational strategies, and contribute scholarly insights to the evolving landscape of business and management. The program adheres to the highest academic standards, ensuring that each graduate is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to impact the global business environment positively.

A student pursuing the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Kingston University is typically required to demonstrate advanced research capabilities and a comprehensive understanding of business and management principles. The programme is designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their strategic leadership skills through rigorous academic inquiry and applied research. To enroll, applicants generally need a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MBA or an equivalent professional qualification, along with substantive managerial or professional experience. Once admitted, students are expected to engage in a combination of coursework, research training, and independent investigation. The curriculum includes mandatory modules covering core topics like research methods, strategic management, leadership, and innovation, which are delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops. These modules aim to equip students with the necessary skills to design, develop, and complete a doctoral-level research project. A significant component of the programme involves developing a research proposal early in the studies, which must be approved by the supervisory team before proceeding to data collection and analysis. Throughout the course, students are assigned qualified research supervisors who provide guidance, support, and academic mentorship to ensure research quality and progression. The research phase culminates in the submission of a thesis that makes a substantial contribution to knowledge in the field of business administration. The thesis must be defended successfully in an oral examination (viva voce) before a panel of experts. The entire process emphasizes original research, critical thinking, and practical application, aligning with the university’s standards for doctoral qualifications. The programme duration typically spans three to four years full-time or four to six years part-time, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Throughout their studies, students are also encouraged to participate in academic conferences, publish research findings, and engage with the wider scholarly community. Completion of the DBA signifies the achievement of a high level of expertise in business research, paving the way for leadership roles, academic careers, or consultancy work. Admission requirements, progression criteria, and assessment methods are strictly regulated and designed to uphold research integrity and academic excellence.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Kingston University offers a range of financing options to support prospective students in funding their studies. Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the residency status of the student and the specific arrangements made at the time of enrollment. International students typically pay higher fees compared to UK and EU students, and the exact fee structure is detailed on the university’s official website. Kingston University recognizes the financial commitments involved in doctoral study and provides various funding opportunities.

Students may access scholarships and bursaries designed specifically for research degrees, which are awarded based on academic merit, research proposal quality, and other criteria established by the university. International students are encouraged to apply for external funding sources, including government grants, bursaries, and sponsorships from their home countries, which can significantly offset costs. Kingston University also offers payment plans that allow students to spread the cost of tuition over several installments, making it more manageable for those unable to pay the full amount upfront.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider other expenses such as registration fees, access to library and research resources, conference attendance, and materials required for their research activities, which are not included in tuition costs. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify suitable funding opportunities through its dedicated finance and student support services. Furthermore, students might explore part-time work opportunities available on or near campus to supplement their funding. International students should also account for visa-related costs and health insurance.

Students interested in the DBA program should consult the Kingston University official website or contact the admissions office for the most current information regarding fees and available funding options, as these details are subject to change annually. It is advisable for prospective applicants to plan their finances well in advance and to explore all potential funding sources early in the application process. The university’s commitment is to ensure that capable students from diverse backgrounds can pursue advanced business studies without undue financial hardship, supporting a broad and inclusive academic community.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Kingston University is a postgraduate research degree designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and enhance their leadership capabilities within the field of business. The program aims to develop reflective practitioners who are capable of conducting high-level research that can be directly applied to real-world business challenges. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications to address complex organizational issues.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced research skills, critical analysis, and strategic thinking. Enrollees are encouraged to explore areas such as leadership, management strategies, organizational development, and innovation. The program typically involves a combination of coursework, research design, and the completion of a dissertation or thesis that contributes to existing knowledge in the business domain. This structure allows students to work closely with faculty supervisors who are experts in various fields of business and management.

The duration of the DBA at Kingston University generally spans over several years, supporting working professionals who wish to pursue their studies alongside their careers. The flexible schedule often includes part-time study options, evening lectures, and online components, providing accessibility for a diverse student body. Kingston University’s strong links with industry partners and emphasis on practical research ensure that graduates are well-equipped to lead change within organizations or to undertake consultancy, policy development, or academic roles.

Graduates of this program are expected to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of business theories, advanced research capabilities, and the ability to analyze and solve real-world problems. They will be prepared for senior management, advisory roles, or academic careers in business schools. The university's facilities, resources, and support networks serve to foster an environment conducive to scholarly excellence and professional development.

Overall, the Doctor of Business Administration at Kingston University offers a rigorous, flexible, and professionally relevant pathway for experienced managers and leaders aiming to elevate their strategic impact and contribute innovative solutions to their organizations and the wider business community.