Online Executive Doctor of Business Administration
Online United Kingdom
DBA
DURATION
6 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
May 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 39,000
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
The global business environment is constantly changing – be it in terms of technology, regulations or macroeconomic forces. With change comes new and complex challenges that must be skilfully navigated to ensure business prosperity. These challenges call for analytical thought leaders who understand industry needs and can provide solutions in practice.
This online, part-time DBA programme is designed for experienced business executives like you, aiming to leverage your experience with cutting-edge, research-based skills that will enable you to tackle business challenges and impact the industry successfully.
You will combine advanced theory and contemporary business research to develop a comprehensive data-driven research project focusing on a discipline of your choice.
Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, you will gain specialist knowledge and research support in accounting, law, marketing, strategy, economics, finance, and entrepreneurship.
To further enhance your understanding of the business world, you will also gain access to subscriptions for The Financial Times, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review. These leading publications will provide you with in-depth knowledge of business and current economic affairs.
As an Aston Online student, you’ll enjoy free access to a vast range of journals, articles, and reports through Aston’s e-library.
Is this programme right for you?
- You are a professional looking to develop the strategic thinking, research skills, and critical analysis needed to excel at the highest levels of business leadership.
- You are ready to commit to a rigorous part-time programme that will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to drive innovation and lead complex organisations.
- You are an ambitious leader seeking to expand your professional network and connect with a global cohort of peers.
- You are a lifelong learner passionate about significantly impacting the business world.
- You want to study at a triple-accredited business school with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
- You are looking for a flexible online programme that can fit around your work and personal commitments.
Flexible payment plans and funding options
- Pay Monthly or in instalments
- UK Government Loans for Eligible Students
- 20% Alumni Scholarship Available
- 10% Global Merit Scholarships Available
Our four to six-year, part-time Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, a milestone in personal development, combines academic knowledge and professional expertise, enabling you to initiate organisational change. Each credit of study is equivalent to 10 learning hours. For example, 30 credits reflect 300 hours of learning.
Stage - taught
- Introduction to business and management research (15 credits)
- Applied research methods (15 credits)
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods (30 credits)
- Professional development and research impact (15 credits)
Stage - research
Portfolio or thesis
Upon completion of the online programme, based on your research topic/area, you will be partnered with academic supervisors. Your supervisors will guide and support you as you develop your doctoral thesis, which forms the capstone for the programme. Our faculty specialises in departments such as accounting, law, marketing and strategy, economics, finance, and entrepreneurship.
This stage of the programme requires significant drive, commitment and dedication to undertake independent study.
Around Month 20 of the programme (determined from the point of programme registration), you will submit a qualifying report assessed by an online viva voce examination with internal and external examiners. Briefly, the report will deliver a detailed review of previous research findings relating to your research and a plan and design for research work going forward.
Progress on the programme is contingent on meeting the submission deadline for the qualifying report and passing the viva.
Following successful completion of the qualifying thesis and viva, candidates further develop and ultimately submit a thesis which is examined in an online viva voce examination with internal and external examiners.
We are the University of the Year for Student Success 2025
The Daily Mail University Guide 2025
It’s been an exciting time at Aston University, with amazing new achievements that highlight our teaching excellence, outstanding student outcomes, and strong performance in global and UK rankings. Here are just a few highlights:
- Aston University has been named the University of the Year for Student Success 2025 in the new Daily Mail University Guide.
- We are ranked 21st in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
- Aston University is 2nd in the country for Social Mobility (Higher Education Policy Institute).
And that’s just the beginning.
What you will learn
Deliver impactful research
You will learn to identify, analyse and solve problems through rigorous research, enhancing your strategic decision-making and organisational impact. Gain skills to design and deliver impactful research that benefits you, your organisation and the wider field of management practice.
Build a professional network
The knowledge, credibility and skill set gained from this DBA programme will elevate your career and grow your network, opening paths in consultancy, academia or your current managerial role.
Understand and practice evidence-based thinking
You will be equipped to provide innovative solutions, effectively tackling business problems and improving organisational performance.
Develop professional practices and policy
The DBA programme will aid you in the dissemination, development and management of professional practices and policy.
Demonstrate a critical appreciation of existing knowledge
You will contribute a substantial and original addition to knowledge through your research thesis or portfolio, demonstrating a critical appreciation of existing knowledge in the field and including elements suitable for publication.
The specialist knowledge, credibility and skill set acquired by completing the DBA programme will make you an invaluable asset to employers across a wide array of organisations. The programme prepares you for a career in academia and consulting, or for applying your learnings to your current position. You will be equipped to tackle current issues and transform your organisation.
Graduates often find success in the following roles:
- Business consultant: Work with businesses to problem-solve, identify and overcome the challenges that block companies from meeting their goals.
- Business lead: Generate leads to help companies sell their products or services and achieve strategic goals.
- Research director: Manage and supervise research and development that overseeing data collection and analysis, product design, and manufacturing.
- Chief executive officer: The role of a CEO differs in every company, but overall responsibilities include expanding the company, driving profitability, and managing the overall operations of the company.
- Academic professor: As an expert in a respective field, you will engage in advanced research, scholarship, and teaching.
- Economist: Use your business knowledge to analyse economic data, forecast market trends, and develop strategies using economic theories and strong analytical skills to interpret complex data.
Why choose this programme
Expert academic support
Gain insights from leading business practitioners across accounting, law, marketing, strategy, economics, finance and entrepreneurship, ensuring your research is backed by real-world expertise.
Tailor your learning experience
Customise your assignments and research projects to align with your career goals and industry interests, ensuring your learning delivers maximum professional impact.
Personalised mentorship and training
Receive one-on-one supervision from expert faculty and access specialist training at Aston Graduate School, helping you develop advanced research, leadership, and strategic skills.
Impact-driven research focus
Lead practically applied, high-impact research to enhance strategic decision-making and leadership in your organisation and industry.
Collaborative research community
Connect with senior professionals and industry leaders worldwide, participate in research colloquia, and present your work to faculty and business experts for valuable insights.
Elite Business School
Earn your DBA from a triple-accredited Business School (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS), recognised among the world’s top 1%, giving you global credibility and career advancement.
Flexibility
Study anytime, anywhere—with no compulsory live lectures or fixed schedules. Focus on one module and one assessment at a time, allowing for deep learning while balancing work and personal commitments.
Supportive community
Learn within a small cohort and receive personalised support at every stage of your journey. With a globally inclusive learning environment, you’ll never feel like you're studying alone.