Doctor of Business Administration

Reach the apex of business academia and gain the title that solidifies your position as a leader in global thought and practice. The UH Online DBA is designed for experienced professionals who want to combine their leadership skills with advanced research expertise. By contributing groundbreaking research, you’ll shape business practices that define the future while maintaining your career and commitments.

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This 100% online doctoral programme empowers you to explore, develop, and refine innovative management practices that solve real-world problems. Join a global network of professionals and business scholars and become a Doctor of Business Administration.

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The University of Hertfordshire Business School is a proud affiliate of the AACSB alliance and Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

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A Transformative Research Journey

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The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Hertfordshire is a rigorous, research-driven programme designed for experienced professionals who aspire to become thought leaders in business and management. Delivered 100% online and part-time, the DBA allows you to conduct impactful research while continuing to excel in your career.

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Unlike a traditional PhD, the DBA is practice-oriented, equipping you with both theoretical depth and practical expertise to tackle complex organisational challenges. Across five years of study, you’ll develop advanced research methodologies, refine your critical thinking skills, and produce groundbreaking research that contributes to both academia and industry.

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How the DBA is Structured

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The programme is divided into three key phases, each designed to build upon the last, ensuring a smooth and structured research journey.

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Year 1: Establishing Research Foundations

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Your journey begins with six structured units that will help you transition from a practitioner to a scholar-practitioner. During this phase, you will:

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✔ Develop an in-depth understanding of research methods and ethical research practices.
✔ Explore the academic landscape and learn to evaluate existing literature in your field.
✔ Identify a viable research topic and construct a well-defined research proposal.

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🔹 Assessment: The year culminates in a 6,000-word First Progress Report, ensuring your research is viable for doctoral-level study.

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Units Studied in Year 1

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• Becoming an Effective Scholar-Practitioner – Learn how to transition from a professional role to an academic researcher.
• Understanding the Mechanics of the Research Process – Develop a structured approach to research design and methodology.
• Making Sense of the Literature – Master the art of reviewing and synthesising academic research.
• Exploring Research Methodologies and Methods – Refine your research approach, choosing appropriate methodologies.
• Being an Ethical Researcher – Understand the principles of ethical research and integrity in academia.
• Progression Planning for Future Years – Lay the groundwork for the next stages of your DBA.

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Years 2–3: Conducting Advanced Research

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‍Having established a solid research foundation, you will advance into more complex research design, data collection, and analysis. You’ll gain hands-on experience in conducting empirical research, refining your methodology, and contextualising your findings.

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🔹 Assessment: By the end of Year 3, you will submit your Second Progress Report (6,000 words), demonstrating your research findings and readiness for the final phase.

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‍Units Studied in Years 2–3

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• Advanced Research Design and Data Collection – Strengthen your ability to structure and execute research.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation – Learn techniques for qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Communicating Research Findings – Develop the skills to present and publish research effectively.
• Contextualising Research in Practice – Apply your research to real-world business environments.
• Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Research – Explore innovative research across disciplines.
• Preparing for the Second Progress Assessment – Consolidate research findings and prepare for assessment.

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Years 4–5: Completing and Defending Your Thesis

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‍The final two years are dedicated to the completion of your doctoral thesis. You will refine your research, articulate your findings, and prepare for your viva voce (oral defence).

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🔹 Final Assessment: You will submit an 80,000-word doctoral thesis and defend it in a viva examination, solidifying your status as a Doctor of Business Administration.

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‍Units Studied in Years 4–5

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• Refining Research Questions and Scope – Ensure your research remains relevant and impactful.
• Writing the Doctoral Thesis – Develop a structured, high-quality dissertation.
• Addressing Critical Feedback – Incorporate feedback from supervisors and reviewers.
• Preparing for the Viva Examination – Build confidence to defend your research before a panel.
• Translating Research into Impact – Learn how to apply and communicate your findings in practice.
• Achieving Your Doctorate – Finalise your research journey and meet submission standards.

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A Pathway to Leadership and Impact

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‍Throughout the DBA, you will be supported by a dedicated supervisory team, peer collaborations, and a structured research framework that ensures steady progress. Whether you aspire to become a business leader, consultant, or academic, this programme equips you with the highest level of expertise in business and management research.Take the next step in your journey and become a global authority in business with the University of Hertfordshire's DBA.

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