DBA Doctorate of Business Administration

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) offers a modern path to a doctoral qualification, providing a professional equivalent to a PhD. This programme helps experienced professionals use practical research effectively, aiming to make them influential business leaders. 

The course helps students connect academic ideas with real-world professional work, helping to create skilled thinkers and leaders across public, private, and non-profit organisations, covering topics like business ethics, sustainability, and governance.

The course is structured with taught modules during the first two years, followed by independent, practical research completed within a student's workplace or organisation in the third and fourth years. In the early stages, students study leadership and management in depth, examining current theories and learning about research methods. Evaluation includes various research training sessions to improve skills in collecting and analysing information, with modules focusing on both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CVs along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.

Grade Requirements: 

• Applicants typically need a UK Honours degree classified at 2:1 or higher (or an equivalent International qualification) in a relevant subject. 
• Additionally, candidates should possess three to five years of work experience in a management position. 
• Applications are also accepted from individuals with relevant professional experience or informal learning, even if they don't meet the entry standards. 

English Proficiency: 

• If English is not your primary language, you need to demonstrate your English language ability by having an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no individual component score below 6.0. 
• Other equivalent English language qualifications, like PTE and TOEFL, are also accepted.

For the Academic Year 2025/26, the tuition fee for international students taking the Glasgow Caledonian University DBA course is £12,600 per year.

Glasgow Caledonian University offers various bursaries and scholarships to support its postgraduate students, though each award has specific application and eligibility rules. Available support includes an Early Payment Discount for those paying fees promptly, and a New to GCU Postgraduate reduction for international students from certain countries.

Additionally, returning students can benefit from a generous Student Loyalty Discount, while the Postgraduate Ambassador Scholarship offers full tuition fee support. Other options like the GREAT Scholarships and the Chancellor Yunus Scholarship also provide funding for specific postgraduate programmes.

Graduates holding a DBA are exceptionally well-positioned for senior leadership and strategic roles across various sectors, and can work as:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Strategic Planning Director
• Business Research Head
• Management Consultant
• Operations Director
• Senior Policy Advisor

Applications for the DBA at Glasgow Caledonian University should be submitted through the university's online application portal. Our trained counsellors are available to help you.