Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Course Outline

  Phase 1: Strategy & Decision Making Core

  Focus: Mastering high-level business knowledge to apply to the Capstone

  −

  Module	Module Title & Description	ECTS
  DBA 800	Theory-to-Practice: Management Innovation Connect influential management frameworks to innovation and strategic performance outcomes.	ECTS 10
  DBA 810	Strategic Leadership in Complex Systems Navigate ambiguity, interdependence, and rapid change with real-world leadership analysis.	ECTS 10
  DBA 820	Global Operational Strategy & Supply Chain Design operational systems and assess supply chain risk and efficiency drivers.	ECTS 10
  DBA 830	Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility for Executives Strengthen executive ethics, governance judgement, and values-based decision-making in practice.	ECTS 10
  DBA 840	Financial Intelligence & Economic Modelling Interpret financial information, model scenarios, and evaluate economic influences on strategy.	ECTS 10
  DBA 850	Marketing Strategy & Consumer Analytics Use data-driven consumer insight to build marketing strategy and organisational value.	ECTS 10

  Phase 2: Inquiry Toolkit
  (Applied Research)

  Focus: Learning how to gather and analyse data

  +

  Module	Module Title & Description	ECTS
  CAP 900	Evidence-Based Management & Applied Inquiry Integrate research and practical evidence to address managerial challenges credibly.	ECTS 9
  CAP 910	Applied Business Analytics (Quantitative Analysis) Build practical quantitative skills: work with data, interpret results, apply reasoning.	ECTS 9
  CAP 920	Professional Inquiry & Interviewing (Qualitative Analysis) Gather qualitative insights through interviewing and observation; develop thematic interpretation skills.	ECTS 9
  CAP 930	Design Thinking & Problem-Solving Architectures Apply structured design thinking to explore challenges and develop solution models.	ECTS 9
  CAP 940	Change Management & Organisational Intervention Examine how change is introduced, sustained, and supported through intervention design.	ECTS 9

  Phase 3: Capstone Project (Professional Project)

  Focus: Students produce a high-level strategic solution

  +

  Module	Module Title & Description	ECTS
  CAP 950	Organisational Diagnosis & Problem Definition Define a doctoral-level organisational challenge and establish focused diagnostic framing.	ECTS 10
  CAP 960	Capstone Prospectus (Literature & Framework) Develop the formal prospectus: literature review, framework refinement, and project plan.	ECTS 15
  CAP 970	Project Implementation & Data Collection Carry out research design, gather and organise data systematically and efficiently.	ECTS 20
  CAP 980	Impact Analysis & Strategic Recommendations Interpret findings and develop evidence-based recommendations that translate into strategic insight.	ECTS 20
  CAP 999	Capstone Presentation & Executive Summary Defence Present outcomes via executive summary and formal presentation for a polished submission.	ECTS 10

  TOTAL PROGRAM: 180 ECTS

• How Will You Benefit?

  1. Earn the prestigious “Dr.” title and graduate with the highest professional qualification in business, positioning yourself at the pinnacle of executive credibility

  2. Develop advanced, in-demand executive business skills through a rigorous curriculum taught by expert faculty, with personalised tutor support throughout your studies

  3. Unlock senior leadership and executive roles, enhance your personal brand, and significantly improve long-term earning potential with one of the world’s most sought-after business degrees

  4. Study 100% online while maintaining your current career, with the flexibility to complete your DBA in as little as two years or at your own pace

  5. Complete a real-world, practice-focused capstone project instead of a dissertation, delivering a real-world, board-level solution with immediate professional value

  6. Gain credit for prior learning and professional experience, reducing study time and recognising your existing expertise

  7. Master of Management (MM) is awarded upon completion of the first year (60 ECTS)

  8. Benefit from a competitively priced DBA with no hidden fees, flexible interest-free payment plans, and a discount for upfront payment

  9. Potentially claim tax deductions where the degree is directly related to your current work (always seek professional tax advice)

  Graduates typically receive a full return on investment within a year of graduation. This may result from a new position or promotion that recognises the achievement of becoming a DBA graduate or an offer of higher remuneration.

  The compounded return over the length of your career is what really makes a DBA so valuable. It is an investment that should return significant lifelong dividends over the course of your career. DBAs are key to career progression and acquiring valuable new skills and abilities, which are highly valued in the business world.

  

  Get started with our interest-free payment plan:

  ENROL NOW

• Career Prospects

  DBA graduates typically progress into senior executive, board-level, advisory, and enterprise leadership roles requiring advanced strategic judgement and applied research capability.

  Typical career opportunities include:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Managing Director
  • Senior Executive or General Manager
  • Executive or Enterprise Leadership Role
  • Company Director or Board Member
  • Business Consultant or Principal Advisor
  • Senior Government or Policy Leader
  • Entrepreneur or Business Founder
  • Board, Advisory, or Governance Roles

  DBA program graduates are commonly seen as candidates for leadership roles and those destined for the senior echelons of the business world. DBA graduates are recognised for their problem-solving skills and the level of aptitude necessary to manage companies and organisations.

  A survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council found that:

  • 96% of employers agree that hiring business school graduates creates value for their companies.
  • 68% of employers agree that recruiting graduates of graduate programs is a priority in their company’s hiring plans.
  • The average annual salaries for DBA graduates are between £88,000 and £102,000+.

• Prerequisites

  Applicants who wish to pursue the DBA degree must hold a master’s degree in any field. Should you not hold a master’s degree, you are able to complete the ICI MBA degree to meet the prerequisites for entry into the ICI DBA.

  Alternatively, 8 to 15+ years of business or managerial experience, or 5+ years at a senior or executive level (C-suite, director, partner, owner), is required to enter the DBA without a Master’s degree.

  You should have a good understanding of the English language in order to complete the program successfully (English language requirements: IELTS score of 6 as a minimum or proof of work experience in an English-speaking environment).

• Course Length

  DBA degrees (180 ECTS) can be completed in 2 years. It is a self-paced degree programme, which means you determine the pace of the programme and the timeframe for completing your studies.

• Recognition & Accreditation

  
  The ICI DBA is a private Swiss degree accredited and granted jointly with the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC). IAPCC is an independent not-for-profit peak industry education body based in Geneva, Switzerland, as defined by Articles 60 to 79 of the Swiss Civil Code.

  IAPCC accreditation ensures that the Institute has met set benchmarks in the areas of course content, course delivery, student assessments, administration and tutorial faculty.

  
  ICI is a member of the European Association for Distance Learning (EADL) and has agreed to abide by its Code of Conduct and conform to its Quality Standards. EADL represents private and non-governmental European education providers offering high quality and educationally sound distance learning.

• What Do I Get?

  All materials essential for course completion are included in the cost of the course fee. Upon enrolment, students receive:

  • All required study materials, including course notes and videos
  • Assessment projects, including a capstone project
  • Faculty who will provide tutorial support.

  On successful completion of the course, you will receive:
  

  • A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, which officially recognises your successful completion of studies
  • Transcripts indicating units completed (180 ECTS)
  • Master of Management (MM) upon completion of the first year (60 ECTS)
  • Letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
  • The academic title of Dr. and post-nominals (DBA) are placed after your name, which distinguishes you as a recognised senior business professional. For example: Dr. Your Name, DBA
  • Career counselling and job search assistance: Graduate Career Services Program.

• Cut Off Date

  Friday, 20th February 2026 is the next enrolment cut-off date. Places are limited and in demand; entry into the course is on a first-come, first-served basis.

  Your enrolment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive access to your module within days of enrolling. When you start the DBA degree, it’s at your own pace, and you determine when you finish.

Course Investment & Payment Plans

How do I get started?