DBA and Professional Doctorate
These routes combine doctoral research with professional relevance and programme-specific taught/development requirements. Students must complete all required elements, not just the thesis.
| Element | DBA | Prof. Doc |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Two years: PG Cert in Business and Management Research Methods alongside doctoral work | Two years: PG Cert in Researcher Skills Development while preparing doctoral study |
| Stage 2 | One to two years: empirical research and thesis | One to two years: main empirical research in the organisation under supervision |
| Thesis guidance | Normally 50,000–60,000 words | Normally 50,000–60,000 words |
| Examination | Doctoral thesis and viva | Doctoral thesis and viva |
Supervision and reviews continue through both stages. Both routes are part-time only under §5.1. The expected contribution must connect rigorous academic analysis with original contribution to professional practice.
For DBA, prior-learning exemption from the PGCert must be sought before registration with evidence. Failure to engage with/complete it can lead to consideration of transfer to standard PhD, conditional on adequate progress.
The 2026/27 framework says the Prof. Doc route is under review and not open to applications; this page still supports existing students.
Confirm duration and fees
The source gives inconsistent standard-period statements: §4.1 lists professional doctorates as 36 months, D5.1 gives 36–48 months, and programme sections describe three to four years. Obtain your actual end date from the School/Operations Team. Fees are cohort-based: Tuition fees and sponsorship.
Sources: Framework §§1.7, 9.1–9.2, pp. 10, 88–89; D3.8–D3.9/D5.1. Read the route guidance.