The Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) offers an intellectually rigorous route to developing original research grounded in professional practice.
Delivered entirely online with flexible full-time and part-time options, the programme enables experienced professionals to integrate academic theory and knowledge with practical insight, leading to meaningful impact in their organisations and sectors.
Building on the MRes in Social Research Methods, the DBA equips students with robust methodological and analytical skills.
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 Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse and the Centre for the Art of Living and Dying Well.
- Each student is supported by a dedicated supervisory team and a personal tutor.
Dr Jacob Johanssen
Associate Professor in Communications
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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
This programme can only be taken upon completion of the MRes in Social Research Methods at Level 7. Successful admission is conditional to completing the MRes or having an equivalent qualification.
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.
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;
An undergraduate 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.
Evidence of proficiency in spoken and written English at IELTS 6.5 in accordance with St Mary’s standards for English language requirements.
Two professional referees.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
Additional costs
*Please note: September 2026 fees will be published shortly. Based on similar programmes, fees in September 2025 are £3,630 for home students and £8,640 for international students. Tuition 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
We apply a range of teaching methods across the different modules. Most frequently, a one-hour lecture will be followed up by smaller seminar discussion groups. These allow for further in-depth study and application of learned skills.
The programme also offers interactive workshops and we place a strong emphasis on the doing and practicality of research with expert guidance from academics.
As an online-only course, all sessions will be recorded so that students can access any material they may have missed or wish to view again.
Other group tutorial sessions are held throughout the year to support students in their development of critical research, writing, and reading skills. They too are recorded so students can view them when suitable for their work and study schedule.
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.
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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