The DBA is delivered in two progressive stages:

The Upgrade Stage (First 12 Months)

Every candidate completes an upgrade viva, presenting and defending their detailed research proposal. This ensures a strong foundation for the doctoral journey.

• Bi-weekly online supervision and a virtual learning environment support students throughout.
• Core areas include: Advanced Research Methods, Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis, Strategic Management, Organisational Theory, and AI in Business & Education.
• A comprehensive literature review and formal thesis proposal are completed within the first two years.

The Doctoral Stage (Years 2–4)

Candidates then focus on producing and defending their doctoral thesis. The final viva normally occurs 1–6 years after the upgrade, providing flexibility for part-time professionals.

A Streamlined Path to Doctoral Success

The MBA to DBA pathway combines professional relevance with academic excellence — enabling students to progress from master’s to doctorate within just over four years, supported by expert supervision, flexible online learning, and a global professional network..