Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
2 Years Full-Time | October Start

You will learn through a blended-learning approach, i.e. a combination of structured lectures, workshops, directed learning activities, group work and seminar presentations, with emphasis on creative student-centred learning and self-reflection throughout.

The lectures are themed around topics such as:

• Keeping up to Date with Information Sources
• Philosophy
• Reflexivity
• Deductive/Inductive Strategies
• Research Ethics
• Visual Methods
• Focus Groups
• Post-Structuralism and Research
• Document Analysis
• Questionnaire Design
• Scaling and Reliability
• Qualitative Strategies: Content and discourse analysis
• ANOVA/Regression
• Action Research
• Grounded Theory
• Multiple Regression
• Logistic Regression
• Analysis with NVivo
• Autoethnography
• Systems Thinking for Research
• Engaging with Users

The mandatory block study mode allows you to continue in employment throughout your studies, giving you direct access to the professional context within which your doctoral programme rests. Personal study during the inter-block periods is vital for reflecting on the content of the taught modules, relating theory to your current (or past) professional practice, undertaking your research and preparing for your doctoral thesis/portfolio. This study time is self-managed, but supported by fellow participants, academic mentors and tutors.

You will be assessed in the taught stage of the programme by a critically argued research proposal of approximately 4000 words. On successful completion of the assessment, you will progress on to the research stage of the programme, which is assessed through the Annual Progression process, and ultimately your doctoral thesis/portfolio.

A feature of the Professional Doctorate is the flexibility of the form of submission at the research phase. Whilst a thesis of approximately 60,000 words is permissible, the University’s Professional Doctorate Framework also allows you to submit a portfolio commensurate with your professional circumstances and reflecting the research focus of your work.

*Lecture themes are subject to change

The tutors involved in this programme are highly experienced, research-active staff.

Supervisors are normally allocated, where possible, to reflect both your research interests and the expertise of the university’s staff. Discover more by reading staff profiles for the academics in Newcastle Business School.

We've invested £200 million to make sure that our campuses are places where you enjoy spending time. Our modern city campus is designed with you in mind; you'll find everything to give you an outstanding student experience, including our award-winning university library and excellent catering facilities.

The Graduate School is at the heart of the university's support network for research students, working closely with the research community across the university to promote high-quality academic and professional standards. From enrolment to viva, you'll benefit from focused training and development programmes solely reserved for research students.

You’ll have full access to our eLearning Portal, ‘Blackboard Learn’, which includes video lectures, web conferencing, study notes, discussion boards, virtual classrooms and communities. Blackboard Learn brings together all aspects of course management as well as assessment and feedback.

Northumbria University is a research-rich, business focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. The University is in the Times Higher Education UK top 50 for research power, based on the results of the Research Excellence Framework.

Click here to find out more about research at Northumbria, and here to explore research areas specifically within Newcastle Business School.

Individuals who have completed a professional doctorate or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) often pursue careers in senior leadership and management roles across various industries. The DBA is specifically designed to enhance practical expertise and problem-solving skills, making graduates well-suited for positions that require a deep understanding of business administration and strategic decision-making. Some typical careers for DBA graduates can include:

1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO): DBA graduates are equipped with advanced leadership and management skills, making them suitable candidates for top leadership positions in companies.
   
   
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Given their expertise in business finance and strategy, DBA graduates can excel in CFO roles, overseeing financial planning and management for organizations.
   
   
3. Chief Operations Officer (COO): With their understanding of operational efficiency and process optimization, DBA graduates can assume COO roles, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
   
   
4. Management Consultant: DBA graduates can work as management consultants, providing expert advice to businesses on various strategic and operational matters.
   
   
5. Business Analyst: With their analytical skills and business acumen, DBA graduates can work as business analysts, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
   
   
6. Entrepreneur: DBA holders with a passion for entrepreneurship can launch their own businesses, using their knowledge to lead and grow their ventures.
   
   
7. Business Development Manager: DBA graduates can take on roles in business development, identifying and pursuing opportunities for business expansion and growth.
   
   
8. Corporate Strategist: Graduates can work as corporate strategists, developing long-term plans and initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
   
   
9. University Professor or Researcher: Some DBA graduates may choose to pursue careers in academia, conducting research and teaching in business schools or universities.
   
   
10. Executive Leadership Positions: DBA holders are often sought after for executive leadership positions in various departments, including marketing, human resources, and technology.
    
    
11. Non-profit and Government Leadership: DBA graduates can also contribute their expertise to non-profit organizations or government agencies in leadership and advisory roles.

It's important to note that the career path of a DBA graduate can vary depending on their area of specialization and previous work experience. Furthermore, DBA programs often emphasize industry-specific knowledge, which can open up opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing, and more. Overall, DBA holders are well-positioned to make significant contributions in their chosen field and drive positive change in the organizations they lead.