Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
48 monthsProgramme duration
9,800 GBPTuition Fee/year
31 May, 2026Application Deadline
Oct, MarStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Business and Management Studies
Degree
Other
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Are you a senior manager or leader seeking to enhance your expertise and make a substantial impact in your organisation and to continuing development of your employees?
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical experience tailored to cultivate reflective practitioners in their respective industries.
Unlike traditional academic pursuits, the DBA focuses on real-world application, evaluating your progress through continuous assessment and culminating in a major research project centered on your workplace.
Joining our DBA programme will elevate your skills and knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in rigor and significance, and make a profound contribution to both academia and business practice, while advancing your career as a dynamic leader. Discover the transformative learning outcomes awaiting you in the DBA programme.
Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to:
The Programme is divided into two stages:
The thesis will be examined in line with University regulations for doctoral examination and will include a viva voce examination.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical experience tailored to cultivate reflective practitioners in their respective industries.
Unlike traditional academic pursuits, the DBA focuses on real-world application, evaluating your progress through continuous assessment and culminating in a major research project centered on your workplace.
Joining our DBA programme will elevate your skills and knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in rigor and significance, and make a profound contribution to both academia and business practice, while advancing your career as a dynamic leader. Discover the transformative learning outcomes awaiting you in the DBA programme.
Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to:
- Complete Edinburgh Napier University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods, demonstrating their ability to undertake research, critical investigation and evaluation, of an approved topic in their professional area;
- Integrate rigorous academic and critical analysis with practical relevance and application;
- Write a doctoral thesis which makes a significant original contribution to business and professional practice and clearly communicates their research work, conclusions and recommendations.
The Programme is divided into two stages:
- Stage 1 incorporates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods (PGCert RM), which is compulsory for DBA students at Edinburgh Napier, lasts one year and is based on learning and research in a modular structure with specified assessments.
- Students must pass the PGCert RM before progressing to Stage 2 of the DBA. Stage 2 continues for the rest of your time as a DBA student, after completing the PGCert in Research Methods, up to a maximum of four years after you started the PGCert stage. During the second stage, you will complete your research and develop your DBA thesis of 50,000 - 60,000 words.
The thesis will be examined in line with University regulations for doctoral examination and will include a viva voce examination.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Business and Management Studies
Degree
Other
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Are you a senior manager or leader seeking to enhance your expertise and make a substantial impact in your organisation and to continuing development of your employees?
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical experience tailored to cultivate reflective practitioners in their respective industries.
Unlike traditional academic pursuits, the DBA focuses on real-world application, evaluating your progress through continuous assessment and culminating in a major research project centered on your workplace.
Joining our DBA programme will elevate your skills and knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in rigor and significance, and make a profound contribution to both academia and business practice, while advancing your career as a dynamic leader. Discover the transformative learning outcomes awaiting you in the DBA programme.
Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to:
The Programme is divided into two stages:
The thesis will be examined in line with University regulations for doctoral examination and will include a viva voce examination.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is a unique blend of theoretical learning and practical experience tailored to cultivate reflective practitioners in their respective industries.
Unlike traditional academic pursuits, the DBA focuses on real-world application, evaluating your progress through continuous assessment and culminating in a major research project centered on your workplace.
Joining our DBA programme will elevate your skills and knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in rigor and significance, and make a profound contribution to both academia and business practice, while advancing your career as a dynamic leader. Discover the transformative learning outcomes awaiting you in the DBA programme.
Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to:
- Complete Edinburgh Napier University’s Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods, demonstrating their ability to undertake research, critical investigation and evaluation, of an approved topic in their professional area;
- Integrate rigorous academic and critical analysis with practical relevance and application;
- Write a doctoral thesis which makes a significant original contribution to business and professional practice and clearly communicates their research work, conclusions and recommendations.
The Programme is divided into two stages:
- Stage 1 incorporates of the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods (PGCert RM), which is compulsory for DBA students at Edinburgh Napier, lasts one year and is based on learning and research in a modular structure with specified assessments.
- Students must pass the PGCert RM before progressing to Stage 2 of the DBA. Stage 2 continues for the rest of your time as a DBA student, after completing the PGCert in Research Methods, up to a maximum of four years after you started the PGCert stage. During the second stage, you will complete your research and develop your DBA thesis of 50,000 - 60,000 words.
The thesis will be examined in line with University regulations for doctoral examination and will include a viva voce examination.
Admission Requirements
7+
Academic: For admission to the DBA programme, applicants should be currently employed in a senior management role and have an MBA or a Masters qualification in a relevant area, coupled with relevant work experience in a senior management role (usually 5 years).
Exceptionally, applicants who do not have a recognised formal qualification may be considered on the basis of extensive senior management experience and evidence of appropriate academic ability.
References: All applicants for DBA must include two references. One should be an academic reference and one should be a professional reference.
Exceptionally, applicants who do not have a recognised formal qualification may be considered on the basis of extensive senior management experience and evidence of appropriate academic ability.
References: All applicants for DBA must include two references. One should be an academic reference and one should be a professional reference.
31 May 2026
4 Years
Oct
Mar
Tuition fees
Domestic
9,800 GBP
International
9,800 GBP
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