Course Overview

Advance your professional career by pursuing the highest academic qualification in the field of business and management. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), is a part-time doctoral programme designed specifically for senior managers and consultants who wish to undertake advanced academic study whilst remaining in full-time employment.

This programme may be completed within a period of four to seven years, depending on your chosen pace of study.

Academically equivalent to a PhD, the DBA entitles you to adopt the title ‘Dr.’ upon successful completion. The academic journey includes lectures, guided reading, collaborative group activities, case studies, video analyses, discussions on current affairs, and student presentations. You will develop practical research skills and gain the ability to critically analyse real-world business challenges.

If you are an experienced professional working in business, industry, or the public sector, and are seeking a research-focused, part-time postgraduate degree leading to a professional doctorate, the UCLan DBA could be the ideal route for you.

Course Structure

The DBA is divided into two distinct stages:

Stage 1 – Taught Element (Years 1–2)

This stage comprises six core modules, delivered on a part-time basis across two years. Teaching is conducted through a combination of intensive four-day workshops and independent study.

Modules Include:

• The Reflexive Practitioner
  Enhances self-reflection and critical thinking skills, fostering your development as a reflective and research-led practitioner.
• Management, Rhetoric, Policy and Practice
  Critically examines theories and practices of management, with a focus on developing analytical and academic writing competencies.
• Research Methodologies and Design
  Introduces key research philosophies and methodological approaches relevant to business and management studies.
• Qualitative Research Methods
  Provides an understanding of qualitative techniques and their relevance to achieving research objectives.
• Quantitative Research Methods
  Focuses on data collection, analysis, and interpretation, including workshops on survey methods and questionnaire development.
• Advanced Management Literature
  Encourages critical engagement with influential management literature and teaches you how to produce a structured literature review.

Stage 2 – Research Element (Years 3–7)

During this stage, you will undertake independent research to produce a doctoral thesis. Working under the guidance of a Director of Studies and a supervisory team, you will explore a significant issue within the realms of business, management, or professional practice. Your thesis must provide a substantial contribution to academic knowledge and practical application.

Mode of Study

The DBA is delivered via block teaching sessions at UCLan’s Preston Campus, supported by highly experienced, research-active academic staff. You will benefit from:

• Access to UCLan’s comprehensive library and digital learning resources
• A vibrant academic community and networking opportunities
• Social, cultural, and recreational university facilities

Stage 1 promotes collaborative learning through action learning sets with fellow professionals, while Stage 2 focuses on supervised, independent research.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have:

• A relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification)
• Considerable senior-level professional experience
• A keen interest in applied research and leadership in business or public service

Course Fees

For the most current information regarding tuition fees, payment options, and available funding for the DBA programme, please contact the University of Central Lancashire or visit the official university website.

Begin Your Doctoral Journey

Whether you’re looking to expand your academic credentials, influence business strategy, or drive innovation in your field, the UCLan DBA offers a rigorous yet flexible pathway to achieving your goals.