A candidate should possess at least a Masteral qualification (preferably in business studies) and five (5) years’ managerial work experience. All candidates are considered on individual merits.

DBA is designed to enable a significant contribution to be made towards the enhancement of professional practice in the area of management. Thus, the research undertaken has to be rigorous to be worthy of a Doctorate and immediately relevant to the world of management through addressing real problems.

This course is consequently ideal for executives who want to apply detailed comprehension of business strategy and research tools to their organisations. The DBA will enable you to use research methods to identify, assess and put into action the strategies necessary for your business.

There are three ways of obtaining a DBA from Warnborough College, which may be undertaken by distance learning: by research, instruction, or projects.

OPTION ONE : RESEARCH BY DISTANCE LEARNING

Candidates must research an area of choice according to a proposal submitted to and approved by the Research Committee. Candidates may work with a self-appointed or Warnborough-allocated mentor throughout the entire process. The intended research outcome should demonstrate competence in the subject area at an advanced level and/or contribute towards new or existing knowledge. A dissertation of at least 70,000 words must be submitted for examination on completion. Dissertations are examined externally.

This option should only be chosen if candidates have good research skills and academic writing ability.

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OPTION TWO: MODULES BY DISTANCE LEARNING

This option is split into four parts: a primer module in research; 5 core modules; 1 case study; and a final project/dissertation. Candidates must have a recognised MBA,  or business-related Master’s prior to taking this option. Candidates must complete 160 credits in order to graduate.

A. Primer Module (8 credits)
RES700 Research in Action

B. Core Modules (10 credits each)

DBA800 Organisational Culture and CSR
DBA810 Advanced Corporate Strategy
DBA820 Advanced Corporate Finance
DBA830 Strategic Innovation
DBA840 Strategic Leadership
DBA850 International Business

C. Case Study (30 credits)
DBA880 Case Study
Candidates are required to undertake and complete a comprehensive case study.

D. Dissertation (72 credits)
Candidates are required to generate a research proposal for a larger scale project of their choice. Upon approval, they will conduct a substantive investigation into the area of specialisation. Results should be written up in the form of a dissertation of not less than 20,000 words.

OPTION THREE: INDIVIDUALISED PROJECTS BY DISTANCE LEARNING

This option allows the individual candidate to undertake four agreed research topics relating to their area of specialisation plus attendance at two residential workshops.

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Successful completion of 160 credits enables candidates to graduate with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree.

This program is conducted by distance learning. There are online study materials available for each module. Candidates have access to a personal tutor for each individual module.

The program is run by the Faculty of Business and Management with a core of experienced and highly-qualified mentors.