The DBA course has a strong and committed focus on managerial and professional practice and seeks to link the rigorous study of work-based problems and issues to personal and professional development, thereby ensuring transfer of learning into organisational and managerial practice.
This course will provide you with a:
- differentiated approach to continuous personal and professional development
- practical perspective
- stimulating environment, challenging traditional management understanding
- supportive research community.
The DBA encourages participants to challenge currently assumed knowledge and understanding of management. We support individuals' commitment to finding new, innovative and personal responses to their organisational and managerial roles.
Nottingham Business School's DBA provides a supportive environment, encouraging networking between peers, academics and guest speakers.
Watch our video to find out more about the DBA 
Studying in Dubai
In addition to the UK based programme, Nottingham Business School also delivers the DBA in collaboration with an educational services partner in Dubai. Study under this route will allow you to undertake the bulk of your DBA programme including scheduled workshops locally in the United Arab Emirates.
For further information on start dates, course fees and the application form for the Dubai programme please contact Stafford Associates.
Any questions?
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Please note the following information for applicants
Course content
The taught element of the course focuses on supporting research design and application through examining current and topical methodological questions and debates. This element is provided by the School's leading Professors and Researchers. By way of support for your research, you will be assigned two supervisors who provide specialist subject knowledge and expertise in designing and conducting Management research.
How do you study?
The course delivery has been designed to meet the needs of participants in demanding jobs. A series of five modules delivered in short study blocks, three of which last for two days and two for four days, represent the taught element over the first two years of the course. Both four-day modules are delivered as a pair of two-day study blocks.
Modules
- Introduction to the DBA and Project
- Critical Review and Conceptual Development
- Research Methodology and Non-Survey Based Research
- Survey-Based and Statistical Research
- Thesis and Critical Reflection
Assessment
You will submit six pieces of work (documents) for assessment during the three or four years of the course. The six documents all focus on a common Management theme or issue. The documents are as follows:
- definition and mapping of research issues and a research plan
- critical literature review and conceptual frameworks
- report on a piece of survey based research
- report on a piece of field research (ethnographic/interpretative)
- a thesis
- a reflective journal.
DBA tailored to corporate organisations
Our DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is a prime example of how we enable individuals to achieve respected qualifications while undertaking research that's focused on, and beneficial to, their organisations and sectors.
The course has been running since 1998 but in 2007 we launched the first cohort purely recruited from China. Students are taught in Nottingham whilst carrying out research in their organisations in China, which include major brands like Nike, Intel and Motorola. Feedback has been excellent and we're developing a similar programme in the Czech Republic.
For more information contact +44 (0)115 848 8139 or email us.
Graduates will enhance their career prospects and many are promoted within their chosen fields. Some graduates use the qualification to switch to working in a different economic sector, or to become an academic.
This course does not offer placements, however the DBA has a strong focus on managerial and professional practice.
Further entry requirements:
- MPhil, MBA or Masters-level degree in Business, Management or Organisation Studies
- experience in a post that includes the practice or observation of managerial responsibilities
- the ability to conduct research and write a thesis at doctoral level.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses at Nottingham Business School and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
How to apply
You will need to complete the online application form using the apply online button at the top of this page.
