PhD

Doctorate in Business Administration

Study mode:On campus Study type:Part-time Languages: English
Local:$ 10.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 15.1 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
401–500 place StudyQA ranking:7981 Duration:5 years

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at Liverpool John Moores University is a rigorous advanced research degree designed for experienced professionals seeking to elevate their knowledge and strategic capabilities in the business world. This doctoral program provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in high-level academic inquiry while applying their findings directly to real-world organizational challenges. Throughout the course, students will develop a deep understanding of contemporary business theories, analytical methods, and innovative management practices, preparing them to become thought leaders and change agents within their respective fields.

The program integrates core modules with independent research, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic analysis. Candidates will work closely with expert faculty members, benefiting from personalized supervision and access to extensive academic resources. The curriculum emphasizes applied research, enabling students to produce impactful dissertation projects that address complex issues faced by modern organizations, such as innovation management, leadership development, sustainability, and global market strategies.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the DBA program offers flexible study options, including part-time study modes that accommodate busy schedules. Students will engage in a blend of taught sessions, seminars, workshops, and collaborative research activities, fostering an interactive learning environment. Throughout their journey, participants will enhance their research skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical competencies, preparing them for senior leadership roles, consultancy, or academic positions.

Liverpool John Moores University is committed to providing a supportive academic community, with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant campus environment. The DBA program aims to empower students to make significant contributions to their organizations and the wider business community through rigorous research and innovative thinking. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a recognized doctorate qualification that affirms their expertise and readiness to lead transformative initiatives in the dynamic world of business and management. This doctoral program is ideal for senior managers, business consultants, academics, or entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing their professional practice through scholarly excellence and applied research.

This Doctorate in Business Administration provides senior executives and managers with the opportunity to achieve the highest academic degree while remaining in full time employment. Equivalent to a PhD qualification, the DBA is ideal for those pursuing a professional career.

The DBA will enhance not only your ability to develop new knowledge, but also the ability to apply that knowledge to a professional context, thereby making a real and tangible impact on individuals and organisations. It will also equip you with the necessary skills to carry out rigorous research, while providing the flexibility to carry out individual projects that impact on your organisation and industry.

The programme is aimed at senior, experienced professionals who are qualified in their own areas of professional practice. It will also appeal to managers who are looking for a challenge and want to pursue the highest academic qualification that will lead to new areas of professional practice. Your employing organisation will directly benefit from your research, gaining valuable and objective feedback plus the opportunity for major consultancy.

  • Planning module
  • Investigative project
  • Reflective module
  • Leadership
  • Project management
  • Managing finance
  • Marketing management
  • Managing process and operations
  • Research methods for management
  • Strategic management
  • Change and knowledge management
  • MBA in executive leadership dissertation
  • Managing information
  • MBA EL leader impact project
  • MBA in executive leadership thesis

Requirements

  • Candidates should be well-qualified in their chosen field and possess a business related Masters degree (e.g. MBA) or equivalent qualification supplemented with sufficient recent business and management experience appropriate to the research being undertaken. 
  • An IELTS 6.5 score demonstrating your proficiency in English 
  • Make sure you add as much detail as possible – including grades and results. Without enough information universities might struggle to make a decision.
  • The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course, or £24 for multiple courses 
  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference (if employed)
  • One academic reference
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months left before expiration)
  • If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so please make sure you apply as early as possible. You can find out more on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance.
  • Please note: international students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part time. Students entering the UK on alternate types of visa may be in a position to study part time. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details before making your application. 
  • In order to obtain a visa you will also need to show evidence that the money required to cover your tuition fees and living expenses has been in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to submitting your visa application. So please make sure that your finances are in place before applying.

Scholarships

  • Developing Global Citizens Postgraduate Scholarship
  • English for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies Bursary

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at Liverpool John Moores University is a highly respected and rigorous doctoral program designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in business and management. This program aims to develop practitioner-researchers who can contribute original insights to the field of business with practical implications. The DBA at LJMU is structured around a combination of academic coursework, independent research, and a thesis that addresses real-world business challenges.

The program typically starts with taught modules that cover advanced research methods, strategic management, leadership, innovation, and organizational theory. These modules are designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct impactful research. Following the coursework, students undertake an independent research project under supervision, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to investigate complex business issues systematically.

Students participating in the DBA program at LJMU benefit from access to a network of experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners within the business domain. The program emphasizes applied research, ensuring that graduates can directly impact their organizations and the wider business community. It is suitable for senior managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs who wish to deepen their understanding of business practices and contribute to their field through scholarly inquiry.

The program is delivered through flexible learning arrangements, including part-time study options that allow professionals to balance work commitments and academic pursuits. It also includes opportunities for networking, collaboration, and dissemination of research findings through seminars, conferences, and publication opportunities. The duration of the program varies based on the mode of study but generally spans three to four years.

Graduates of the LJMU DBA program are well-positioned to assume senior leadership roles, influence organizational strategies, and contribute to academic and professional discussions in business. The program’s focus on practical impact makes it an excellent choice for those looking to translate research into actionable insights for organizational development and innovation. Overall, the Liverpool John Moores University DBA combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, preparing graduates to become thought leaders in the dynamic and competitive global business environment.

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