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Doctor of Business Administration

Become a Leader. Achieve a DBA with Royal Metropolitan.


Your DBA Journey

  • Duration & Structure
    The DBA is a three-year doctoral programme delivered fully online to suit working professionals. It’s structured in two phases: the first year focuses on developing advanced research skills, followed by two years dedicated to dissertation work and application of research.
  • Phase 1 – Foundational Year (Year 1)
    In the first year, you’ll build strong methodological capabilities and a scholarly foundation:
    • Conduct a comprehensive literature review to map existing research in your field.
    • Formulate research questions rooted in critical analysis and develop a conceptual framework for your doctoral thesis.
    • Study research philosophies and ethical considerations.
    • Master both qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g. statistical analysis, narrative analysis, data collection tools).
  • Phases 2 and 3 – Dissertation & Research Implementation (Years 2-3)
    After completing year one, move into the dissertation phase where you:
    • Undertake a substantial thesis (up to ~55,000 words) which addresses real business challenges.
    • Receive ongoing supervision from dedicated faculty, with regular feedback and guidance.
    • Aim for research that produces practical insights and makes a real-world impact in your field or organisation.

Why Choose Royal Metropolitan’s DBA?

  • Professional & Globally Relevant
    Our DBA is designed to meet the needs of experienced executives, business leaders, and professionals who want to deepen their strategic and research capabilities while remaining fully productive in the workplace.
  • 100% Online & Flexible
    Study remotely with a virtual learning platform that supports collaboration, discussion, and flexibility — so you can balance your career, personal life, and studies.
  • Customisable Research Focus
    Tailor your research topic to your professional context: leadership, organisational behaviour, strategy, innovation, digital transformation — whatever aligns best with your goals.
  • Experienced Supervision & Support
    You’ll be supported by a supervisory team with strong academic credentials and industry experience, helping you refine your research, stay on track, and produce work of high calibre.

Admission Requirements

  • A Master’s degree in any discipline, ideally with some prior research exposure.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage in rigorous academic work, including crafting research proposals or similar work.
  • Commitment to completing the programme, managing time, and working independently.

Outcomes & Impact

Graduates of the DBA will be able to:

  • Conduct advanced, rigorous research with real organisational impact.
  • Lead with enhanced strategic insight and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Produce knowledge that bridges theory and practice in their domain.
  • Contribute to their fields through innovative, actionable solutions.
  • Demonstrate capacities for academic scholarship, leadership, and executive-level thinking.