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Professional Doctorate in Business and Management DBA

Research ( part-time)

Chelmsford

September

The next intake for the DBA will be September 2024. We will open applications in Autumn 2023.

Apply online

For application deadlines visit our how to apply page.

Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) has been designed to increase your professional capabilities, make a positive contribution to your organisation, and produce publishable-level research. The DBA is a professional doctorate, designed to generate an original contribution to professional practice, through a rigorous engagement with management theory, and a focussed programme of independent research into a specific ‘research problem’ in your professional practice.

Full description

Supervision and support

Blended Learning

Mandatory attendance is required for the block delivery, in week 7, semester 1 and 2, and this is the main mechanism within which stage 1 is delivered. Block sessions are further supported with bi-weekly online sessions providing “academic scaffolding” to develop the practical, academic and research concepts further.

Canvas Learning Management System

ARU Learning Management System, Canvas provides candidates with access to a wide range of resources to support their development. This includes academic databases, links to other websites and research software. In addition, it provides a mechanism through which candidates and staff can interact and facilitates electronic submission of work for formal assessment and allows timely feedback from academic staff.

Supervision

The role of supervision and the relationship with supervisors is one of the key determinants for successfully undertaking doctoral level study. For this reason, your supervisory team will be established at the outset, and is built into your programme of study. Mentors will be assigned during stage 1 and the supervisory team at stage 2. Supervisory support is, therefore, an on-going process during and after the completion of the taught modules.

Where you'll research

Your faculty

You have a highly active mind and see opportunity everywhere. Now you need theory and life-changing skills to sharpen your approach to management. At the Faculty of Business & Law, you will immerse yourself in a multicultural environment where technology blends with teaching to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment. An environment to help you gain those skills.

Where can I study?

Chelmsford
Tindal Building on our Chelmsford campus

Our striking, modern campus sits by the riverside in Chelmsford's University and Innovation Quarter.

Explore our Chelmsford campus

Fees & funding

Course fees

UK students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year)

£6,250

International students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year)

£9,050

Bench fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

  1. £500
  2. £1,200
  3. £2,200
  4. £4,500
  5. £8,900

Writing up fees 2024/25

£1,200

Funding

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU research

Join us for a Professional Doctorate and you’ll be joining a group of passionate researchers who are experts in their fields.

Our research-active staff are dedicated to producing relevant and significant outcomes and solutions that can be applied in the real business world.

Our four research centres are at the heart of knowledge generation in our business school, working on the latest research developments that emerge from challenges and issues in the business world. We rely on our close business partnerships to keep our research focused where it matters: improving business practice across the world. Our Professional Doctorate students play a part in constantly addressing the most relevant issues.

Learn more about the work we’re doing and how it could be significant to your organisation and professional development:

Looking for something else? Our schools cover all business subjects, with many of our people having professional backgrounds. Take a look at our School of Economics, Finance and Law people and our School of Management people to see our range of expertise.

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

Careers

This programme is based on the rationale that candidates will normally be in employment whilst they are undertaking it. In terms of employability, therefore, the aim of this course is twofold. First, to support career progression within the organisation and/or industry. Second, to support candidates who wish to embark on a portfolio career.

Research training is integral to this course and will let you develop transferable skills in research methods, report writing, academic publishing, conference presentations, personal effectiveness and more.

Read more about studying a Professional Doctorate.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Main

A Master’s degree in a related area, along with appropriate professional experience.

If English is not your first language, you’ll also need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning.

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International students

We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.

Improving your English language skills

If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

Suggested courses that may interest you

Get more information

UK applicants

01245 686868

Enquire online

International applicants

+44 1245 683680

Enquire online