Course Overview
The DBA by Practice is a professional doctorate designed for business leaders, executives, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their expertise while earning a prestigious doctoral qualification.
This programme integrates academic research with real-world business challenges, allowing students to apply their findings directly to their professional roles. With a flexible, practice-oriented structure, students progress through a series of modules that build towards a final thesis, based on case studies and practical insights from their own industry experience. The programme can be completed in as little as 18 months, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Our team of experienced academics and industry experts will guide you in aligning your research interests with current trends and challenges in business and management. The DBA by Practice offers a valuable opportunity to lead innovative change, enhance strategic decision-making, and open pathways to executive leadership, consulting, or academic roles in higher education.
Award:
Duration:
Delivery:
Start Date:
DBA, Doctor of Business Administration
18 months to 3 years
Hybrid Online Learning
2 June 2025
Information
Highlights
Prestigious, internationally recognised DBA qualification, equivalent in status to a PhD.
Designed for business professionals to align with their current roles and industry expertise.
Research-driven approach with a focus on real-world business challenges.
Thesis phase involves designing, implementing, and presenting an original research study based on professional practice.
Encourages students to bring their own business-related challenges as the foundation for research and innovation.
Key Features
Graduates earn the title ‘Dr.’ with a qualification equivalent to a PhD.
Develops independent research skills and advanced communication expertise.
Emphasises contemporary business research methods and in-depth exploration of industry challenges.
Suitable for professionals across various sectors, from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.
Flexible structure designed to accommodate busy professionals.
Dedicated supervisor provides guidance from research inception to final thesis defence.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the DBA by Practice programme typically hold a master’s degree in business or a related field. However, we also welcome experienced education professionals who may not hold a master’s degree but can demonstrate significant relevant experience in a management or leadership role. As the programme integrates professional practice into the research process, applicants must currently be employed in a professional capacity.
Academic Requirements: Applicants should have an honours degree and a master’s-level professional qualification, or equivalent experience / qualifications.
Professional Experience: You should have at least three years of experience working in a professional role and be actively engaged in an employed position during your doctoral studies.
Interview/Portfolio: You may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work/CV for consideration.
References: Satisfactory references will be required before enrolment on the course. One reference must be from your current/last employer or line manager, confirming your employment details.
For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language qualification or proficientcy test is required. Please refer to our apply webpage for further details.
Career Opportunities
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) by Practice is a professional doctorate with a research focus in business and management. It is designed to equip experienced professionals with advanced research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills, preparing them for leadership roles in corporate, entrepreneurial, consultancy, and public-sector settings. The DBA is recognised by employers as a mark of high-level expertise, opening doors to career progression, executive leadership, and influential decision-making roles.
What can I do with this qualification?
This qualification enhances career opportunities, including progression into senior leadership, strategic management, and consultancy roles. The DBA provides a strong foundation for executive and board-level positions, as well as academic and research careers in higher education. It is recognised for faculty appointments and may, alongside a robust professional portfolio, support applications for professorial roles.
Alternative career options
Graduates can leverage this qualification to explore a variety of career paths across industries. Depending on experience and additional expertise, potential career opportunities include:
Executive leadership and board roles
Business consultancy
Corporate strategy and operations
Policy advisory roles in government and industry
Entrepreneurship and venture development
Financial and risk management
Higher education and academic research
Business journalism and thought leadership
Nonprofit and international business development
Fees & Funding
The tuition fee for this course is a one-time payment of €12,412.00 EUR for the full programme.
Other costs:
Exceeding the maximum duration of 3 years for this course will incur an additional supervision fee of €1120.00 EUR per additional year.
A fee of €540.00 EUR is payable upon the final thesis submission to cover the costs of organising the viva voce panel and the related administrative expenses for the doctoral award.
We do not charge tuition fees annually, we charge a one-off payment to cover the cost of the entire course. Please note that you are able to pay fees in various currencies, however all fees are converted to, and charged in Euros.
There is no application fee for this programme.
There are payment plans available for this programme, so you can pay your course fee in 3, 6 or 12 monthly instalments.
Scholarships maybe available for this programme, see our FAQ page.
Teaching & Assessment
The programme is delivered through our innovative hybrid teaching model, combining online learning with opportunities for live support. Students will undergo an intensive 2-day workshop at the start of their programme, followed by regular one-to-one sessions (usually weekly meetings) with their supervisor throughout the duration of their course.
Modules:
Introduction & Academic/Research Skills
Reflection on Business Practice
Strategic Business Thinking
Literature Review (with submission for publication)
Research Methods; data collection and analysis
Pilot Study (with submission for publication)
Subsequent Study (with submission for publication)
Write-up & Conclusion
Presentation & Viva Skills
Each module is designed to contribute directly to sections of the final thesis, which will be around 80,000 words in length, allowing students to build their research progressively while reflecting on their practice. Formative assessment is based on the completion of modules, and summative assessment will be based on the final thesis. During various phases of the doctoral journey, students will have the opportunity to submit work for publication in academic journals and/or present work in conferences, this will be encouraged by the supervising team, however, publication is not a mandatory requirement of the programme.
Peer collaboration and reflective practice are integral to the learning experience, and students will receive comprehensive feedback and guidance from their supervisors throughout the programme, in addition to engaging with a community of academic researchers. You will work with a named supervisor who will guide and advise you from inception to submission and the oral examination. They will have expertise in your proposed research area so that you can discuss your ideas in tutorial sessions.
Programme Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Swiss School of Business Research, a Switzerland-based university who will confer the doctoral degree upon successful submission of the thesis and completion of the viva assessment. Successful candidiates will have the opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony in Switzerland.