executive-doctor-of-business-administration

Executive Doctor of Business Administration

DBA (Online)

Study a flexible research-based postgraduate degree with a Triple Crown accredited (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) business school and experts in online learning. 

With Aston Online, online learners benefit from an immersive learning experience, dedicated support services, and a world-class digital campus. Embark on a transformational journey with an executive doctorate that empowers you to drive organisational change and be a catalyst for innovation and growth within your organisation.  

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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 - (Flexible payment options – monthly, in instalments or in full)

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 21st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Excellence in teaching and research: Rated 79% in the REF (2021) for research that is world leading or internationally excellent, Aston University has an excellent reputation for research which shapes and improves lives.

A global university: Aston University is in the top 10% of global institutions (top 10% of evaluated universities, QS World Rankings 2025) and is known for world-class teaching and strong links to industry.

Experts in online education: Aston Online programmes are carefully designed to offer flexibility without compromising on academic rigour. With a wealth of expertise in online pedagogy, we ensure that students receive a rich, engaging, and supportive learning experience.

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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.

Meet Your Programme Director

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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 wanting to leverage their experience with cutting-edge, research-based skills that will enable them to successfully tackle business challenges and make an impact on industry. 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 areas such as accounting, law, marketing, strategy, economics, finance and entrepreneurship.
Dr Geoff Parkes – Executive DBA Programme Director
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Dr Geoff Parkes

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 dba

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

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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 – Aston Online Business Graduate
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Paul Jones

Why Study Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Online Through Aston University?

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

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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 Online Business Graduate
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julia hofmann

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.

career prospects dba

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.

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.

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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 Online Business Graduate
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Quintin Heath

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.

Each credit of study is equivalent to 10 learning hours (e.g. 15 credits reflects 150 hours of learning).

Optional modules are reviewed each year and may change to reflect the expertise of staff, current trends in research, as a result of student feedback, or demand for certain modules.

Modules

We may update our programmes to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our programme webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Studying online gave me the flexibility to work whenever I needed to on my downtime from work and I could do it from anywhere!

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The experience far exceeded my expectations and has been incredibly enlightening; the MBA provided much more than theoretical knowledge. It provided real-world case studies, on-hand support from tutors, and there was such an experience cohort learning alongside me, that could push, challenge and encourage me.
Elijah Hunter-Finn – Aston Online Business Graduate
Elijah Hunter-Finn

Entry Requirements

You will need:

  • A UK masters degree or international equivalent in business or management (or a related subject).
  • A minimum of five years’ of senior management experience.

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

*Click here for more information on equivalent international degrees recognised by Aston University, or contact our Admissions Team to check your eligibility: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

Alternative entry requirements:

We take a holistic approach to evaluating applications and accept applications from candidates with relevant work experience who still need to complete a graduate qualification. Contact our Admissions Team for a consultation before applying:  enquiries@astononline.ac.uk

English language requirements:

To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. We aim to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:

IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online
IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL and TOEFL iBT
Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital)
Pearson Academic (PTE)
Password Test
Language Cert International ESOL SELT
Kaplan Test of English (KTE)
Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE)
Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)

Tests must be taken within the last 2 years from the start date of the course you are applying to study at Aston University.


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

FAQs

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