Original Research That Advances Your Career and Your Field
The AIM Doctor of Business Administration is a part-time, research-focused doctorate for senior leaders who want more than another taught qualification. Accredited by AIM Academy in the United Kingdom and delivered through our partnership, the programme gives you the academic framework to investigate real business problems at doctoral level — and produce original, publishable research that shapes your industry.
Where an MBA teaches existing frameworks, the DBA asks you to generate new knowledge. You choose a research question drawn from your own professional experience, then apply rigorous methodology to answer it. The result is a thesis that stands as a genuine contribution to your field — and a credential that distinguishes you in executive, consulting, and academic circles.
We designed this programme for directors, CEOs, C-suite executives, managing partners, and senior consultants with a minimum of ten years' experience. If you have reached a stage where strategic thinking matters more than operational skill, and you want your expertise validated through scholarly rigour, the DBA is your next step.
- ✓ Directors and CEOs seeking a doctoral credential
- ✓ Senior leaders with 10+ years' experience
- ✓ Strategic consultants and business owners
- ✓ Leaders transitioning to advisory or board roles
- ✓ MENA executives building an international profile
Programme at a Glance
- Duration 3 years part-time
- Accreditation AIM Academy (UK)
- Format Blended (5–6 residential blocks/year + online)
- Language English
- Outcome Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Partner AIM Academy (UK)
Key Promise: A doctoral qualification grounded in your professional reality. You research a problem you care about, under academic supervision, while continuing to lead.
Curriculum and Entry Requirements
A rigorous three-year programme combining taught modules with original doctoral research.
Entry Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Or equivalent professional qualification
8–10 Years Senior Management
Minimum experience at a senior leadership level
IELTS 6.5+
Or equivalent English language proficiency
2–3 Professional References
From senior colleagues or academic referees
Research Proposal
500–1,000 words outlining your intended thesis topic and methodology
Programme Structure (3 Years Part-Time)
Year 1: Foundations
- Module 1: Strategic Leadership & Organisational Vision
- Module 2: Advanced Research Methodology (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
- Module 3: Business Economics & Strategic Analysis
- Module 4: Innovation Management & Technology Leadership
Year 2: Specialisation & Proposal Development
- Module 5: Organisational Behaviour & Change Management
- Module 6: Global Business Strategy
- Module 7: Elective (learner-selected: finance, HR, sustainability, or another approved topic)
- Thesis Proposal Development
Year 3: Thesis Research & Examination
- Original thesis research conducted under academic supervision
- Thesis length: 60,000–80,000 words
- Oral examination (viva voce)
Delivery Format & Graduation Requirements
Delivery:
Blended: 5–6 residential blocks per year (3–5 days each) combined with online learning. Designed for working professionals who cannot step away from their roles full-time.
Graduation Requirements:
Successful completion of all taught modules, an original thesis meeting academic standards, and a viva voce examination.
Career Outcomes
The doctoral title carries weight in executive, consulting, and academic circles. It signals the ability to think at a strategic level, ground decisions in evidence, and contribute original ideas to your profession.
Career Pathways
Strengthen your candidacy for CEO, COO, or chief strategy roles in multinational organisations.
Position yourself for non-executive director appointments and advisory board positions.
Add doctoral credibility to your practice, whether you lead a boutique firm or advise within a global consultancy.
Pursue university teaching positions, research fellowships, or roles in policy think tanks.
Bring research-backed thinking to founding, scaling, or internationalising your own ventures.
Qualify for senior government, regulatory, or international organisation leadership roles.
Investment and Study Format
Structured around your professional commitments, with clear time expectations at every stage.
Total Duration
3 years part-time is the standard timeline. An extension to 4 years is available if your professional or personal circumstances require it.
Weekly Commitment
- During residential blocks: 5–7 days intensive (3–5 blocks per year)
- Between blocks: 15–20 hours/week for research and coursework
- Final year (thesis): 20–25 hours/week
Fees
Contact us for current fee information. We offer guidance on financing options including corporate sponsorship and instalment arrangements.
Key Dates
Intakes in September and January annually. Contact our programme advisory team for application deadlines and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study while working full-time?
Yes. The programme is designed for working professionals. It runs part-time with 5–6 residential blocks per year, each lasting 3–5 days. Between blocks you study 15–20 hours per week, which you can fit around your professional schedule.
What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD?
Both are doctoral qualifications. A PhD typically focuses on advancing theoretical knowledge within an academic discipline. A DBA applies rigorous research methods to practical business problems. DBA candidates are usually senior practitioners; PhD candidates are often earlier-career academics.
Is the DBA recognised internationally?
Yes. The AIM-accredited DBA is recognised across the UK, Europe, and the MENA region. The credential strengthens your profile for board appointments, consulting engagements, and academic positions internationally.
What research support is provided?
You are assigned an academic supervisor who guides your research from proposal through to viva. You also have access to the AIM research library, methodology workshops during residential blocks, and peer review sessions with fellow doctoral candidates.
How long does the programme take?
Three years part-time is the standard duration. An extension to four years is available if needed. Years 1 and 2 combine taught modules with research development. Year 3 is dedicated to thesis writing and examination.