English 
German 
Overview
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
3 years
prolongation up to 3 years
Study 100 % online
enjoy the advantages of distance learning
About the DBA Programme
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a prestigious and practice-oriented doctoral program specifically designed for experienced executives and ambitious professionals who wish to take their careers to the next level. With a strong focus on applied research and solving real business problems, the DBA offers the ideal opportunity to acquire in-depth management knowledge and apply it directly in practice.
Who should do a DBA?
The target audience for this program consists of successful professionals who have already gained significant experience in leadership positions and now want to further deepen their knowledge and skills. The DBA is aimed at
- Experienced Executives
- Entrepreneurs
- Consultants
- Academics
The DBA program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications and promotes the development of research skills that can be directly applied to current business challenges. Through close collaboration with leading experts and the opportunity to build a network of like-minded individuals, participants gain valuable insights and resources that sustainably support their professional and personal development.
Join an exclusive circle of leaders who are not only able to solve complex business problems but also actively shape the future of the economy. The Doctor of Business Administration provides you with the tools and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic and ever-changing business world.
Embark on a new era of your career now!
MFHEA Licence Number: 2023-010
Admission
Entry Requirements for the DBA
The examination board decides on admission.
Previous education requirement:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification (e.g. former German university diploma) obtained from a recognized college/Institute/University in Social Sciences, Business and Economics (depending on the field of study the learner chooses to focus).
OR
- A four years’ (full-time equivalent) bachelor degree obtained at First Class Honours or at Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or equivalent qualification in a business-related field (e.g. the former German university of applied sciences diploma). Each undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification must include a dissertation of at least 12,000 words.
Work experience:
- At least three years of relevant work experience in business and management at middle management positions at the beginning of studies.
OR
- At least one year of work experience in senior management, leadership and executive roles in addition to two years of work experience in junior and middle management roles.
Language requirements for the DBA in German:
A certificate that prooves their mastery of the German language at the level of C1 of CEFR.
OR
- A university degree of a programme delivered in German language.
Language requirements for the DBA in English:
- A certificate that prooves their mastery of the English language at the level of B2 of CEFR (IELTS of 6.5 or TOEFL ibt of 72) OR a university degree programme in English language
Recognition
How could I apply for recognition of prior learning?
If you have already completed comparable coursework in an accredited doctoral programme at another recognized university, recognition is possible in principle. For the credit check, please send us a grade overview of the achievements and a module handbook by e-mail. Please note the guidelines and the procedure for the recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Content
What will be the content of your study?
Year 1: Course Stage
This module aims to develop your critical thinking skills within the context of the contemporary business environment. This module will cover relevant opportunities and challenges within the context of digitization, like the role and application of artificial intelligence and a changing role of leadership.
The module also covers relevant content of organizational and management theory. This helps you understand the complexities of organizational dynamics, and allows them to analyze and navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in various types of organizations and industries.
Mode of Assessment:
- Term Paper (Literature Review: 6,000 – 8,000 words)
- Presentation of literature review and research questions
This module provides the theoretical and practical preparation and equips you with the skills to develop and undertake your own business research. The module covers the necessary skills and requirements for a literature review, qualitative methods, and designing and conducting a research project. The module prepares you to research different types of problems/issues in business and management as well as enables you to conduct research and to write a Doctoral Thesis.
Mode of Assessment:
- Term Paper incl. Qualitative Data Analysis (5.000- 7.000 words)
- Presentation of the Term Paper
This module provides the theoretical and practical preparation to equip you with the skills to develop and undertake quantitative business research. The module covers the necessary skills and requirements for data collection and sampling, data evaluation and performing adequate statistical tests. It also covers the interpretation and presentation of research results.
Mode of Assessment:
- Term Paper (Research Proposal: 3,000 – 4,000 words)
- Presentation of the Research Proposal
- Revealed Exam Questions on Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistics
Year 2: Research Stage
In year 2 you will work on your literature review, research methodology and generate first research results. Your data collection process should be completed by the end of the second year, and a first summary of the research results should be provided.
Mode of Assessment:
- Research Report (12,000 – 15,000 Words)
Year 3: Research Stage
You will submit a first draft of the thesis by the end of the 5th semester. If you are not able to submit your draft thesis on time, can apply for an extension of six months.
Mode of Assessment:
- Thesis (60,000 – 70,000 words, roughly 180 – 200 pages in length)
The final version of the thesis has to be submitted after year 3, taking into account potential extensions granted before, which might add up to one year.
If the thesis is marked satisfactory, you will be invited to present and defend your thesis in the viva voce.
Mode of Assessment:
- Thesis (60,000 – 70,000 words, roughly 180 – 200 pages in length)
- Viva Voce (45-minute presentation, followed by a 60-minute discussion with the examiners
Duration
How many semesters is the duration of the programme?
The DBA programme comprises a total of six semesters (3 years).
Extensions of the study time are available on request. The maximum period of study is 6 years.
