When can I apply?
You can apply for the DBA at anytime
When does it start?
The DBA has a rolling intake. You can start your studies at anytime.
What is a DBA?
A DBA is a Doctorate in Business Administration. It involves a combination of text-based study, assessed by examination and doctoral level research.
How is a DBA different to a PhD?
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is appropriate for people who wish to become professional researchers. The subject or theory area in the DBA is centred on a real business problem and the results provide real working outcomes that are of direct relevance to that business. The DBA thesis is identical to a PhD in terms of effort, rigour, contribution to knowledge, supervision and examination. The DBA should therefore be seen as a PhD with additional applied study elements
What is involved?
To be eligible for direct admission to the DBA programme, you must hold at least one of the following qualifications a Heriot-Watt University MBA; an approved MBA of equivalent standard to that offered by EBS; a Masters degree such as MSc, MA, MPhil in a relevant field of study; or a PhD in a relevant area.
How is the DBA assessed?
Each course is assessed by examination. The research proposal and literature review are not assessed formally but must reach an acceptable standard before being accepted by the Edinburgh Business School Research Committee.The thesis is assessed by a formal viva voce examination involving the candidate, the supervisor and internal and external examiners. The candidate is required to present his work and answer any questions from the examiners.
Can I do it part time?
Yes on distance.
Can I do it by self-study?
Yes
Can I claim exemptions for prior study?
Exemptions will not be awarded on the basis of prior academic or professional study. However, Heriot Watt MBA Alumni are permitted a maximum of 4 credit transfers for courses completed in the MBA which form part of the DBA programme. Holders of other approved qualifications deemed to have sufficient similarity of course content will be offered the opportunity of sitting an exemption exam.
|  | How do you match candidates with supervisors?
EBS maintains a list of supervisors and senior supervisors. All supervisors are carefully chosen and vetted to ensure that they can supervise to the required standards. Candidates are allocated a supervisor whose expertise lies within the candidate's proposed area of research.
How do I work with my supervisor?
Candidates are expected to develop a close working relationship with the supervisor as it is essential that the supervisor is closely involved in all aspects for the development of the research.
What is the main thing that can go wrong?
The most common problem is for candidates to underestimate the amount of time required to successfully complete the course. The whole package of taught elements and research thesis represents a formidable challenge. It can be very difficult to maintain the sort of time commitment that is required over several years.
What happens if I cannot complete the required research?
Students who have successfully completed the taught part of the programme and are unable to conduct the required research may be awarded the degree of MSc.
How do I conduct my own research?
Candidates should complete the three core business research courses at an early stage. These courses provide an all round basic grounding in research design and methods. They are designed to bridge the gap between the candidate's existing research experience (which may be nil) and the specialist research guidance that will be provided by the research supervisor.
What if I don't know anything about research?
The core research courses provide an introduction to business research and provide candidates with the necessary research knowledge to allow the research to develop up to the point where the supervisor is appointed. |
