The Doctorate of Business Administration is an online doctoral research programme of equivalent standing to the traditional Doctor of Philosophy. It features an integrated and structured programme of online study aimed at current and future leaders and managers who want to conduct original research relating to their professional context or area of managerial or business research practice.
The research component stage involves the implementation of the research proposal through rigorous data collection and analysis, leading to the production of a 60,000-word thesis that presents the candidate's research, learning, and contribution to knowledge.
Throughout the programme, candidates will be part of a diverse, supportive, and intellectually challenging research environment in Lincoln International Business School. In addition to the programme requirements, they are encouraged to engage in broader postgraduate training opportunities, present their work to academic audiences, and communicate the significance of their research to colleagues and peers.
Achieving the award of DBA is recognition not only of an original contribution to knowledge, but also of a candidate's ability to continue to undertake pure and/or applied research and development at doctoral level.
Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
Be part of a diverse and supportive research environment
Supervision and support from expert academic staff
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Online delivery via weekly workshops
The taught stage of the programme includes the following online modules:
- Becoming a Responsible Business Researcher
- Research Philosophy
- Advanced Quantitative Methods
- Advanced Qualitative Methods
- Developing Your Research Project
The thesis stage of the programme will require students to work independently, with the guidance of a supervisory team to deliver and present a final thesis for examination.
The programme is delivered online via weekly workshops during the taught phase. In addition, students will meet with their Director of Studies regularly and are expected to attend two online study days.
The programme features a range of assessment methods, including written assessments and oral presentations of research. The final thesis is examined in a viva voce oral examination.
Postgraduate Research Application Support
Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.
- A Bachelor's Honours degree (normally equivalent to a UK First Class or 2:1)
- A Master's or MBA
- A minimum of six years full-time management experience, showing significant career progression
- Spoken and written English-language competency equivalent to IELTS: 7.0 or TOEFL: 623 paper-based (or 106 internet-based).
These tests are not required as standard; however, all English language skills are automatically assessed through the nature of the admissions process and you would be advised on an individual basis if you were required to provide further evidence of your competency.
In limited circumstances, there is a degree of flexibility on some aspects of these requirements. This will be at the discretion of the Programme Leader.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.
Loans and Studentships
Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities and make a tangible difference to the world around us.
