DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION at University of West of Scotland

COURSE OVERVIEW

A globally recognised qualification aimed at MBA and professionally qualified postgraduates who wish to take their management and professional development to a new level.

Contemporary employment requires high levels of intellectual sophistication, with employers specifically recruiting candidates with doctoral qualifications. The DBA enhances your professional and executive practice through the application of rigorous research to real and complex issues.

The course will appeal to those wishing to gain the highest level of professional qualification available in business and management, by undertaking world-class doctoral study. It will be of interest to leaders and managers working in the private sector, health, local authorities and higher education, enhancing your professional and executive practice through the application of rigorous research to real and complex issues in business and management.

Career Background

Please provide a statement which covers the following (c 1,000 – 2,000 words):

• Your reasons for applying to a DBA programme
• Your reasons for applying to this particular DBA programme at UWS
• A short summary of your academic background with an outline of the skills that you feel are already in place to support you in your pursuit of DBA study and production of a research thesis
• An outline of any skills you will be seeking to improve on in the taught year of the DBA
• A short summary of your managerial experience which you feel qualify to meet the entry requirements for the DBA
• What adjustments will you have to make to be able to accommodate study at UWS (e.g. move to the UK, changes in employment change arrangements etc) and how you plan to do this

Research Proposal

In order for us to be able to assess your capability in carrying out a research study to successful fruition through the production of a 60,000 thesis, please provide a research proposal. This should be written in appropriate academic style, include academic quality sources referred to in Harvard Referencing format. (c.1,500 - 2,000 words)

• Working title, introduction and rationale (through reference to academic work) for the proposed research
• Draft Research aim/questions/objectives
• A literature review for your subject area
• A research approach, design and methodology section
• Access to data issues and ethical considerations
• Timeline/milestones
• Brief Conclusion
• Reference List

COURSE DETAILS

The taught DBA focuses on undertaking advanced research-based modules and developing a thesis/portfolio of evidence.

NB Full-time and part-time students can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Research Practice after completing the two core modules in term 1 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Research and Professional Development after completing all four core modules across terms 1 and 2.

Full-time

Phase 1 lasts 12 months and involves four taught, compulsory core modules, each studied in an allocated three month learning period.

Phase 2 lasts 24 months and represents the research phase of the DBA. It involves developing a thesis/portfolio of evidence. You will be supported by a supervisory team consisting of a Director of Studies and an academic supervisor who will provide guidance and encouragement.