Warwick Business School delivers the insights you need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
For the Change Makers
Shape the future of business Programme overview
October 2026
4 years (part-time)
Warwick Campus & The Shard, London
£93,000 (UK & International)
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
A transformational journey for senior business leaders The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) empowers senior professionals to lead boldly, innovate strategically, and shape the future of business. This research-driven programme matches the academic rigour of a PhD while focusing on applied research that delivers tangible impact. The DBA equips you to tackle complex organisational challenges through extensive inquiry and evidence- based solutions. Tailored for experienced business practitioners, this immersive journey empowers you to turn insight into action, delivering strategic innovation that makes a lasting difference.
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Who should apply
Class profile 2025
It’s changed my mindset, how I approach problems and how I structure my solution to this problem. William Rogerio Nicolau International Business Manager, Petrom
Is this programme right for you?
The DBA is designed for senior professionals, entrepreneurs, and organisational leaders from a wide range of industries including: ■ Senior executives and directors ■ Entrepreneurs and business owners ■ Consultants and policy advisors ■ Public sector leaders.
22 Participants
54% Female 46% Male
12 Nationalities
48 years average age
Seeking to deepen your strategic thinking and research capabilities?
Ready to lead transformative change in your organisation?
Nationality ■ Oman ■ Qatar ■ UK ■ South Africa
Industries ■ Consulting (18%) ■ Financial Services (14%) ■ Technology (14%) ■ Manufacturing (5%) ■ Retail (5%)
Job titles ■ CEO ■ Managing Director ■ Chairman ■ Head of Customer Success ■ Senior Global Wellbeing Manager ■ VP of Global Sales
Motivated to contribute to the future of business through applied research?
■ Uganda ■ Portugal
■ Hospitality (5%) ■ Healthcare (4%) ■ Government (4%)
■ Korea ■ India ■ Uzbekistan ■ Saudi Arabia ■ Indonesia ■ Nigeria
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Why choose WBS for your DBA?
Faculty
An immersive, research-driven curriculum The DBA curriculum blends advanced theory with practical application. You’ll master: ■ Critical thinking and problem definition ■ Understanding and framing complex business challenges. ■ Exploring cutting-edge research across disciplines.
Faculty & research excellence The DBA faculty is made up of experts from every field of business and management, who will provide advice and guidance on content and research methods. They bring the latest academic theories and developments into the classroom, and help you utilise them in the context of your own organisation.
Supervision and support Supervision and support is a major
component of your DBA and will be provided through a mix of face-to-face meetings, email and online interaction. You will be assigned a supervisor with the relevant expertise to support you in shaping your research. Typically, they will be a research active academic who will provide expert advice and guidance on content and research methods. In addition, we facilitate liaison with faculty members across subject groups. You will have access to a board of practitioners, individually known as WBS Professors of Practice (experienced executives who are also scholar practitioners) who can provide support and guidance on process and development of the portfolio. Please note that faculty members teaching and supervising on the DBA programme are subject to change.
Year 4 One 3-day workshop and supervision January/February Academic writing and DBA Conference (Warwick campus)
Year 3 One 3-day workshop and supervision October Qualitative data analysis (Online) and quantitative data analysis (Online) January/February Academic writing and DBA conference (Warwick campus)
Year 2 Three 3-day workshops and supervision October Entrepreneurship and innovation (with academic writing) (The Shard)
Year 1 Four 3-day workshops and supervision, including a programme induction October Induction (The Shard)
December Systematic literature review (The Shard)
December Strategic leadership (The Shard)
January/February Design of quantitative research and DBA Conference (Warwick campus)
January/February Digital transformation and DBA Conference (with academic writing) (Warwick campus) April Preparation for progress review (Online)
April Design of qualitative research (The Shard)
July Design of intervention-based research (Online)
Visit our website for the latest information:
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Two inspirational learning spaces
We’re all trying to create something that will change the world in some way and make impact within our organisations.
I’ve enjoyed sitting in a classroom again, in The Shard, in a beautiful environment with fantastic academics teaching concepts you can instantly apply in a work environment. Shaun Collier Managing Director, Head of Equities Technology at Deutsche Bank
WBS in London Our London hub in The Shard brings you to the centre of where business happens. With strong links to global employers and teaching backed by Warwick Business School expertise, your transformative London experience will see you reach your goals. Home to a vibrant mix of businesses, The Shard is the ideal environment for executive learning, offering you the opportunity to step out of the office and into an executive space, built to feel like a boardroom. With a decade of delivering exceptional executive-level experiences from The Shard, and backed by sixty years of transformative WBS education, research, and innovation, you will gain fresh perspectives and forge influential connections.
During your DBA journey, you’ll benefit from our two inspiring spaces, our London hub at The Shard and our campus located at the University of Warwick in the heart of England. Each space is designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and elevate your learning experience.
Peace Ani Business Development Lead, Fidelity Investment Management International
Bankside
London Bridge
Tower of London
Tate Modern
Borough Market
The Shard
Our London base at The Shard places you in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic business capitals.
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Warwick Campus
Based in Coventry, our campus has excellent transport links in the UK and beyond.
Arts Centre With over 3,000 performing and visual arts events, concerts, films, and festivals each year, Warwick Arts Centre allows you to experience a diverse range of world-class art. Located in the heart of campus, you can also gain fantastic student ticket deals and free workshops.
The University of Warwick is located on the border between Coventry and Warwickshire, within an hour of London. We are lucky to be located close to lots of exciting towns and cities to explore, such as historic Coventry, vibrant Birmingham, and lively Royal Leamington Spa. Our campus is well located with excellent transport links, giving you the freedom to explore your surroundings. Our exceptional facilities at Warwick Conferences, with
Warwick Conferences Our award-winning conference centres create an ideal environment which brings participants together to learn, collaborate and be inspired.
diverse spaces and accommodation, offer a supportive and inspirational learning environment.
Edinburgh
Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Green areas Fancy a run, a walk or a place to sit down and enjoy nature? There are plenty of green spaces to explore or take a well-earned break.
Manchester
Republic of Ireland
Birmingham
Birmingham International Airport
WBS
London
Cardiff
Heathrow International Airport
Sports and Wellness Hub Our Sports and Wellness Hub is the perfect place to keep healthy, have fun and meet new people. Our incredible facilities include a gym, fitness classes, swimming pool, climbing wall and much more – you will find an activity to suit you!
Travelling from Coventry by Rail To Journey (mins) * Birmingham Airport 10 London 60 Manchester 120 Cardiff 160 Edinburgh 270
Multi-faith chaplaincy with 5 Chaplains Our Chaplaincy provides a calming space, whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or a place to practice your beliefs during your time at Warwick.
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Application
How to apply
Step 2: Prepare your application If your profile aligns with the entry criteria, you’ll be invited to apply via the online portal. You’ll need to upload: ■ A research proposal (outlining your intended area of study ■ Two references (one academic, one professional) using the research template ■ Academic transcripts Need help with your research proposal? Read our guide W wbs.ac.uk/go/DBAguide
Step 3: Interview Your application will be reviewed by the DBA Programme Directors. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a formal interview.
Step 1: Submit your CV for review Start with an informal CV review to assess your suitability and receive tailored guidance.
Step 6: Register and Enrol You’ll receive details about registration, induction, and what to expect during your time at WBS.
Step 4: Receive your offer Successful applicants will receive a formal offer letter from WBS.
Step 5: Confirm Your place Accept your offer to secure your place on the programme.
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Need Support? Speak to the team
Discover our latest events
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This is an opportunity to really stand back, do that research, do that thinking and then how that can be applied back at work. Derek Hubbard CFO - Global Technology, UBS
Warwick Business School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
WBS believes this document is accurate, but accepts no liability for errors or later changes. See our website for the latest information. 02/2026 59961
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