Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Today’s organisations operate in an environment shaped by rapid digital transformation, global competition, regulatory complexity, and constant disruption. Senior leaders are expected not only to manage change, but to create knowledge, lead innovation, and make evidence-based decisions.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for experienced professionals who want to go beyond traditional management education and apply doctoral-level research directly to real industry challenges.
This programme enables candidates to transform professional experience into rigorous, actionable research that delivers measurable impact within organisations, industries, and markets.
Why This DBA Matters
Unlike traditional doctoral programs that focus primarily on theory, this DBA is built around industry-driven research.
Candidates work on real problems drawn from their own organisations or sectors—such as strategy execution, leadership transformation, digitalisation, governance, sustainability, or organisational performance—and develop research-based solutions that can be implemented in practice.
The programme supports professionals who aim to:
-
Strengthen strategic decision-making through research
-
Lead organisational transformation with evidence-based insights
-
Contribute original knowledge to their industry or profession
-
Advance careers in executive leadership, consulting, or higher education
Program Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers 17 specialized majors and focuses on applied, practice-oriented research in business administration and management.
The curriculum is structured into two key phases:
Phase 1 - Advanced Coursework and Professional Development
-
Strengthen critical and strategic thinking
-
Integrate contemporary management theory with professional practice
-
Develop advanced analytical and decision-making capabilities
Candidates undertake in-depth study across eight core modules in management and organisational studies. This phase aims to:
Phase 2 - Doctoral Research and Thesis
-
Address real-world business or managerial challenges
-
Apply rigorous research methodology
-
Produce practical insights, models, or frameworks with organisational impact
During the research phase, candidates complete an original doctoral thesis aligned with their professional context, industry, or sector of expertise.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration will:
-
Demonstrate doctoral-level research competence
-
Possess in-depth expertise in their chosen specialisation
-
Apply research-based solutions to complex organisational issues
-
Enhance their professional and academic standing in leadership, consulting, or teaching roles
After completing the foundational coursework, the program places strong emphasis on independent and applied research tailored to the candidate’s professional interests.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the Doctor of Business Administration program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-
Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution or an equivalent qualification aligned with EQF Level 7
-
Applicants with non-standard qualifications may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with ULDP policies
-
Degrees from unaccredited institutions or diploma mills will not be accepted
-
Admission decisions are made following an individual review of each applicant’s academic and professional profile
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
-
CEFR Level B2 or equivalent
-
IELTS 6.5 (with Reading and Writing at 6.5 or above) or equivalent
-
TOEFL iBT 101 or equivalent
Tuitionfees
Tuitionfees are subject to ULDP policies and may be revised without prior notice. Scholarships may be available for eligible applicants.
-
Application Fee: €400
-
Program Fee: €12,000
-
Payment Options: 2 Installments
Shaping Your Doctoral Journey
The DBA program at ULDP enables candidates to design a doctoral pathway aligned with their professional ambitions. Through structured learning, academic supervision, and applied research, candidates develop the capacity to transform professional experience into doctoral-level knowledge and impact.
Industry-Driven Research
Conduct doctoral research based on real organisational challenges, not abstract theory. Your work is grounded in your professional environment and produces practical outcomes.
Research with Real Impact
Develop frameworks, models, and strategies that can be implemented, evaluated, and scaled within organisations and industries.
Doctoral-Level Professional Advancement
Achieve the highest level of professional qualification while enhancing leadership capability, strategic influence, and academic credibility.
