Doctor of Business Administration at University of Reading

Programme overview

The Henley Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a part-time, hybrid professional doctorate for senior executives, accredited by AMBA. It develops advanced research capability applied to real business problems, with two supervisors, and is delivered from the Greenlands campus in Henley-on-Thames and in Johannesburg.

Faculty: Henley Business School | Duration: 4-6 years part-time | Intake: October 2027 (application deadline 30 June for October entry) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 comprises six compulsory modules: Introduction to Academic Research, Introduction to Research Design and Methodology, Introduction to Qualitative Techniques, Introduction to Quantitative Techniques, Completing your Research - Contribution and Impact, and Personal Development, followed by Confirmation of Registration. Stage 2 is the Personal Action Research Project and the doctoral thesis with a viva voce examination.

Career pathways

The DBA is aimed at enhancing professional capability and credibility and supporting career progression or a major career move for experienced managers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A Masters degree in the broad area of business or management and at least five years' relevant managerial experience. Applicants submit an online application, one business reference and one academic reference, and a research proposal of 2,000-3,000 words aligned with one of the Business School's research areas. Application deadline 30 June for October entry.

GBP 14,500 a year (October 2027 intake). Year 1; Year 2 also £14,500; Year 3 £14,500; Year 4 £11,500; Years 5 and 6 £7,500 each; 10% discount for University of Reading alumni and for applicants with full exemption from the taught element in Years 1 and 2 Source

Intake: October 2027 (application deadline 30 June for October entry)

Duration: 4-6 years part-time

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