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Overview
Are you a private or public sector management professional looking to advance your career as you work? This Global Professional Doctorate in Business Administration uses scheduled teaching and independent research to help you do just that.
In your first part of the course, you will engage in online learning and synchronous (live online) classes with our experts to study and learn about specific topics, before conducting an applied, work-based research project that focuses on topics directly relevant to your organisation in the following years.
You'll develop your professional knowledge and skills as you learn, benefiting both your own career as well as your current employer.
The research on this course addresses real business issues — so you'll help solve organisational problems in your current workplace by providing research outcomes that are directly relevant to your organisation.
When you apply for this course you'll typically be working at a senior or executive level in your organisation, already hold a postgraduate qualification, and be keen to take your management and professional development to new levels.
Course highlights
- Provide business solutions in your workplace because of your research
- Contribute to applied management research and understanding
- Develop your business and research knowledge
- Showcase your expertise with a prestigious doctoral degree
- Advance your management career
- Connect with peers studying and conducting research across different sectors
The Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a wonderful opportunity to research a business problem in a way that not only enables you to develop potential solutions to that problem, but also to influence your practice and profession.
Accreditation
Postgraduate Research Degrees Webinars
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Contact Information
Contact Student Recruitment CentreEntry requirements
DBA Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (Distance Learning) entry requirements
- A postgraduate level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate management related subject.
- All applicants require 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.
All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- A postgraduate level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate management related subject.
- All applicants require 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.
All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- A postgraduate level qualification or equivalent in an appropriate management related subject.
- All applicants require 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.
All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
-
Home/CI part-time students: £8,200 p/a*
- International and EU part-time students: £9,300 p/a*
*All fees are subject to annual increase.
If you're an EU student you may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
Please note, we will confirm September 2027 fees soon.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Modules (indicative)
What you'll study
Core modules
This 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).
These are a fundamental part of the DBA. A successful research project at doctoral level requires a significant step up from the levels of skill, knowledge and competence that you will have achieved in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Advanced Research Techniques module involves study of different research designs and techniques. This will enable you to plan and undertake your professional research and development project complete your thesis. The Advanced Research Techniques sessions are essential for you to complete the DBA programme.
Through lectures and seminars, you'll learn how to structure compelling papers and presentations for scholarly and commercial audiences. You'll hone your academic voice and storytelling skills by drafting a prototype article to submit to peers for feedback.
You'll consider which journals or magazines best align with your research contributions and explore all stages of the publication process — from editorial needs to open debate through conferences.
Ultimately, this module supports you to produce content ready for dissemination, and prepares you to launch your credible voice and enrich dialogue in your field.
You'll reflect on and consolidate your prior learning while preparing a costed, coherent, realistic, achievable and well-argued proposal for a programme of professional research and development. This proposal must have been successfully completed in order to be approved by the formal Progression Board.
Core modules
Building on your approved proposal, conduct ethical investigative work on meaningful business issues. With ongoing support and training, fully own the research process - implementing your selected methodology to collect and analyse data.
Leverage learning to discuss findings authoritatively, challenging assumptions in your field. Ultimately, you'll contribute significant solutions that advance complex real-world practice.
By conquering this self-directed project, you'll demonstrate the research skills, critical thinking and expert command of knowledge to lead progress in your specialism. The doctoral thesis will be your springboard for lifelong professional development.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
The doctoral journey has opened up a number of doors along the way that would not otherwise have been available — I got chapters published in a couple of books, got to edit a book, and I got to connect and build relationships with some of the key writers and researchers in my field.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you will probably be juggling multiple demands and commitments when you do this degree, as you may be working or have family responsibilities.
We will give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on online and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
The course has three entry points in January, May and September.
On this course you'll study taught modules, explore research methodology, and conduct research.
This part-time programme involves completion of four taught modules, followed by a research phase of between four and six years depending on how you progress through the course.
The course has two key stages:
Stage 1 — Taught modules
You will engage with four taught modules each lasting 10-weeks. You will engage with scheduled online learning and teaching activities and complete assessments.
You can expect:
- to study in four ten-week blocks online
- to attend an in person study week in October
- to attend online workshops and discussion forums
Stage 2 — Research phase
In the following years you will conduct research and undertake a final assessment. Your research is likely to involve independent study within your own organisation,
In this stage you are not required to attend scheduled teaching but you will meet regularly with your supervisor online.
Typically, you will study for four years in the research phase of the course, but there is no minimum registration in the research phase. This means you could submit your completed thesis at any time during this period of study. You could also request up to an additional two years to complete this phase.
Teaching
How you're assessed
In your first year you'll be assessed through:
- coursework assignments
In further years, you'll be assessed through:
- research-based report, submitted in your final year
The DBA program acted as a catalyst for my professional career.
Thanks to the program I not only learned many new skills methodologically, but was able to become an expert in my research topic: the field of Risk Management of Leasing Companies.
I still benefit from this today and am now active as the managing director of a medium-sized leasing company.
Supporting you
During your first year you'll have a mentor to help you develop your research topic and prepare you for the research phase of the course. After the first year you'll be guided by a team of two academic supervisors.
You'll also connect with a small group of 3 or 4 peers who are at the same stage of DBA research as you, where you'll benefit from sharing ideas and learning experiences.
Doctoral Development Programme
The Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) offers free online and in-person training, workshops and special interest groups to support students at all stages of their research degrees.
Topics include:
- research design
- doctoral process
- career development
Training is delivered by expert tutors.
Professional and Distance Learning Online Community
Students studying postgraduate research degrees part-time or at a distance are invited to join our Professional and Distance Learning Online Community. From workshops and writing retreats to drop-ins and forums, facilitated by industry experts, this community can help support you through your studies.
Research Centres and Institutes
You are welcome and encouraged to join the Research Centre that is closer to your research area. Please see our Research Centres and Institutes below:
The Centre for Equitable Sustainability at the University of Portsmouth aims to achieve world-class standing in the field of sustainability, focusing on engendering action and innovation to address the challenges that hinder our journey toward an equitable and sustainable society.
At the heart of our centre’s objectives is the proposal of scalable solutions for sustainable development challenges. We aim to provide agile and evidence-based response to sustainability police needs and wicked sustainability problems. We will prioritise areas such as sustainable consumption and production, global equity, justice and inclusion, sustainable infrastructure, energy, climate change governance, as well as biodiversity and wildlife protection.
The University of Portsmouth’s Artificial Intelligence and its Practical Applications (AIPA) Hub brings together diverse areas of expertise in the development and use of AI from across the University.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been an active and exciting branch of research. Now more than ever, AI is in the spotlight as a technology that is about to make a significant impact on all aspects of life.
AI’s practical applications touch us all on a daily basis, and its effects spread across a whole range of societal and industrial sectors. From health and wellbeing to entertainment and education, to business and logistics, recent and ongoing advancements in the field mean that businesses and industries are increasingly looking at the ways that AI research can be used to innovate the workplace and society in general.
The Hub comprises more than 50 academic staff from all five faculties of the University.
In the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics (CORL), we're using our expertise in analytics, data, algorithms, system design, simulation, modelling, programming and forecasting to help organisations around the world make better decisions.
At a time when businesses are facing ever-more complex questions – around issues such as technology, efficiency and sustainability – we're working closely with partners in the public and private sector to solve their problems and challenges.
At CORL, experts in mathematics, technology, business and industrial research work on research that spans many potential applications. Recent projects have explored ways to make transport systems more efficient and how analytics can be used to improve healthcare and renewable energy.
Global warming, pandemics, recurrent financial crises, and new web-based technology – in response to a world in constant flux, The Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Finance (CISF) is undertaking research that helps governments, organisations, individuals and society adapt to the evolving national and international financial landscape.
Finance – as both an academic discipline and a tool for modern economic governance – has never been more important. Finance theory plays a fundamental role in understanding topics such as Fintech, green investment, cybercrime, ethical finance, money laundering, personal credit, national solvency and issues of Environmental, Social and Governance sustainability.
While maintaining a strong foundation in traditional Finance research, the centre will engage in cross-disciplinary and collaborative investigations into these and related fields, with the aim of developing a portfolio of projects that will place the CISF at the forefront of theoretical development.
We also aim to support and inspire researchers at all career stages in the creation of new knowledge, and our innovative research underpins and strengthens our PhD programmes, enabling our doctoral researchers to acquire the up-to-date skills and specialist knowledge essential for careers in Finance and related fields.
Members of the centre have internationally recognised expertise in diverse areas of Finance, investigating both classical and contemporary issues, and have had impactful research published in international journals – with notable success in the areas of Climate Finance, ESG, Corporate Governance and Corporate Finance. Recent research has been funded by major funding bodies, including the British Academy and British Council.
Our members have already developed solid relationships with prominent institutions and organisations both in the UK and globally, including the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, NASDAQ, the EU and overseas governments. Collaborations have included co-organising events (eg conferences / workshops), delivering expert talks on topical issues and providing consultancy services.
In addition, our members have forged links with research centres across the University – including the Portsmouth Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, the Centre for Blue Governance, the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics, School of Computing, and the School of Education and Sociology.
To read more about the centre and to see our full list of recent projects and publications, visit our Research Portal.
The Centre for Cybercrime and Economic Crime (CCEC) was founded in 2022 to bring together our extensive knowledge in these areas, and to enhance research, teaching and innovation in these fields.
Our aim is to harness, coordinate and develop the cybercrime and economic crime expertise across the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the wider University, including the School of Computing, the Department of Psychology, and the Faculty of Business and Law.
CCEC also enables greater multidisciplinary working and cooperation between the many other pockets of interest related to cybercrime and economic crime across the University and beyond.
As one the largest groups of active researchers in these areas in the UK, our members are at the forefront of researching and understanding the challenges posed by cybercrime and economic crime. Their work contributes to solutions that address these risks and enhance societal and organisational security and resilience.
CCEC incorporates and builds upon the work of the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies, and includes our Cybercrime Awareness Clinic.
Our members have also developed links with Korean academics to jointly study issues in cybercrime and economic crime.
The Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) offers global perspectives on the major social transformations of the past and present, specialising in research into cross-border transnational and supranational dimensions of Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. With strong roots in Area Studies, CEISR provides a unique interdisciplinary space for scholars in the humanities and social sciences to identify thematic synergies that break free from disciplinary silos. In doing so, the centre focuses on three core thematic research areas: marginality, inequality and security.
In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, our entry in Area Studies was ranked as the Top Modern UK University for Overall Quality by Grade Point Average (GPA) and research power, and 2nd across all UK universities for research power, according to Times Higher Education. 100% of our impact was rated as having outstanding or very considerable reach and significance.
CEISR’s annual calendar has as its key focus two high profile events: the CEISR Annual Lecture and the CEISR Public Lecture. These high profile events underscore CEISR’s research focus on marginality, inequality and security and its contribution to the building of civic engagement with the humanities and social sciences at the University of Portsmouth.
Partnerships and collaboration
CEISR works with a number of external stakeholders including Chatham House, The European Parliament, The West Africa Peace and Security Network, and Friends Without Borders. CEISR hosts a number of Area Studies PhD students each year through the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (with the Universities of Southampton and Brighton).
More Research Centres
You can find more information about more of our research centres operating in the University of Portsmouth.
Library Resources for Researchers
The University Library website has a dedicated section for support for researchers, with links and resources designed specifically for those undertaking research.
IT Help
Our IT Support Team are always on hand to help with managing your University account, and their IT Help pages have guidance on the University VPN, studying anywhere, accessing software including Zoom, and much more.
Resources for Postgraduate Researchers
In this handy list of PGR resources you can find lots more information about University services via MyPort, including guidance and support for health and wellbeing, international student support and careers support.
For more information about Resources for postgraduate research students feel free to browse our page.
Apply
Before you start your application you'll need the following documentation:
- A research proposal and a personal statement
- Proof of your first degree and grades (officially certified and translated copies if not in English)
- Proof of a relevant postgraduate degree with at least 60 credits having been completed
- Details of 2 referees or 2 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
Before applying you should email Dr Alan Tait on [email protected] to discuss your project ideas.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
To start this course in January 2027 - please contact us
To start this course in May 2027 - please contact us
To start this course in September 2027 - please contact us
Prefer to study in person?
You can also study Professional Doctorate in Business Administration DBA on campus.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.