Introduction to the DBA 

    Now, more than ever, managing the operations of a business calls for a particularly advanced skillset. 

    Advancements in technology and globalisation have pressed organisations of all sizes to become internationally minded – which in turn has led to an evolution in the role of those in business administration. Today’s organisations require professionals with well-developed research skills who can understand the needs of the industry and both transfer and apply academic knowledge. 

    Plus, as a field that covers a wide range of competencies such as accounting and marketing, the ability to drive one’s own development cannot be understated. Successful business administration specialists often hold the critical self-reflection needed to grow alongside their dynamic roles. 

    Course details

    3 start dates per year: January, May and September

    Next welcome week: 18 September 2023

    Next course start date: 25 September 2023

    Application deadline: 11 September 2023 (We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to secure your place)

    Duration: 16 months taught, 3 years + for research. The average student will take 5 years in total to complete their DBA

    Structure: Year 1 - taught stage. Year 2 - completion of taught stage and start of research stage. Year 3 onwards - completion of research stage

    Format: Online, with optional face-to-face events

    Guide course fee: £6,950 per year (plus a £250 acceptance fee)

    Application form: Start your application for September 2023 now

    Tailored support: Contact our course adviser team today for application advice.

    Application process

    Why this DBA? 

    Our Global Professional Doctorate in Business Administration is an internationally focused programme in business and management. 

    As a fully online and part-time course, it’s designed for private and public sector management professionals who want to make new strides in their careers while continuing their full-time work.   

    During the first stage of the DBA course, you'll engage in an intensive taught phase with insights and feedback from our academics. Following this, you’ll progress to the research stage of the programme. You’ll be supported by a supervisory team in conducting applied, work-based research about topics of direct interest or relevance to you. 

    Through your time with us, you can look forward to developing your professional knowledge and skills to help solve organisational challenges in your current workplace – benefiting both your organisation and your own career. 

    Get in touch

    Key benefits of the Global DBA

    Networking
    Networking

    Expand your professional connections

    Innovation
    Innovation

    Drive change and growth

    Leadership
    Leadership

    Develop effective management skills

    Prestige
    Prestige

    Enhance your professional reputation

    What you’ll study

    This course will help you adopt a highly efficient approach to your practice by integrating both theory and application. You'll learn how to: 

    • Conduct ethical research on real business and managerial issues in a complex, multidisciplinary environment

    • Manage and make effective use of the appropriate physical, financial, and human resources within your organisation

    • Attain command of the latest knowledge and understanding appropriate to your area of professional practice 

    • Challenge current thinking and provide authoritative solutions to practical and research problems

    • Influence and provide inspiration and leadership for others in a changing environment of professional practice 

    All course materials are available on demand and can be accessed from wherever you are in the world. Find out more about how you'll learn with us. 

    How you'll learn

    What makes this course unique?

    Hear from Course Leader, Dr Myropi Garri as she discusses the finer details of the Global Doctorate in Business Administration including what makes it stand out, entry requirements, and the application process.

    Want to watch the full Q&A? Register to gain access.

    You can read the video transcript on this page.

    Modules

    This introductory module will enable you to conduct a critical self-evaluation and identify your own learning requirements in relation to your doctoral programme of study and your own continuous professional development (CPD). 

    The Advanced Research Techniques module is key to your research practice. In this module, you’ll learn how to successfully employ appropriate research theory and methodology in your own doctoral study and professional work. 

    This module focuses on analysing and critiquing publication and dissemination methods within the field. It will cover both academic and professional dissemination in journals, books, and conferences, as well as examine the need to communicate effectively with a range of professional groups. 

    During this module, you‘ll consolidate prior learning and begin preparation of a costed, achievable, and well-argued proposal for a programme of professional research and development. Your proposal will be reviewed and approved by the module coordinator alongside a second marker. 

    Once you have completed all four taught modules, you’ll progress to the research stage of the programme, which involves your DBA thesis. This is expected to take three years, with an allocated supervisory team to guide and support you. 

    How you're assessed

    All assessments for the course are based on coursework submitted online. Your performance is assessed through coursework such as: 

    • Written assignments 
    • A research and development project 

    Opportunities for formal and informal feedback will be provided so you can improve your work for the future. 

    Business administration student smiling

    Teaching team

    Myropi Garri

    Dr Myropi Garri

    Course Leader

    I have taught thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, designed and coordinated strategy and research modules, and supervised research projects and PhDs.

    Yuksel Ekinci

    Yuksel Ekinci

    Module Leader

    I am a Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law with over 20 years of experience as an active researcher and international academic. My research interests revolve around the practical side of marketing and how we can find solutions to applied marketing problems.

    Shabbar Jaffry

    Prof Shabbar Jaffry

    Module Leader

    Over the course of my career, I have led and contributed to a number of research and consultancy projects involving defence manpower, local and regional economies, banking efficiency, profitability and productivity, and more.

    Adele Bezuidenhout

    Adéle Bezuidenhout

    Module Leader

    I hold a doctoral degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology with a focus on the experience of female academics in terms of burnout, work engagement and sense of coherence.

    Valerie Anderson

    Prof Valerie Anderson

    Module Leader

    I am a Professor in the Faculty of Business and Law, with experience of working in HRD operational and consultancy roles in both private and public sector organisations.

    John Smith

    Professor

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    John Smith

    Professor

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    John Smith

    Professor

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    John Smith

    Professor

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    John Smith

    Professor

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    John Smith

    Professor

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    Ready to start?

    Find out more about course costs, the payment plans and funding available to you, and the different ways that you can pay for your tuition.

    Fees and funding

    Be part of a community

    We make sure your experience as an online student is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Explore life at Portsmouth Online: 

    Student experience ❯

    Entry requirements

    To join this course, you must have: 

    • A postgraduate level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate management related subject 
    • A minimum of three years’ relevant business and management experience 
    • Evidence of recent Continuing Professional Development or leadership experience in a relevant area of business and management/management science will also be considered 
    • English language proficiency at IELTS level 6.5 with no component score below 6.0 (or other acceptable proof), if English is not your first language 

    When applying, you will also be required to submit: 

    • Proof of a relevant postgraduate degree with at least 60 credits having been completed 
    • Details of two referees or two references on official headed paper, one of which should ideally be an academic reference 
    • Proof of your English language proficiency (if English is not your first language) 
    • An up-to-date copy of your CV 
    • Following a review of your application, you may be invited to attend an online interview. 

    Unsure about whether you’re eligible to apply? Speak to one of our course advisers on +44 (0)23 9400 3692, or email info@study-online.port.ac.uk 

    How to write your research proposal

    Career prospects and opportunities

    Our rapidly changing world requires professionals who can offer expertise in specific areas rather than broad information in various topics. Your DBA will allow you to specialise in a chosen topic, further your professional body of knowledge, and advance your management career. 

    Upon graduation, you’ll be able to act as a bridge between the academic and business world – applying critical thinking and advanced research capabilities to address business issues and drive innovative solutions. 

    These skills, coupled with the support you can receive from our exceptional Careers and Employability Service, will help position you as a valuable hire to employers across the world. 

    To learn more about the paths of progression available to you after graduation, visit our Careers and opportunities page: 

    More on career options

    Want to start in September 2023?

    Apply now
    Global DBA student smiling in library