The Unique MBA to DBA Pathway
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Phase 1: The MBA Journey (2 Years)
Students begin with our two-year MBA, which provides two exit options:
90 ECTS MBA – for those seeking a strong professional qualification without a thesis.
120 ECTS MBA – for those who complete a master’s thesis and wish to progress to doctoral research.
The 120-credit option serves as the gateway to the DBA, where the MBA thesis becomes the foundation for advanced, doctoral-level investigation.
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Phase 2: Advancing to the DBA
Graduates who continue into the DBA build directly on their MBA research, expanding it with greater academic rigour, depth, and originality. This extension is typically completed part-time over 2.2 years, meaning the full MBA–DBA pathway can be achieved in around 4 to 4.2 years.
The DBA is delivered in two progressive stages:
The Upgrade Stage (First 12 Months)
Every candidate completes an upgrade viva, presenting and defending their detailed research proposal. This ensures a strong foundation for the doctoral journey.
Bi-weekly online supervision and a virtual learning environment support students throughout.
Core areas include: Advanced Research Methods, Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis, Strategic Management, Organisational Theory, and AI in Business & Education.
A comprehensive literature review and formal thesis proposal are completed within the first two years.
The Doctoral Stage (Years 2–4)
Candidates then focus on producing and defending their doctoral thesis. The final viva normally occurs 1–6 years after the upgrade, providing flexibility for part-time professionals.
A Streamlined Path to Doctoral Success
The MBA to DBA pathway combines professional relevance with academic excellence — enabling students to progress from master’s to doctorate within just over four years, supported by expert supervision, flexible online learning, and a global professional network..
