Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional degree which addresses research in business and management. The programme enables business leaders to build the skills to design and deliver research that makes an impact, strengthen the ability to solve complex business problems, and conduct in-depth analysis into a relevant topic to develop a comprehensive thesis. Therefore, the DBA balances the rigour of academic research with the practical focus of working professionals. The thesis can be guided by the students’ personal interest and based on their work environment; that is, students may focus their research on solving real issues confronting their organisation.
Doctoral students will engage in critical analysis and research throughout the programme to address complex issues in business and management. They will gain comprehensive understanding of research methods and will be able to apply them to explore organisational and managerial practices. This way students will combine their academic and business expertise to contribute to the development of knowledge and/or professional practice in organisations.
Key Highlights
Start Date: Jan/ Apr/ Jul/ Oct
Campus: 100% Online
Credits: 180 ECTS credits
Duration*: Full-time: 36 months
Part-time: 54 months
*The maximum duration for completing the programme is 36 months from registration.
Language: English
Accreditation: MFHEA
(Subject to Accreditation)*
Level: MQF/EQF - 8
Fees: £11000 - (Student Payment Plan Available)
Awarded By: LSBF Malta
Programme Highlights
- Acquire a critical understanding of the nature of advanced study and research methods to enable them to display mastery of a complex and specialised area of knowledge and advanced skills to conduct research.
- Create and interpret new knowledge at the forefront of an area of professional practice.
- Apply and develop suitable techniques and methodologies applicable to research and advanced scholarship.
- Work independently to deal with complex and unpredictable situations in professional environments.
- Enable candidates to initiate, implement, and evaluate a programme of practice-based research projects which lead to organisational change.
- This programme reflects global doctor of business administration programs focusing on applied research and leadership.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate and justify the selection of advanced theoretical frameworks to address complex, multi-faceted professional challenges.
- Synthesise diverse, multi-disciplinary research to formulate novel conceptual models that address dynamic organisational and jurisdictional complexities.
- Critically assess and contextualise advanced research methodologies to ensure valid and reliable evidence generation for applied solutions
- Create and structure scholarly knowledge and complex analytical findings into clear, defensible, and actionable strategic narratives suitable for immediate executive and policy-maker comprehension and implementation.
- Systematically analyse the intersection of internal and external factors contributing to executive failures, dissecting limitations in current professional practice
- Critically evaluate and navigate the complex ethical, governance, and legal frameworks that govern applied research within diverse professional and international jurisdictions.
- Demonstrate mastery in skills such as the selection and analysis of research, writing, design, development and sustainability of the argument manifested in innovative scholarly research and defended in a viva voce examination.
- Respond to technological, social and cultural issues and address the needs of a knowledge-based society through an original research project.
- Demonstrate expertise in critical evaluation and analysis with incomplete or limited information to design original solutions to problems in new or unfamiliar professional environments.
- Conduct a significant research project on an organisation, industry or country depending on the nature and scope of the chosen research topic.
- Demonstrate understanding of how to translate theory or research into practice with the purpose of articulating and defending actionable recommendations.
- Design and implement innovative solutions to complex organisational challenges, demonstrating originality and practical impact.
- Articulate complex, evidence-based research and strategic recommendations with executive proficiency across diverse professional and scholarly contexts, utilising written, oral, and visual communication strategies to effectively influence and facilitate organisational change at the highest levels.
- Design and lead organisational and market transformation strategies by critically evaluating and leveraging advanced digital competencies to generate new, evidence-based knowledge.
- Graduates will meet all requirements for doctor of business administration qualification standards for global recognition.
- Communicate expertise to a wide audience including peers and the general public, through disseminating the findings of their research project using different methods such as national and international publications and participating in specialist fora.
Programme Structure
Full-Time
Term I
- Management Theory and Practice
- Foundations of Management Research
Term 2
- Research Methods
- Academic Writing and Dissemination of Research
Term 3
- The Reflective Practitioner
- Research Design and Ethics
Term 4-12
- DBA Thesis
Note: Each term lasts 10 weeks and each academic year has four terms.
Entry Requirement
One of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree + Master’s degree/Level 7 postgraduate qualification/MBA or professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CPA) + 3 years professional experience in a mid-level management position or higher.
- Applicants who do not meet the stated entry requirements may apply via our Mature Route. You will be asked to provide evidence of five years’ managerial work experience (middle or senior level), plus transcripts of your highest qualifications achieved to date. Applications via this route are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- RPL entry: Bachelor’s degree + non Level 7 academic or professional qualification(certificate or diploma) + 5 years of professional experience at a managerial level.
- Applicants who do not hold or have expired acceptable English test can have their proof of English assessed based on minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in English English speaking work environment, supported by a reference letter. These applicants’ acceptance may be subject to successfully completing an English interview with LSBF’s Academic team.
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We understand that traditional academic qualifications do not always reflect an individual's capabilities or potential. As such, applicants who do not meet our standard academic criteria may still be considered for admission through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must demonstrate relevant post-secondary level education.
- Applicants should provide evidence of substantial working experience related to the field of study.
Application Process:
- Submit an RPL application along with documented evidence of your educational background and work experience.
- Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the LSBF Academic Admissions Board.
Consideration Factors:
- Relevance and duration of work experience.
- Academic achievements and any professional development undertaken.
- Ability to contribute to and benefit from the program based on your experiences.
We encourage all potential applicants to apply, as each application is thoroughly reviewed to assess the compatibility of their experiences with the intended program of study.
One of the following:
- IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; or
- Post-graduate degree in English; or
- Bachelor’s completed in English; or
- Three years of work experience in an English-speaking environment (subject to approval by admissions board)
ACCREDITATION PENDING
*(Kindly be informed that this programme is undergoing accreditation* from the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Should you wish to express your interest to register for this educational programme you are kindly requested to contact us on info@lsbf.edu.mt. A student agreement inclusive of payment of registration and tuition fees shall only be signed upon approval of accreditation of this educational programme, by the MFHEA.
Accreditation is a form of certification in which the MFHEA will verify that an academic or vocational programme meets minimum academic and vocational standards. Accreditation ensures that the qualification a student works so hard to obtain meets quality standards, and that it will be recognised as such by other educational institutions and employers. The decisive stage of accreditation is the mapping of the programme to the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) — further information on the MFHEA and the MOF/EQF may be obtained from www.mfhea.mt)
Memberships
LSBF has a flexible approach to learning with a modified delivery that places a greater emphasis on applied and interactive learning. Ultimately, we aim to ensure that every single type of learner will study more efficiently, effectively and enjoyably.
Enrol on the online DBA in Business Administration today:
- Become a member of a rapidly growing online community – consisting of more than 15000 students from 150 different countries
- Take part in live chat sessions with your tutors, mentors and classmates
- Receive comprehensive text books, lecture notes and revision kit
- Measure your knowledge via hundreds of case studies contained in HD quality video sessions
- Test your progress with quizzes, tests and a self-assessed
The flexible model reflects the convenience of a doctor of business administration online course for global learners.
This DBA programme is designed for experienced professionals who aspire to become senior managers, consultants or entrepreneurs and drive innovation as executives at the highest levels of business. A DBA empowers professionals working in specialised fields who want to deepen their expertise, solve complex business problems within their organisations, and potentially transition into more strategic or leadership roles. Delivered 100% online, this doctor of business administration UK course provides the opportunity to conduct research that can lead to more effective management practices, policy development, and service delivery within their sector, while enhancing their professional reputation.
Each module will be delivered to you via:
- Video lectures created by leading business practitioners.
- A designated tutor will provide support and feedback throughout your programme.
- Case studies and discussion questions to enhance your understanding of theory in context.
- Downloadable e-books and digital library resources to aid your assignment writing and research.
- Access to online forums where you can share and discuss new concepts with fellow students and professionals from around the world.
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Student comments
Caroline Cisco
Rashme Albert
Purity Laird