You will learn through a blended-learning approach, i.e. a combination of structured lectures, workshops, directed learning activities, group work and seminar presentations, with emphasis on creative student-centred learning and self-reflection throughout.

The lectures are themed around topics such as*:

• Keeping up to Date with Information Sources
• Philosophy
• Reflexivity
• Deductive/Inductive Strategies
• Research Ethics
• Visual Methods
• Focus Groups
• Post-Structuralism and Research
• Document Analysis
• Questionnaire Design
• Scaling and Reliability
• Qualitative Strategies: Content and discourse analysis
• ANOVA/Regression
• Action Research
• Grounded Theory
• Multiple Regression
• Logistic Regression
• Analysis with NVivo
• Autoethnography
• Systems Thinking for Research
• Engaging with Users

The mandatory block study mode will allow you to continue in employment throughout your studies, giving you direct access to the professional context within which your doctoral programme rests. Personal study during the inter-block periods is vital for reflecting on the content of the taught modules, relating theory to your current (or past) professional practice, undertaking your research and preparing for your doctoral thesis/portfolio. This study time is self-managed, but supported by fellow participants, academic mentors and tutors.

You will be assessed in the taught stage of the programme by a critically argued research proposal of approximately 4000 words. On successful completion of the assessment, you will progress on to the research stage of the programme, which is assessed through the Annual Progression process, and ultimately your doctoral thesis/portfolio.

A feature of the Professional Doctorate is the flexibility of the form of submission at the research phase. Whilst a thesis of approximately 60,000 words is permissible, the University’s Professional Doctorate Framework also allows you to submit a portfolio commensurate with your professional circumstances and reflecting the research focus of your work.

*Lecture themes are subject to change

The tutors involved in this programme are highly experienced, research-active staff. Supervisors are normally allocated, where possible, to reflect both your research interests and the expertise of the university’s staff. You can read all of our staff profiles here.

We've invested £200 million to make sure that our campuses are places where you enjoy spending time. Our modern city campus is designed with you in mind; you'll find everything to give you an outstanding student experience, including our award-winning university library and excellent catering facilities.

The Graduate School is at the heart of the university's support network for research students, working closely with the research community across the university to promote high-quality academic and professional standards. From enrolment to viva, you'll benefit from focused training and development programmes solely reserved for research students.

You’ll have full access to our eLearning Portal, ‘Blackboard Learn’, which includes video lectures, web conferencing, study notes, discussion boards, virtual classrooms and communities. Blackboard Learn brings together all aspects of course management as well as assessment and feedback.

Northumbria University is a research-rich, business focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. The University is in the Times Higher Education UK top 50 for research power, based on the results of the Research Excellence Framework.

Click here to find out more about research at Northumbria, and here to explore research areas specifically within Newcastle Business School.

Please note that the DBA is an October intake only.

The application deadline is 1 June.

The application will consist of your Curriculum Vitae, your research proposal and your completed application form.