The Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) offers an intellectually rigorous route to developing original research grounded in professional practice.
Delivered entirely online with a flexible part-time mode of study, the programme enables experienced professionals to integrate academic theory and knowledge with practical insight, leading to meaningful impact in their organisations and sectors. The DBA equips students with robust methodological and analytical skills.
The programme consists of two parts. Students first complete the MRes in Social Research Methods in the first two years where they will take a range of modules and complete a research proposal for their doctoral project. Subject to an interview, they then progress to doctoral study and complete the Professional Doctorate in Business Administration.
Through a combination of structured online modules, specialist supervision, and engagement with St Mary’s vibrant research community, students become reflective practitioner-researchers capable of driving evidence-based change in complex business environments.
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- The DBA bridges the gap between theory and real-world application. Students design research projects rooted in their own professional experience and practice, generating outcomes that both advance academic understanding and deliver tangible value to organisations.
- Designed for working professionals, the programme’s distance-learning format allows students to balance study, work, and personal commitments. Recorded lectures, live seminars, and one-to-one supervisory meetings ensure a rich, interactive learning experience accessible from anywhere in the world.
- Students benefit from an active research culture within the School of Business and Law, including access to events, seminar series, interdisciplinary workshops, and two research centres: Bakhita Centre for Slavery, Safety and Social Justice and the Centre for the Art of Living and Dying Well.
- Each student is supported by a dedicated supervisory team and a personal tutor.
Interested in obtaining a Professional Doctorate (Prof Doc) but not sure it is for you? Find answers to your most asked questions and explore our options.
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Course content
Modules
The course modules cover a range of social research topics and include an assessment module:
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
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A 1000-word outline of your professional context and possible areas of research that offer potential for you to demonstrate how the research could transform your practice;
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A CV which demonstrates that you have at least three years’ significant and relevant experience in a professional area appropriate to the programme of study;
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A Master’s degree which matches the descriptor for a Level 7 qualification in the UK Framework of Higher Education Qualifications; OR An equivalent academic qualification; OR Evidence of equivalent experience and learning acquired in a professional context;
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Evidence of proficiency in spoken and written English at IELTS 6.5 in accordance with St Mary’s standards for English language requirements; and,
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Two professional referees.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£3,720
International
£3,720
Additional costs
Please note: Due to the nature of research degrees tuition fees are subject to change in future years. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
Assessment methods
The assessment strategy is intended to build student skills in rigorous and original research; it is also designed to foster a critical integration of academic and professional knowledge and values. Thus, critical reflection on the student’s own practice is a sustained element of the assessment strategy, alongside assignments designed to enhance skills and knowledge in selected fields of study and in the theory and practice of research. Assessment will derive from reflection and discussion about key matters relating to research and professional interests.
You will be assessed using a range of different assessment methods in relation to social research, for instance project reports, reviews of academic work, research proposals, policy briefs, and essays.
Who teaches this course?
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped to lead evidence-based innovation and strategic transformation across public, private and non-profit sectors. The programme develops advanced research, analytical and leadership skills that are directly applicable to senior management, consultancy and policy roles.
Students may use the programme to enhance their professional standing within their current organisation, while others progress into academic or advisory positions, contribute to board-level decision-making, or pursue portfolio careers combining teaching, research and executive work.
Ongoing support from St Mary’s Careers Service and academic mentors helps students to plan their professional development and translate their research into impactful career outcomes.
Apply now
September
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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