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DBA
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The world of business and commerce demands highly competent professionals – individuals who are equipped with the ability to make key decisions and face strategic challenges head on. If you want to be able to support your judgement with evidence-based data and bring measurable change to your organisation, the Doctor of Business Administration course is ideal.
Similar to the PhD, the DBA is the highest qualification achievable in Higher Education (Level 8). It is a common choice for practicing managers and senior professional practitioners who wish to pursue their academic, personal and career development beyond a Masters degree (Level 7) through a rigorous and challenging programme of study and research. The DBA is aimed at those who want to make a difference to the way that management and professional practice in the fields of organisation and management will be developed in the future.
The DBA has been designed for senior executives and other professionals in strategic management positions from diverse industries and sectors of the economy. DBA candidates advance their respective fields by conducting original practice-based research and thus contributing to professional practice by developing existing theories and knowledge in the field.
It’s a doctoral research degree that investigates real businesses and managerial issues via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to professional practice. Having an applied research perspective, the DBA differs from a traditional PhD in that it includes a substantial knowledge element, as well as the development of a research thesis. The informed element of the DBA focuses on both philosophy and methods of advanced qualitative and quantitative research. It places emphasis on the participative and action-oriented processes relevant to applied doctoral study of this nature.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: DBA Business Administration
The DBA is a research-based programme consisting of two stages incorporating four structured modules along with the research development stage (Stage 1) and a research project stage (Stage 2).
Stage 1 of the programme will consist of the course stage (delivery of four structured modules) which will focus on delivering systematic approach towards literature review and research methods training to equip doctoral candidates with tools to pursue original practice-based research at a doctoral level.
The four modules delivered during the first two years are as follows:
Those students who succeed through the course stage will have the opportunity to proceed further to develop and present their research proposal (research development stage which also forms part of Stage 1). Once approved, the DBA candidates will pursue independent and original research under the supervision of Staffordshire University approved academics (research project stage or Stage 2).
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The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
At the end of this module you will have the ability to review existing literature, establish an understanding towards creating boundaries for coverage of knowledge and practice by critically analysing relevant theoretical frameworks and studies in relation to their research scope. It will support concrete development of theoretical conceptualisation in relation to their identified research area.
Module code: BUSM70027
At the end of this module you will have the ability to review existing literature, establish an understanding towards creating boundaries for coverage of knowledge and practice by critically analysing relevant theoretical frameworks and studies in relation to their research scope. It will support concrete development of theoretical conceptualisation in relation to your identified research area.
Module code: BUSM70028
At the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of quantitative research methods. This module will teach you how the research design is affected by data collection and analysis tools, how to recognise different data, coding, choosing appropriate methods of presenting data and selecting appropriate statistical tools.
Module code: BUSM70030
At the end of this module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of qualitative research methods. This module will teach you how qualitative research methods are governed by clear rules and provide a range of methods of exploring issues which cannot be expressed by numbers. Moreover, organisations and human behaviour are difficult to hold still and isolate and since they change constantly, they can offer different dimensions of themselves to different audiences. This module will demonstrate that there is a place for perception studies, looking at what people think or feel is going on at workplaces since this will affect the day-to-day and strategic long-term practice in organisations.
Module code: BUSM70029
This module offers the opportunity for students to undertake a purposeful, individual, in-depth study of a topic relevant to their topic in Business Management. It aims at developing skills of independent learning and critical thinking, while building knowledge of research techniques. The research proposal provides an early requirement to engage with literature and develop awareness of the research process, allowing constructive feedback on the literature that have been drawn from, the approach to research and awareness to the research process.
Module code: BUSM80003
By the end of the DBA journey, the candidate will have enhanced analytical and critical skills to develop on their professional management practice. They will be able to questions and challenge received wisdom in business and management arena, and consider how learning is translated into management practice, and practice into business and management theory.
Module code: BUSM80002
To be considered for study for the Doctorate in Business Administration you must meet the following entry requirements:
Candidates should be professionals with significant managerial experience at a senior level. Individual applicants with prior professional experience and a strong industry background may be considered for the programme (however this is subject to the individual having access to data which will inform the practice-based research project). Individual entrepreneurs may also be considered and will be provided advice and guidance by the Award Leader of the appropriateness of the course and how students may approach the modules and the research project.
Applicants will be expected to have attained at least one qualification at a L7 level with a 50% pass or equivalent (Masters/MBA/MRes/MPhil).
In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not meet the above criteria but have an outstanding under-graduate degree along with significant professional experience will also be considered.
An English language qualification of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band or equivalent is required from international candidates.
Current (not more than 2 years old at the time of application) TOEFL/GMAT/GRE scores will also be considered.
All candidates will be interviewed to assess their suitability which will include the understanding of their broad research theme. The candidates will be provided with appropriate information, advice and guidance.
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Students studying a DBA are usually already at a senior level in their organisation/companies. Studying a DBA can help identify problems and inspire change in any business situation. Typically graduates will be working in (or looking to progress into) the following roles:
All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.
The programme is designed to give you the freedom to develop your own ideas and interests, whilst benefiting from the shared experiences of your peers through small study groups. The philosophy of the programme is based on the belief that this level of management education is based on three inter-related objectives:
The overarching objectives are thus to:
The parallel strands of professional development and management research training offered by the DBA are designed to provide mutual enhancement of theory and praxis within the learning experience.
The DBA is planned to develop your professional and research skills and encourage the application of original thought to management practice. It is concerned with professional development through knowledge creation and will benefit both the individual career of the successful graduate, as well as the profession and organisation in which you are, or may in the future be, employed. You will be able to employ your new knowledge and skills across a wide range of professional occupations, especially those where critical thinking and knowledge creation in relation to professional tasks is necessary and highly valued.
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.
For the course starting on 18 September 2023 the tuition fees are:
For the course starting on 25 March 2024 the tuition fees are:
The expected pattern of study is to complete the DBA within 4-5 years, with the first 2 modules accumulating 60 credits in the first year (and the award of ‘PG Certificate in Practice Based Research’) and latter 2 modules accumulating a further 60 credits in the second year (and the award of ‘PG Diploma in Practice Based Research’). The remaining 420 credits are spread over years 3 (research proposal), years 4 & 5 (DBA thesis) resulting in the final award of the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). If you follow this pattern of study, you will pay the same fee (£6500 per year) for each year of study for the first 4 years, with a reduced fee for writing up (£2000) in year 5 and thereafter (up to a maximum of 8 years). You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.
Any optional study trips
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation
Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.
For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.
My experience during my doctorate studies in Staffordshire University was very positive. The support I have received from all levels (including the University, faculty and peer students) throughout my journey at Staffs are the major strengths of the program. My experiences in the DBA program included engaging in research, learning new analytical methods, and developing critical thinking. These activities equipped me with a combination of skills that are essential in my business and academic career.
If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.
StudentCrowd University Awards 2022
Complete University Guide 2022
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Research Excellence Framework 2021
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