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. 

At Aston Online, you benefit from an immersive online 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
Four to six years
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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, like you, aiming to leverage your experience with cutting-edge, research-based skills that will enable you 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: Aston University is ranked 21st in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Excellence in Teaching and Research: Aston University is rated 79% in the REF (2021) for world-leading or internationally excellent research. Aston University has an excellent reputation for research that shapes and improves lives.

A Global University: Aston University ranks in the top 10% of global universities (QS World Rankings 2025) and is known for its world-class teaching and strong industry connections.

Experts in Online Education: Aston Online offers flexible, academically rigorous programmes backed by expert online pedagogy, ensuring a rich and supportive learning experience.

Top 100 in Europe: Aston Business School is ranked 97th overall and 17th in the UK in The Annual Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking. 

Climbing the Ranks: Aston Business School has strengthened its position in the 2024 Eduniversal Business School Rankings, climbing to joint 11th in the UK—two places higher than last year.

4th Palme of Excellence: Aston University is ranked in the 4th Palme of Excellence by Eduniversal, highlighting our substantial national and regional impact.

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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.

Why Study Online With Aston University?

Studying online through Aston University offers various advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally. You'll receive the same qualifications and degree certificates as on-campus students. The degree certificate does not mention online delivery.

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).

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 with Aston University?

I wanted to see 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 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 often find success 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 and achieve strategic goals.

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, you will engage in advanced research, scholarship, and teaching.

Economist: Use your business knowledge to analyse economic data, forecast market trends, and develop strategies using economic theories and strong analytical skills to interpret complex data.

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 - Business Graduate

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. For example, 30 credits reflect 300 hours of learning.

*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.

Stage - Taught
Stage - Research
Programme Aims

Is This Programme Right for Me?

  • You are a professional looking to develop the strategic thinking, research skills, and critical analysis needed to excel at the highest levels of business leadership.
  • You are ready to commit to a rigorous part-time programme that will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to drive innovation and lead complex organisations.
  • You are an ambitious leader seeking to expand your professional network and connect with a global cohort of peers.
  • You are a lifelong learner passionate about significantly impacting the business world.
  • You want to study at a triple-accredited business school with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
  • You are looking for a flexible online programme that can fit around your work and personal commitments.

Current DBA student and business owner Robin Morgenstern discusses the DBA at Aston University.

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Aston has won several awards, and I like the university's motto: 'Aston means business'. The best part has been the interaction with my professors and supervisors, even though it's online.
Robin Morgenstern – DBA Student
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Robin Morgenstern - DBA Student

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

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 two years from the start date of the programme 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

Unpacking Paul Attwal's DBA experience with Dr Geoff Parkes.

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In this video, Dr. Geoff Parkes, programme director for the Aston DBA, speaks with current student Paul Attwal about his background, decision to pursue a DBA, and the programme's ongoing development.
Paul Attwal – DBA Student and Dr Geoff Parkes – Programme Director

FAQs

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