工商管理博士 (DBA) Doctor of Business Administration

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

UWTSD Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an exciting opportunity for experienced managers to further their qualifications, combining research and practical reflective activities. It is a professional doctorate which provides a structured programme of study through taught modules, closely integrated with an individual’s professional career development. It is widely recognised as the pinnacle of qualifications in the world of business and management. This DBA programme is designed to meet the needs of professionals working in Business Administration and Management related areas.

DBA vs PhD
According to the Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement (2015) from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, DBA is cited as an example of a professional and practice-based (or practitioners) doctorate, which are described as providing an opportunity for individuals to situate professional knowledge developed over time in a theoretical academic framework. PhD, however, is an example of a subject specialist doctorate requiring candidates to make an original contribution to knowledge by conducting an independent research project.

The DBA therefore offers a relevant and manageable doctorate for managers who may feel the traditional PhD is not relevant to their career needs and ambitions.

Integration of Theory and Practice
The integration of both theories and practices of management enables in-service executives to gain management knowledge, expertise and insights they require to take on the personal and professional challenges of their future lives and careers. The programme is designed by experts in management education at UWTSD and built on engaged scholarship and evidence-based management to enable students to solve practical issues and complex business problems, with a focus on the development of applied research skills in interdisciplinary areas.

Strong Research Supervision Support
Supervision policy and arrangement are designed in a way to ensure that students’ progress and skills acquisition are closely reviewed and due assistance will be offered. In the research stage, every student will be assigned to a supervisory team of two members, a Director of Studies and a supervisor, approved by the University Research Degrees Committee. The Director of Studies will act as Lead Supervisor to support the student on a pastoral level and for the administrative oversight of the supervision. The second supervisor will act as adviser to provide expertise in a particular facet of the research, assist the candidate in the development of reflective skills, and act as the main supervisor in the absence of the Director of Studies. Regular formal supervisory sessions will be arranged to enhance the communications between students and supervisors.

English Language Requirements

• Completion of a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification within the last 5 years, taught in the medium of English; or
• Completion of a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification over 5 years ago, taught in the medium of English, with the provision of evidence that English is maintained in current
• professional practice; or
• An overall English language level equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no lower than 6.5 in reading and writing, and with no lower than 5.5 in listening or speaking*

Important Dates
Deadline for Application: 28 April 2025 (Tentative)
Programme Commencement Date: 1 June 2025 (Tentative)

Programme Timetables#

Part 1: 6 taught modules
6 taught modules are delivered sequentially over 3 semesters in 12 months. Classes for each module are scheduled over 2 weekends.
A typical module cycle:
Activity           Duration per module
Lectures        - 30 hours total
                      - 4 - 5 full days
                      - Across 2 weekends (Sat & Sun)
Assignments - 3 - 4 weeks' time to complete
Total duration 6 weeks

Part 2: Dissertation
Normally completed in 2 years.