The Exeter Doctor of Business Administration
Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/business/dba/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/business/
| Degrees Degree types explained | - MRes Business Administration (see Stage 1) - Doctor of Business Administration (see Stage 2) |
| Duration | Degree duration details |
| Start date | September 2026 |
| Locations | Online Streatham Campus |
| Study modes Study mode details | Part time |
Why study The Exeter Doctor of Business Administration at Exeter?
- Designed exclusively for accomplished professionals with a strong level of academic achievement and a minimum of five years of work experience, our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) provides students with an opportunity to gain a Doctoral qualification from the University of Exeter while working with world leading academics.
- Supported by faculty who are dedicated to fostering your research capabilities and critical thinking skills, with a special emphasis on creating a greener, fairer and healthier world.
- The curriculum engages in rigorous, hybrid learning through our hybrid teaching format, comprising two intensive 1-week in-person blocks per year (at our beautiful Streatham campus), supplemented by online coursework. This allows you to balance your professional responsibilities while progressing through the programme and being a part of the Exeter research community.
- In years 1 and 2 the DBA curriculum aims for you to develop robust foundation of research theory and methodology through a comprehensive set of core modules leading to the completion of your MRes. From years three to five you will engage in independent research leading to the completion of your research and doctorate dissertation.
- The programme is your gateway to leading novel business research, while making an impactful business contribution.
Research in the Business School
Contact
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Contact
Dr Michelle Civile\ Programme Director of the DBA
Apply online for September 2026 entry
Top 40 in the world for Public Administration
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
100% of our research in Business and Management has internationally excellent impact
Based on research rated 4* and 3* in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Triple accredited Business School
Accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB
Top 100 Financial Times ranked European Business School
“As the Programme Director of the DBA programme, I am pleased to be supporting our emerging leaders in creating tangible business and societal impact. By developing these pragmatic research skills that bring an additional focus to practical solutions, business leaders will have the structure and support to develop and transfer novel research into their practice.”
Dr Michelle Civile
Senior Lecturer in Management and DBA Programme Director
Course content
The Exeter DBA programme will enhance your skills in conducting rigorous research, critical evaluation, and practical application. Modules focus on bridging theory and practice, developing research skills, and creating impactful business contributions. Students engage with leading scholars, build comprehensive literature reviews, and design organisational interventions, culminating in a thesis that advances academic and practical knowledge.
Key programme dates for the in-person teaching - September 2026 start (Streatham Campus)
| Teaching block 1 | 21 September – 25 September 2026 |
| Teaching block 2 | 5 January – 8 January 2027 |
| Teaching block 3 | 20 September – 24 September 2027 |
| Annual Exeter DBA conferences | One day events from September 2026 onwards |
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.
Stage 1 (years 1&2): 180 credits of compulsory modules – Leading to MRes
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEMM187 | DBA Introduction | 0 |
| BEMM822 | Contribution and Impact in Management Theory | 30 |
| BEMM823 | Literature Critique and Research Design | 30 |
| BEMM824 | Research Methods | 30 |
| BEMD001 | DBA Literature Review | 60 |
| BEMD002 | Thesis Proposal and Presentation | 30 |
Stage 2 (Years 3, 4 and 5)
Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.
Stage 2 (years 3-5): DBA Thesis with Supervision
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEMD003 | DBA Thesis | 360 |
Research Overview
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Research at the University of Exeter Business School aims to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.
Through collaborative efforts with policy-makers, businesses and organisations, we endeavour to embed responsible practices into operations, address inequalities and adopt transformative technologies ethically. With a focus on creating sustainable solutions and instigating policy change, our research seeks to redefine the role of business in shaping a greener, healthier and fairer future for all.
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How to apply
Entry requirements
To be considered, applicants need to meet the following entry requirements:
- A minimum of five years of professional or management experience.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
- Statements of research interest (with specifics explained in “Application process" below)
International students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile D: view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Application process
The application process is designed to help ensure programme fit. In doing to the following documents are required:
- A current CV
-
Statements of Research Interest which include answers to the following questions:
-
- What do you hope to gain from a professional doctorate? (250 words)
- What are your research interests? (250 words)
- What support would you need to conduct applied research in line with this interest? (250 words)
- What would support your resilience in completing the DBA programme? (250 words)
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees per year 2026/27
Tuition Fees per year 2026/27
- Home: £12,650 per year for years 1 and 2. £8,100 per year for years 3, 4 and 5
- International: £12,650 per year for years 1 and 2. £8,100 per year for years 3, 4 and 5
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
More information about alternative sources of funding can be found on Postgraduate Research Funding webpages.
Your Career with a Doctor of Business Administration
In addition to graduating with a Doctorate from a world leading university, the DBA programme will equip you with the research skills and a critical approach to management challenges that can support you to build an impactful career.
A DBA programme does this through building on the foundation of theoretical knowledge and expertise in areas such as strategic management, leadership, organisational behaviour, while developing advanced skills in research methodologies. This enables you to take on complex challenges and leadership roles requiring a high level of strategic thinking, analysis and innovation.
The programme opens opportunities in:
- Academia: Potential to develop into a range of education focussed academic role.
- Industry/consultancy roles: As a terminal degree, holding a DBA signifies high academic achievement and a demonstrated ability to connect rigorous research with industry and societal needs.
Related research projects