Doctor of Business Administration

A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral degree designed for experienced executives. It centres on solving real-world problems through applied research.

Unlike traditional academic doctorates, the DBA goes beyond theory to focus on complex business challenges. Research is closely aligned with industry issues, ensuring that insights are practical and immediately relevant in the workplace.

With flexible learning pathways and access to a global peer network, the program is well suited to senior professionals who want to deepen their strategic leadership capabilities while continuing to advance in their careers.

The DBA is designed for accomplished professionals who are already operating at senior levels or preparing to step into enterprise leadership roles.

Typical participants include CXOs, senior functional heads, entrepreneurs, family business leaders, consultants, and academics seeking deeper, practice-led research expertise. Most bring 15 to 20+ years of experience and want to sharpen their strategic thinking through doctoral research connected to their organisation or industry.

Curious about the kind of professionals who join the DBA program? Take a look at the Class Profile of our recent cohorts to see the range of backgrounds and industries represented.

The program is delivered in two distinct phases: an eight-month coursework phase followed by a two-year research phase.

The coursework consists of live, highly interactive weekend classes conducted online or at our campus in Sydney. It is designed to fit around the schedules of working professionals.

Upon successful completion of the coursework, each participant is assigned a principal supervisor and a co-supervisor. These mentors provide personalised guidance throughout the research journey. Regular one-on-one sessions are scheduled at mutually convenient times and continue until the thesis is completed.

Read more about the Program Structure here.

A DBA can strengthen your pathway to senior leadership across industries. Many graduates go on to take up enterprise leadership roles, step into strategic advisory and consulting positions, lead research and innovation as R&D heads, or contribute at the highest level through boardroom responsibilities.

The degree is equally valuable if you’re considering academic pathways, executive education, or corporate training. In short, it enhances both your credibility and your influence, whether you remain in the industry or step into academia.

There is no entrance examination required for admission to the DBA program. Instead, the selection process evaluates your academic background, professional experience, and readiness for doctoral-level research. For a more detailed look at our eligibility criteria, visit the Admissions page.

Yes, both the DBA and a PhD in Business are recognised as equivalent at AQF Level 10. However, their focus differs.

The DBA is an applied research doctorate designed primarily for mid- to senior-level executives. It concentrates on addressing real business challenges through rigorous, research-based methods.

A PhD in Business, by contrast, is typically more traditional in structure and often suited to individuals pursuing full-time academic careers. While the academic standing of both degrees is the same, the learning approach and career pathways they support are distinct.

Upon successful completion of the DBA degree, you are formally entitled to use the "Dr." prefix to your name.

The program is designed to support senior leaders in transitioning from operational decision-making to governance and long-term strategic roles.

Research is anchored in real business challenges faced by organisations, strengthening the ability to evaluate risk, strategy, and policy through clear, evidence-based thinking. Learning alongside global faculty and experienced peers across diverse functional areas further broadens strategic perspective.

By the time the thesis is completed, the work generates insights that are relevant at the board level, reinforcing credibility for roles such as director, advisor, or governance committee member.

Common areas of research include Marketing and Artificial Intelligence, Health Informatics and Strategy, Sustainability, and the application of Human Psychology for Conflict Resolution, among others.

You should expect approximately 16 hours per week (8 hours of weekend coursework plus 8 hours of self-study/research). This disciplined routine is vital for completing the program within the 3-year timeframe.

Yes, completion of the DBA program requires the publication of at least two papers in FT50, ABDC, Web of Science and Scopus listed journals. The school provides support and guidance throughout the research process to ensure publications and completion of the program.