Doctor of Business Administration
Become a Leader. Become a Doctor.
Start your doctoral journey with the Executive Diploma in Advanced Research. Upon completion, choose your path: a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). Both are awarded by the University of Gloucestershire, delivered in exclusive partnership with Robert Kennedy College.
🚀 Start your doctoral journey now – Apply for the PhD or DBA Programme
🎓 Your Doctoral Journey in Two Stages
Stage 1: Executive Diploma in Advanced Research
10 months | Robert Kennedy College | 100% Online
Stage 1 equips you with essential research skills and lays a strong foundation for your doctoral thesis. The programme comprises two Level 8 modules (the highest level in the UK qualifications framework), each with a 12,000-word assessment (2 × 6,000 words), totalling 24,000 words that contribute directly to your PhD or DBA thesis.
- 📚 Undertaking a Doctorate Literature Review (DB81)
- Systematically engage with existing research in your field.
- Craft clear, researchable questions informed by critical analysis.
- Build a conceptual framework tailored for your doctoral thesis.
- 📊 Research Methodologies, Methods, and Analysis (DB82)
- Explore advanced research philosophies and ethical considerations.
- Master qualitative and quantitative research methods (including SPSS, NVivo).
- Design a comprehensive research strategy integrating theory and practice.
🖥️ 100% Online: Flexible, rigorous, and tailored for working professionals.
👨🏫 Taught by the University of Gloucestershire Doctoral Team.
Stage 2: Choose Your Doctorate
University of Gloucestershire | Indicative 2–3 years, depends on individual progress
After successfully completing Stage 1 and an online interview with your supervisory team, you progress to Stage 2. Your specialisation depends on your thesis topic.
📘 PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Ideal for those seeking to contribute original theoretical knowledge to their field, pursue academic careers, or conduct pure research, with an 80,000-word thesis.
🔬 Research Areas: We can supervise a wide range of topics including:
Business Administration • Management • Healthcare Management • Cybersecurity • Computing • Artificial Intelligence • Law • Accounting • Finance • Marketing • Digital Marketing • Leadership • Organisational Behaviour • Human Resource Management • Supply Chain Management • Sustainability • Innovation • Entrepreneurship
- 🤝 Two Dedicated Supervisors from the University of Gloucestershire Doctoral Team.
- 📖 Your 24,000 words from Stage 1 contribute directly to your thesis.
📙 DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)
Designed for senior professionals who want to apply advanced research to solve real-world business challenges, with a 55,000-word thesis focused on actionable insights.
🔬 Research Areas: We can supervise a wide range of topics including:
Strategy • Organisational Behaviour • Leadership • Change Management • Digital Transformation • Marketing Strategy • Financial Management • Operations Management • Project Management • International Business • Corporate Governance • Business Ethics • Innovation Management • Knowledge Management • Performance Management
- 🤝 Two Dedicated Supervisors from the University of Gloucestershire Doctoral Team.
- 📖 Your 24,000 words from Stage 1 form a significant portion of your thesis.
- 🌍 Real-World Impact — produce actionable research solutions that elevate your industry.
🌟 Why Choose a Doctorate with Robert Kennedy College and the University of Gloucestershire?
- 🏛️ Prestigious Partnership: Degree awarded by the globally recognised University of Gloucestershire, in partnership with Robert Kennedy College.
- ✅ Globally Recognised & Accredited: Fully accredited by the British Government with worldwide recognition.
- 🇨🇭 Swiss Quality: Excellence in online education since 1998.
- 🖥️ 100% Online Flexibility: Study from anywhere, balancing professional and personal commitments effortlessly.
- 🧭 Your Topic, Your Specialisation: Tailor your research to your professional aspirations across a wide range of disciplines.
- 🔗 Integrated Learning: Your 24,000 words from Stage 1 contribute directly to your doctoral thesis, giving you a significant head start.
- 👨🏫 Expert Supervision: Two dedicated supervisors guide you throughout your dissertation research.
📋 Admission Requirements
Stage 1: Executive Diploma in Advanced Research
Robert Kennedy College
- 🎓 A Master's degree in any discipline (priority given to Robert Kennedy College graduates).
- 📝 Passion for research and a commitment to professional excellence.
Stage 2: PhD or DBA
University of Gloucestershire
- ✅ Successful completion of Stage 1, including submission of a Project Approval Form.
- 🗣️ Online interview with the supervisory team.
📣 Apply Now
✅ Limited places available — Apply early to secure your spot.
📖 Download the PhD/DBA Catalogue for full programme details.
Do you have any questions? Please ask us on WhatsApp!
3 years
100% online via OnlineCampus (an interactive online learning environment) with intensive class discussion and collaboration.
We offer rolling admissions throughout the year. Register at any time and begin your learning journey immediately.
Year 1 (Robert Kennedy College)
Standard Fee: CHF 9,800. Interest-free instalments of CHF 816 US$ 1,035, € 879 per month. For RKC graduates the total fee is: CHF 8,800.
After completing Year 1 at Robert Kennedy College, DBA students qualify for the reduced University fees shown below.
Year 2 and following years (payable directly to the University of Gloucestershire)
- For 2024/2025 £6,825 (after £2,000 RKC reduction; original fee £8,825)
- For 2025/2026 £7,275 (after £2,000 RKC reduction; original fee £9,275)
University fees may also be paid in three instalments.
Programme not eligible for UK Government student finance.
