executive-doctor-of-business-administration

Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme combines academic knowledge and professional expertise, enabling you to initiate organisational change.

Study a flexible, affordable degree built for online learners. Aston University empowers you to enhance your employability and tackle real-world problems with a curriculum enriched by strong links to industry.

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Start date
May, September
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Study mode
100% Online
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Duration
48 to 72 months
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Total tuition fees
£39,000

Programme Overview

The global business environment is constantly changing – be it in terms of technology, regulations or macroeconomic forces. With change comes new and complex challenges that must be skilfully navigated to ensure business prosperity. These challenges call for analytical thought leaders who understand industry needs and can provide solutions in practice. 

This online, part-time DBA programme is designed for experienced business executives aiming to leverage their experience with cutting-edge, research-based skills that will enable them to tackle business challenges and impact the industry successfully. You will combine advanced theory and contemporary business research to develop a comprehensive data-driven research project, focusing on a discipline of your choice. Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, you will gain specialist knowledge and research support in accounting, law, marketing, strategy, economics, finance and entrepreneurship.

Triple Accreditation: Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

66th in the World: Aston University is ranked 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024).

Top 25 UK University: Aston University is ranked 25th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, 2024.

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What You Will Learn

  • Deliver impactful research: You will learn to identify, analyse and solve problems through rigorous research, enhancing your strategic decision-making and organisational impact. Gain skills to design and deliver impactful research that benefits you, your organisation and the wider field of management practice.
  • Build a professional network: The knowledge, credibility and skill set gained from this DBA programme will elevate your career and grow your network, opening paths in consultancy, academia or your current managerial role. 
  • Understand and practice evidence-based thinking: You will be equipped to provide innovative solutions, effectively tackling business problems and improving organisational performance.
  • Develop professional practices and policy: The DBA programme will aid you in the dissemination, development and management of professional practices and policy.
  • Demonstrate a critical appreciation of existing knowledge: You will contribute a substantial and original addition to knowledge through your research thesis or portfolio, demonstrating a critical appreciation of existing knowledge in the field and including elements suitable for publication.

Quintin Heath's story

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I decided that a doctorate was going to give me the challenge that I needed. I wanted to do something that would sharpen my professional edge.

Quintin Heath, People and Performance Director at AB Mauri, discusses his decision to study the Executive DBA at Aston University, the research he undertook, and how it has impacted his work.
Quintin Heath, Aston University DBA graduate

Why Study Online With Aston University?

Studying online through Aston University offers various advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.

Flexibility and convenience: Fit your studies into your work-life balance.

Built for online: Interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.

Affordable: Spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.

Supported: Dedicated student support and online tutors.

Expert tutors: Staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.

Empowering creativity: Complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.

Transparent pricing: Apply for free, with no hidden costs.

Ready for work and life: Rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).

why study online aston executive doctor of business administration dba

Theory applied in practice

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The DBA doesn't just focus on theory, there's the element of putting things into practice

Paul Jones provides insight into how a DBA differs from a PhD and why he chose to study a DBA at Aston Business School. Discover the difference between a PhD and DBA
Paul Jones, DBA graduate

Leading on innovation

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I took a look at how far I can push my academic career.

Julia Hofmann says the skills she acquired throughout the DBA were instrumental in promoting innovation and leading transformation programmes within her organisation. She outlines how she bridged the gap between academia and practical work. Discover Julia's journey.
Julia Hofmann, Aston DBA graduate

Career Prospects

The specialist knowledge, credibility and skill set acquired by completing the DBA programme will make you an invaluable asset to employers across a wide array of organisations. The programme prepares you for a career in academia and consulting, or for applying your learnings to your current position. You will be equipped to tackle current issues and transform your organisation.

Graduates have become thought leaders and successful in the following roles:

 

Business Consultant: Work with businesses to problem-solve, identify and overcome the challenges that block companies from meeting their goals.

Business Lead: Generate leads to help companies sell their products or services.

Research Director: Manage and supervise research and development that oversees data collection and analysis, product design, and manufacturing.

Chief Executive Officer: The role of a CEO differs in every company, but overall responsibilities include expanding the company, driving profitability, and managing the overall operations of a company.

Academic Professor: As an expert in a respective field, engage in advanced research, scholarship, and teaching.

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Assessment type

You will be assessed through a combination of written essays and critical reviews. As you develop your doctoral thesis, you will submit a qualifying report in Month 20 of the programme, which is assessed by an online viva voce examination with internal examiners. Following the successful completion of the qualifying report and viva, candidates will further develop and ultimately submit a thesis. This thesis is examined in an online viva voce examination with both internal and external examiners.

Programme Structure

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, a milestone in personal development, combines academic knowledge and professional expertise, enabling you to initiate organisational change.

Units

Entry Requirements

  • A master's degree in business or management (or related subject)
  • A minimum of five years senior management experience

 

Additional requirements

  • Official academic transcript(s) and certificate(s) evidencing an MBA, MSc or MA degree in business or management
  • Two references, one of which must be from your current employer
  • A detailed CV
  • A copy of your passport
  • A research proposal 
  • A personal statement detailing your motivations for undertaking this programme and how your background, qualifications and experiences will help you meet its demands.

Alternative entry requirements

We take a holistic approach in evaluating applications. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this programme for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire prior to application whether their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor. The Admissions team will consider both prior accredited and experiential learning. 

Please contact the Admissions team prior to making your application: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

International students

Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. You can check qualifications in your country here, including equivalent qualifications from Africa, Americas, Australia, North East Asia, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and Western and Central Asia.

Have a question about our international entry requirements for online programmes? Email us at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

 

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.


Find Out If You Qualify

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:

Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk 

Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374 

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 GMT

Contact Us

What sets DBA graduates apart is their ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice

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They are trained to apply their extensive knowledge directly to real-world business problems, making them invaluable assets to their employers.
Dr Geoff Parkes, Executive DBA and Programme Director
Dr Geoff Parkes

Download brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the programme, careers, online learning, fees, and admissions.

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