The DBA is delivered in two progressive stages:

### The Upgrade Stage (First 12 Months)

Every candidate completes an upgrade viva, presenting and defending their detailed research proposal. This ensures a strong foundation for the doctoral journey.

- Bi-weekly online supervision and a virtual learning environment support students throughout.
- Core areas include: Advanced Research Methods, Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis, Strategic Management, Organisational Theory, and AI in Business & Education.
- A comprehensive literature review and formal thesis proposal are completed within the first two years.

### The Doctoral Stage (Years 2–4)

Candidates then focus on producing and defending their doctoral thesis. The final viva normally occurs 1–6 years after the upgrade, providing flexibility for part-time professionals.

### A Streamlined Path to Doctoral Success

The MBA to DBA pathway combines professional relevance with academic excellence — enabling students to progress from master’s to doctorate within just over four years, supported by expert supervision, flexible online learning, and a global professional network..