The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Robert Gordon University is a professional doctorate providing dynamic, research-based views of real management issues. You will have the opportunity to blend the latest academic thinking with business knowledge, skills and practice, enabling a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice.
A DBA is equivalent to a PhD but more applied in nature. This course is designed to generate new knowledge and understanding which will contribute to enhancing the policies and practices of modern management.
You will have the opportunity to undertake research in one or more of the following areas: Corporate Communications, Sales and Marketing; Finance, Accounting and Corporate Governance; Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour; Entrepreneurship and the Performance of SMEs; Leadership and Strategic Management; Environmental and Operations Management; Public Policy and Not-for-Profit Studies; Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Management; Technology, Innovation and e-Business.
The course has been designed to build on your management experience, skills and past academic achievement as part of a carefully considered plan.
In the first taught stage you will consolidate and extend your specialist knowledge and research competence and advance your research proposal by choosing complementary master's modules from across the whole university.
As well as offering a taught foundation in research methods, this DBA will also offer the opportunity to consolidate and expand on interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary skills.
In the second stage you will take your proposal forward to a full dissertation.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Within the taught element you will learn through a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars and workshops. Contact hours total 50 hours per module.
How long is a Doctor of Business Administration course?
The total learning effort upon completion of this course is:
- 3 - 4 years (full time)
- 4 - 6 years (part time)
Independent Study
You will be expected to study independently for approximately 50 hours per module.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The taught element of the degree is taught by Aberdeen Business School staff members who have a great breadth of experience and specialist knowledge within their chosen fields.
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Job Prospects
You will have the opportunity to blend the latest academic thinking with business knowledge, skills and practice, to enable you to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice.
The Aberdeen DBA has been specifically designed to:
- Build on management experience and skills, and past academic achievements as part of a carefully considered career plan
- Provide maximum professional credibility and open doors into more senior management positions, consultancy or academia
- Enhance research and project management skills and increase understanding of research methods and techniques
What is required for a DBA Doctor of Business Administration?
The DBA is a challenging programme demanding a combination of intellectual ability and experience. We welcome applicants from across the world. To qualify for consideration you will need to demonstrate:
- An MBA or master's degree in a relevant area of business and management
- A minimum of three years business experience
- Ability to demonstrate competence in written and oral English
- All candidates will be interviewed and be required to produce a research outline prior to formal acceptance onto the course
English Language Requirements
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £16020 |
| Year 2 | £16020 | |
| Year 3 | £16020 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6860 |
| Year 2 | £6860 | |
| Year 3 | £6860 | |
| Year 4 | £6860 | |
| Year 5 | £6860 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £16020 |
| Year 2 | £16020 | |
| Year 3 | £16020 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6860 |
| Year 2 | £6860 | |
| Year 3 | £6860 | |
| Year 4 | £6860 | |
| Year 5 | £6860 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £16020 |
| Year 2 | £16020 | |
| Year 3 | £16020 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6860 |
| Year 2 | £6860 | |
| Year 3 | £6860 | |
| Year 4 | £6860 | |
| Year 5 | £6860 | |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £15550 |
| Year 2 | £15550 | |
| Year 3 | £15550 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6660 |
| Year 2 | £6660 | |
| Year 3 | £6660 | |
| Year 4 | £6660 | |
| Year 5 | £6660 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £15550 |
| Year 2 | £15550 | |
| Year 3 | £15550 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6660 |
| Year 2 | £6660 | |
| Year 3 | £6660 | |
| Year 4 | £6660 | |
| Year 5 | £6660 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £15550 |
| Year 2 | £15550 | |
| Year 3 | £15550 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6660 |
| Year 2 | £6660 | |
| Year 3 | £6660 | |
| Year 4 | £6660 | |
| Year 5 | £6660 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 3 years | Year 1 | £15550 |
| Year 2 | £15550 | |
| Year 3 | £15550 | |
Part Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 5 years | Year 1 | £6660 |
| Year 2 | £6660 | |
| Year 3 | £6660 | |
| Year 4 | £6660 | |
| Year 5 | £6660 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our team and we'll do our best to help.