Doctor of Business Administration

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Northumbria University is a prestigious professional qualification designed for experienced senior managers and business leaders seeking to enhance their expertise and strategic impact. This advanced doctoral programme provides an opportunity for accomplished professionals to undertake rigorous research that addresses complex issues within the realms of business, management, and organizational practice. The DBA aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, enabling students to develop practical solutions to contemporary challenges faced by organizations across various sectors.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, reflective practice, and innovative problem-solving, encouraging students to explore areas such as leadership, strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. It adopts a flexible learning approach, combining taught modules with independent research, allowing participants to tailor their studies to align with their professional interests and career aspirations. Students benefit from expert supervision by faculty members who are active researchers with extensive experience in business and management disciplines.

Throughout the course, students engage with cutting-edge research methodologies and analytical techniques, equipping them with the skills necessary to conduct high-quality, impactful research. The DBA culminates in a substantial thesis or research portfolio that makes a significant contribution to academic knowledge and practical management practices. Graduates of the programme are well-positioned to take on senior leadership roles, influence organizational strategy, and contribute valuable insights to their industries and communities.

Northumbria University’s supportive learning environment, combined with its strong links to industry and practice-based research, ensures that students gain not only advanced academic knowledge but also the confidence and competencies to lead change within their organizations. The programme is suitable for professionals looking to advance their careers, expand their research capabilities, and make meaningful contributions to their fields through rigorous scholarly inquiry.

The DBA has been designed to provide a means of progression from an established academic knowledge base of a Masters qualification in a Business and Management area that includes substantial study of the field, professional development, research training and a research based dissertation. The Masters qualification provides subject knowledge, personal development and research training to enable a student to progress to the DBA.

The DBA comprises study of the Advanced Business Research module (30 credits) and the development of a doctoral research thesis or portfolio leading to an individual contribution to enhance understanding of theory and/or practice in Business Administration. The module is assessed via a critically-argued proposal (4000 words). The programme includes learning tasks in which the student will enhance his/her practice development and career progression at a doctoral level, with opportunities for networking with other doctoral students, researchers and professionals.

The programme commences with the Advanced Business Research module delivered in two one-week blocks encompassing research philosophies, research techniques and doctoral study skills. Personal study during the inter-block periods is seen as vital in allowing participants to reflect upon the content of the taught modules, to relate theory to their current (or past) professional practice, to undertake their research and to prepare for their doctoral thesis/portfolio. This study time is self-managed, but supported by fellow participants, academic tutors and a supervisor. As a full-time student you will be in attendance at the university between blocks with successful completion of the module leading to the research phase. The part-time programme allows practising leaders the freedom to continue working in their profession. The ability of doctoral students to study in blocks and continue in employment allows them direct access to the professional context within which their doctoral programme rests

Requirements

• A Masters qualification in a Business and Management related area (or exceptionally an equivalent qualification with substantial work experience in a business and management discipline) which includes a substantive study of the field, personal and professional development and research training resulting in a research dissertation. The research training and research element must equate to a minimum of 60 credits.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience of business and management practice in line with the University Professional Doctorate Framework and/or evidence of appropriate continuous professional development.
• Submission of a research proposal at an appropriate level for doctoral study and which can be supervised by Newcastle Business School staff.
• Where English is not the applicant’s first language, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. (No individual element in your IELTS score should be 0.5 or more points below the required overall score).

Scholarships

• Research Studentships 
• Employment Sponsorship 
• Financial Advice 

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Northumbria University is a prestigious professional doctoral program designed for experienced business practitioners and managers who aim to enhance their theoretical knowledge and research skills to solve complex business problems. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines academic research with practical application, enabling students to develop innovative solutions and contribute to their organizations and professional fields.

Typically, the DBA at Northumbria University is structured to accommodate working professionals, often delivered through flexible part-time study options that allow students to balance their academic pursuits with existing professional commitments. The program emphasizes critical thinking, advanced research methodologies, and strategic management principles, preparing graduates for senior management roles, consultancy, or academic positions in business-related fields.

Students undertake a substantial research project culminating in a thesis that addresses a significant issue or challenge faced by their organization or industry sector. Throughout their study, DBA candidates are supported by experienced supervisors and are encouraged to engage with current academic literature, business case studies, and real-world data. The program also includes seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities with fellow professionals and academics, fostering a vibrant learning community.

Northumbria University’s business school is well-regarded for its research excellence and strong links to industry, providing DBA students with access to a wide range of resources, research centers, and industry partners. The doctoral journey typically spans three to five years, depending on the student's pace and research scope. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Doctor of Business Administration, qualifying them for leadership positions, consultancy roles, or academic careers, and equipping them with the skills necessary for strategic decision-making and organizational development.

Overall, the DBA at Northumbria University is tailored to experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise, contribute to academic knowledge, and impact their organizations positively. The program’s blend of academic rigor, practical relevance, and flexible delivery methods makes it an exemplary choice for committed practitioners aiming for the highest level of professional qualification in business administration.