Doctor of Business Administration

(Awarded By University of the West of Scotland)

School of Business

Awarding Institution

COURSE OBJECTIVE

  • The programme combines rigorous doctoral-level research with practical business application, enabling candidates to investigate complex organisational challenges within real-world professional contexts.
  • Equivalent in academic standing to a PhD, the DBA differs through its practice-oriented focus, integrating scholarly theory with applied organisational problem-solving. The programme includes a substantial taught phase through an embedded Master of Research (MRes), followed by an independent doctoral research project culminating in a thesis and viva voce examination.
  • The DBA aims to strengthen evidence-based leadership, innovation capability, and organisational impact across private, public, and third-sector organisations. Students develop expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, strategic analysis, ethical leadership, and professional reflection. The programme also aligns strongly with UWS strategic priorities around sustainability, enterprise, inclusive growth, and industry engagement.
SAMPLE COURSE PLAN

Year 1

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Year 2

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Year 3

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COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

DELIVERY ASSESSMENTS & AWARDS

Delivery
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is entirely delivered in Singapore, and students on the programme will have access to lecturers and supervisors at Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM).
During the DBA programme, taught sessions may be in the form of lectures, activity-based tutorials, thematic seminars, practical workshops, and wider research(er) development events in collaboration with partner institution, University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
Taught courses will be supported through a range of resources and materials, including lecture notes and guidance on directed reading (making reference to books, articles, and reputable and relevant websites), via dedicated course Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs).
Research supervisors will support research projects (development of the thesis), after successful completion of modules.
Assessment

Within the DBA programme, formative and summative (graded) assessment types may include written reports, essays, laboratory reports, logbooks, scientific papers, case studies, literature reviews, research proposals, (group) oral presentation and debates, and posters.

Award
Upon successful completion of all required taught modules, and defence of a submitted thesis, a student will be awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) qualification from UWS. The DBA degree awarded is equivalent to that of the on-campus qualification at the university in Scotland.

POTENTIAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates may choose to pursue a future(but not limited to) in these department/industries.

Senior Leadership, including within Multi-national Organisations (MNOs)

(International) Executive roles

Consultancy/Advisory roles

Policy and policy research

Working in the public, private, and third sector

(Non) Governmental agencies

BACK
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Course Structure

The DBA consists of 7 modules totalling 180 credit points.

Modules:

  1. Research Methodologies and Philosophy of Research
  2. Introduction to Qualitative Inquiry
  3. Introduction to Quantitative Inquiry
  4. Supervised Research Proposal and Design
  5. Independent Business and Management Inquiry: Research(er) Perspectives and Practice
  6. Advanced Quantitative Methods
  7. Strategic Research Project

Course assessment is subjected to changes by the University.

For detailed information on modules, please click here.

  • Duration: 36 Months (Full time), 60 Months (Part time)
  • Average Teacher-Student Ratio: 1 : 30
Qualifications
  • Applicants should be at least 28 years of age at the time of application

  • Academic: Be in possession of a UK, or recognised international Masters level degree (may grant advanced entry), or equivalent qualification, in a business discipline area or relevant subject, and/or have a Masters level degree in a cognate subject area or field of study.
    Applicants with a Masters without the aforementioned areas may still be eligible.
    Work experience: It is expected that applicants have at least 3 years of experience at management level and 5 years of work experience at senior level; evidence of this may be requested at interview stage(s).

  • IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no individual component below 6.0.(Applicants who do not meet the minimum English Language proficiency requirements are required to sit and pass the NIM English Proficiency Test)

 
Course Fees
$74,800.00
Administration Fees
$2,000.00
Assessment Fees
$1,500.00
Study Materials
$1,500.00
Fees for Fee Protection Scheme
WAIVED
Fees for Medical Insurance Scheme
WAIVED
Total Fee (Excluding 9% GST)
$79,800
Total Fee (Including 9% GST)
$86,982.00
Other Mandatory Fees
Singaporeans or PR Students
Application Fee: $109.00
International Students
Application Fee: $436.00
  • All fees quoted are in Singapore dollars.
  • The information above is accurate at the time of publishing.
  • For more information on other fees and matters related to payments, please click here.
Local Student Application
International Student Application

Enquiries