Henley DBA

Henley Doctorate of Business Administration

The Henley Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is one of only nine programmes globally to have gained the prestigious AMBA accreditation. Since its launch in 1992, it has become the most established DBA programme in Europe with the highest number of graduates from over 30 countries around the world.

The Henley DBA is a part-time professional doctoral degree with an international scope and reputation, designed to enhance executive and professional practice through the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in business and management.

It enhances the capability to develop knowledge and theory, and their application. Key to this is a programme to develop personal, consultancy and research skills in the context of rigorous and relevant research.

Research and Business

The DBA programme contributes to the research excellence of Henley Business School. The theses produced receive commendations from accrediting bodies and examiners alike. Candidates include prestigious competition winners and the quality of theses is regularly praised as being the highest quality by scholars with global reputations in their field.

Research associates are members of our school structure and are encouraged to take part in activities of our research centres. By conducting original research in their specialist area, candidates are able to further their careers and build expertise to contribute to grow competitive advantage and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

The Henley DBA will enable you to

Develop a sound understanding of the relevant conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of your chosen area of research into business and management

Have a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic and management enquiry

Create and interpret knowledge through original research. Enhance both your performance as a reflective practitioner and your professional practice

Develop personal, consultancy and research competences to undertake rigorous research at an advanced level that contributes to theory and practice in business and management

Who should consider a DBA?

The programme will be of particular benefit to experienced senior executives, consultants, management educators and business school academics. A DBA from Henley will enhance professional capability and credibility, develop networks, and provide a firm foundation for further career development or a major career move. Employers benefit from supporting candidates for the DBA by attracting, developing and retaining key talent and building knowledge for competitive advantage.

DBA and PhDs – Equal but different

The DBA and PhD are both doctorate degrees having the same status and challenges. The DBA has both rigour and relevance as it contributes to theory and practice in business and management. The DBA typically focuses on research ‘in’ organisations rather than research ‘on’ organisations. It is more likely to involve cross-disciplinary work and mixed methods, and to contribute to developing students’ own practice and development. The DBA is a better choice if you wish to continue your career in business, whereas the PhD might be a better alternative for a career in academia.