Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Program Overview

The Henley DBA is a part-time doctoral degree designed to enhance executive practice through research application in business and management. The program includes two stages: coursework on research methods and qualitative/quantitative techniques, followed by a personal action research project and doctoral thesis. Graduates develop advanced research skills, contribute to theory and practice in their field, and enhance their professional capabilities for career advancement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Henley DBA is a part-time professional doctoral degree with an international scope and reputation. The program is designed to enhance executive and professional practice through the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in business and management. It enhances the capability to develop and apply knowledge and theory, and a key element of the DBA is a program of Personal Development in the context of rigorous and relevant research.

Objectives:

• Develop a sound understanding of the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of your chosen area of research into business and management.
• Create and interpret knowledge through original research.
• Enhance both your performance as a reflective practitioner and your professional practice.
• Develop personal competences to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level.
Also, to contribute to theory and practice in business and management.

Outline:

Stage 1

• Introduction to Academic Research
• Introduction to Research Design and Methodology
• Introduction to Qualitative Techniques
• Introduction to Quantitative Techniques
• Completing your Research - Contribution and Impact
• Personal Development

Stage 2

• Further developing own research area
• Personal Action Research Project

Teaching:

• The overall academic content and quality of your program will be led by the Director of the DBA Programme.
• The Doctoral Programme Team will support you throughout the process through to graduation.
• You will have support and guidance from two supervisors throughout the research process.

Careers:

• The program will be of particular benefit to experienced senior executives, consultants, management educators, and business school academics.
• A DBA from Henley will enhance professional capability and credibility.
You will develop networks and provide a firm foundation for further career development, or a major career move.
• Employers benefit from supporting candidates for the DBA by attracting, developing, and retaining key talent and building knowledge for competitive advantage.

Other:

• The DBA has both rigor and relevance as it contributes to theory and practice in business and management.
• The DBA typically focuses on research ‘in’ organizations rather than research ‘on’ organizations and is often cross-disciplinary.
• The Henley DBA has two distinct stages.
• The first five modules are to be completed within the first 18 months of the program.
• Each module has a number of assessed assignments.
• There are also additional optional modules available via the Graduate School.
• Confirmation of Registration – a formal milestone to be completed around Month 18-36 into the DBA.

2024/2025 DBA fees Year 1

£13,900

Year 2

£13,900

Year 3 £13,900 Year 4 £10,900 Year 5 £7,250 Year 6 £7,250 Year 6 + Additional registration beyond Year 6 would need to be approved by the PGR Dean and a continuation fee would apply.

• 10% discount for University of Reading alumni for Year 1 and Year 2

Applicants may be eligible to apply for funding/student loans: Doctoral loans – Doctoral and Researcher College (reading.ac.uk) Student Finance GOV.UK (or please check information in your country of residence)