Doctor of Business Administration, University of Plymouth, UK
 
The programme is studied part-time in a structured manner with a cohort of peers from a range of professional practices. A key emphasis of the programme is the strong teaching and supervisory support from the University of Plymouth. A thesis supervisor will be allocated upon a student’s acceptance and will be the mentor to the student throughout their DBA journey. In addition, the research modules in years 1 and 2 are taught modules so students are well-prepared for their thesis development.

The programme is suitable for professionals that prefer to study together with a cohort and be guided by a doctoral supervisor through their DBA journey.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME?

• DBA supervisor allocated upon acceptance to the DBA and will provide guidance to you through your DBA journey
• Strong teaching support as you develop your research skills and thesis proposal in years 1 and 2.
• All assessments are by written coursework, no examination

Target Student Group

Professionals looking for a DBA from a good ranking university with strong teacher support:

1. Management professionals in middle to senior leadership positions wishing to gain expertise in collecting and analysing data to influence policy, practice, and business decision making processes
2. Professionals in the academic profession that wish to further their expertise by developing the skills needed to deliver unique solutions, based on an accurate, unbiased analysis of the situation
3. Scholars with an interest in furthering their expertise in data collection, data analysis, and thesis development on a topic of interest

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the PgDip in Advanced Research Theory and Practice for Business, you will be able to demonstrate the following:

1.  A detailed and systematic knowledge of applicable quantitative and qualitative tools, techniques, and processes for advanced business research;
2.  A detailed and systematic knowledge of applicable qualitative tools, techniques, and processes for advanced business research;
3. Clear and effective communication of theoretical, philosophical, and methodological approaches to advanced business research;
4. A critical understanding of theory in relation to philosophical approaches and perspectives;
5. The ability to apply personal reflection to analyse self and own actions.

On completion of the Doctor of Business Administration, you will be able to demonstrate the above, plus the following:

1. the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research and other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend knowledge in relation to professional practice, and merit publication;
2. a detailed and systematic understanding of a significant body of knowledge which is at the forefront of the discipline investigation;
3. the ability to synthesise theoretical approaches to contemporary issues, and be able to critically analyse the development and application of appropriate methodologies in the design and implementation of a project in order to make a significant and original contribution to a specialised field of inquiry.

Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) aims to support the further development of middle to senior-level managers, or those aspiring to such roles who will normally already have completed studies at Masters’ level or equivalent.

The programme is led by academics at The University of Plymouth. The University of Plymouth (UoP) is renowned for high-quality, internationally-leading education, research, and innovation.

Programme Duration and Teaching Mode

The minimum time needed to complete the DBA is 4 years and the maximum duration is 6 years.

The DBA is divided into two phases; the first taught phase of year 1 is focused on the development of research knowledge and year 2 is focused on the doctoral research proposal. In year 3, following the successful completion of the taught modules in year 1 and 2, students will work with a designated supervisor on the final thesis of about 45,000 words, equating to the research phase of 300 credits.

Year 1 : Taught Modules

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods for Doctoral Study

This course addresses the nature of qualitative research in the business and social sciences, with opportunities to discuss the implications of the choices made in designing, implementing, and reporting the findings. Students will discover the complexities and opportunities associated with undertaking rigorous and comprehensive qualitative research that is applied to practice.

Advanced Quantitative Research Methods for Doctoral Study

This course is designed to familiarise students with the applications of quantitative methods for business management analysis of which data-based decision making is a part. The focus throughout the course is on real-world data preparation and analysis using a statistical software package. The module provides a balance between the theoretical and practical application of quantitative design, data collection methods, and a range of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analysis techniques. It requires students to critically engage and apply techniques to real-world business and/or social data.

Applying Theory to Professional Practice

This module is designed to help students develop theoretical foundations, critically analysing their development and application as a practitioner in a globalised business environment. The candidate will reflect on how theory influences practice together with signposts for future development. This module identifies the correlation between perspectives of theory, paradigms of inquiry, and methodological approaches. Consideration is given to future actions and applications within the professional context.

Year 2: Taught Module

Doctoral Research Proposal

This module requires students to plan and begin to implement a substantive doctoral research project in an attempt to create new knowledge. Students will develop and synthesise components of a research proposal and practice developing effective aims, hypotheses, background materials, and analytic strategies. The module will also be dedicated to understanding the scope of the field and the many facets of becoming a professional researcher.

Year 3 onwards: Doctoral Thesis Development

Development of the doctoral thesis together with your appointed supervisor.

Research Topics:

Candidates seeking admission onto our DBA will be required to submit a research proposal. Topic suggestions include:

1. Leadership
2. People Management
3. Marketing (Branding, Strategy, Innovation, etc.)
4. Public Relations and Communications
5. Maritime and Shipping
6. Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management
7. Business Strategy, Operations & Enterprise
8. International Business

Applications are welcome from across private, public, and non-profit sectors studying in the context of the suggested topics above. For example, industry specific, education and charitable settings.

Following the submission of your Doctoral Thesis and your oral examination, your examiners, who are appointed in accordance with the University of Plymouth Regulations, will make a recommendation in line with the University of Plymouth Regulations for the award of postgraduate research degrees.

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Assessment

The taught modules (modules 1-4) are assessed by a research report/project (100%), and the doctoral thesis (M5) is assessed by a literature review (30%) and a research proposal (70%).

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Award

On successful completion and passing of the 4 taught modules and the doctoral thesis, students will be awarded the “Doctor of Business Administration” by the University of Plymouth.

Students may exit with the DBA programme with Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Research Theory and Practice for Business upon completion of the 3 taught modules in year 1. These are modules 1, 2, and 3.

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Venue

Admiralty Learning Centre/ United Learning Centre/ Fortress Tower Learning Centre/ Island East Campus

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FAQs  

This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

Having successfully completed the three modules, students will be able to exit the DBA programme with Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Research Theory and Practice for Business, or progress into the second year of the DBA.

*Following the submission of your Doctoral Thesis and oral examination, your examiners will make a recommendation in line with University of Plymouth Regulations for the award of your DBA.

HK$200 (non-refundable) as initial handling fee

• Total fees: HKD$322,000 (estimate based on 4 years of study)
  1) Year 1: 3 installments of HKD$49,000 + HKD$48,500 + HKD$48,500
  2) Year 2: 2 installments of HKD$43,800 + HKD$29,200
  3) Years 3 & 4: HKD$51,500 (per year)
  4) Year 5: HKD$51,500 (if required)
  
  *Tuition fees will be reviewed annually and subject to change.
  

To be successful in the application, applicants must be able to demonstrate the following in their application form, personal statement, and research idea:

• A master’s degree awarded by a recognised institution (FHEQ level 7 equivalent), although candidates with strong professional experience may also be considered;
• Relevant middle to senior-level management experience. Applicants without management experience but with appropriate and sufficient extensive experience in the business context may be considered at the discretion of the admissions tutors; and
• Strong commitment to educational inquiry and critical reflection on practice as a means of professional learning
• Ability to work collaboratively in exploring and developing experience
• Personal statement about the applicants’ professional experience and commitment to take up the challenge of a DBA (800 words)
• Research idea to describe the research area applicants hope to investigate for their DBA (1,000 words)

International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability with a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element); or equivalent

For students studying at RQF 6 level and above, the University of Plymouth is permitted to accept other qualifications that are deemed to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirement.

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Application Form

Applicants are required to complete and return the application form with a non-refundable application fee of HK$200 to any of our enrolment centres. Applicants should bring along the following documents:

1. Original and photocopy of your Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID);
2. One set of certified true colour copy* of certificates and transcripts;
3. Testimonials or other documentary proof of the applicant’s working experience;
4. Personal statement and research idea;
5. CV;
6. Two referees;
7. Evidence of English proficiency.

* Original certificates and transcripts together with the copies are required to be presented to any HKU SPACE Learning Centre for verification.

• Application fee  can be paid by cash / EPS / VISA / MASTER / Cheque in any of HKU SPACE enrolment centres.
• For the payment method of other administrative fees, such as Delivery fee for hardcopy of course text, Examination fee and Exemption fee, please contact the programme team at plymouthdba@hkuspace.hku.hk. 

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

The University of Plymouth (UoP) is one of the UK's most prominent and dynamic universities with an educational history dating back to 1862. Their vision is to be “a broad-based, research-intensive university, open to all who can benefit from a University of Plymouth education, and delivering excellent interdisciplinary research, experiential education and civic engagement.

The University of Plymouth is ranked #53 in the Guardian UK University Guide 2021, #64 under the subject area of Business, Management and Marketing in the Guardian UK University Guide 2021.