Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at St Mary's University, Twickenham

Programme overview

The Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) offers an intellectually rigorous route to developing original research grounded in professional practice. Delivered entirely online with a flexible part-time mode of study, the programme enables experienced professionals to integrate academic theory and knowledge with practical insight, leading to meaningful impact in their organisations and sectors. The DBA equips students with robust methodological and analytical skills.

What you will study

Core modules: Driving Impact: Translating Research for Institutional Impact, Contemporary Issues in Research Methods, Applied Social Research: Theory, Design, and Practice, Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods, Research Ethics and Professional Practice, Research Proposal and Project Planning, Independent Research.

Career pathways

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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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; A Master’s 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; and, Two professional referees.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,720 a year (2026/27). September 2026 entry Source

International applicants: GBP 3,720 a year (2026/27). September 2026 entry Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4-7 years (part-time)

Apply through the official page: https://stmarysuniversity.formstack.com/forms/research_application

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