Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Course Outline

  Phase 1: Strategy & Decision Making Core

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

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  Module Title & Description	ECTS
  Theory-to-Practice: Management Innovation This course introduces advanced management concepts and demonstrates how theory informs innovation within contemporary organisations. Candidates explore influential frameworks and consider how different approaches shape performance and strategic outcomes.	ECTS 10
  Strategic Leadership in Complex Systems This course examines leadership in environments characterised by ambiguity, interdependence and rapid change. Candidates analyse real-world situations to understand how effective leaders navigate complexity and support organisational direction.	ECTS 10
  Global Operational Strategy & Supply Chain This course focuses on how organisations design and manage operational systems that support strategic objectives. Candidates assess global supply chain dynamics, operational risks and efficiency drivers.	ECTS 10
  Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility for Executives This course explores the ethical considerations and governance responsibilities facing senior leaders. Candidates study contemporary issues in organisational ethics and reflect on how values influence decision-making.	ECTS 10
  Financial Intelligence & Economic Modelling This course develops the financial and economic understanding required for senior-level decision-making. Candidates interpret financial information, model scenarios and evaluate economic influences on organisational strategy.	ECTS 10
  Marketing Strategy & Consumer Analytics This course examines how organisations create value through marketing strategy and consumer insight. Candidates review data-driven approaches to understanding customer behaviour and market dynamics.	ECTS 10

  Phase 2: Inquiry Toolkit
  (Applied Research)

  Focus: Learning how to gather and analyse data

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  Module Title & Description	ECTS
  Evidence-Based Management & Applied Inquiry This course introduces approaches to integrating research and practical evidence in organisational decision-making. Candidates learn how to identify credible sources, interpret findings and relate them to managerial challenges.	ECTS 9
  Applied Business Analytics (Quantitative Analysis) This course provides practical quantitative skills for organisational analysis. Candidates work with data, interpret results and apply analytical reasoning to managerial questions.	ECTS 9
  Professional Inquiry & Interviewing (Qualitative Analysis) This course introduces qualitative inquiry through interviewing, observation and thematic exploration. Candidates learn approaches for gathering and interpreting qualitative insights.	ECTS 9
  Design Thinking & Problem-Solving Architectures This course presents structured approaches for exploring complex organisational challenges and developing potential solutions. Candidates apply design thinking principles to organisational issues.	ECTS 9
  Change Management & Organisational Intervention This course examines how change is introduced, implemented and sustained within organisations. Candidates consider models of organisational change and how interventions are designed.	ECTS 9

  Phase 3: Capstone Project (Professional Project)

  Focus: Students produce a high-level strategic solution

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  Module Title & Description	ECTS
  Organisational Diagnosis & Problem Definition This course supports candidates in articulating a clearly defined organisational challenge suitable for doctoral-level inquiry. Candidates consolidate insights from earlier coursework to shape their diagnostic framing.	ECTS 10
  Capstone Prospectus (Literature & Framework) This course guides candidates in developing the formal prospectus for the capstone. Candidates review relevant literature, refine their conceptual framework and establish a clear project plan.	ECTS 15
  Project Implementation & Data Collection This course focuses on carrying out the research design, including the gathering and organisation of data. Candidates conduct the project efficiently and systematically using analytical tools developed earlier in the program.	ECTS 20
  Impact Analysis & Strategic Recommendations This course supports candidates in interpreting findings and developing evidence-based recommendations. Candidates move from data interpretation to strategic insight and practical executive recommendations.	ECTS 20
  Capstone Presentation & Executive Summary Defence This course prepares candidates to present the outcomes of the capstone project through an executive summary and formal presentation. The final work reflects cumulative development across the program.	ECTS 10

  TOTAL: 180 ECTS

• How Will You Benefit?

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

  2. Unlock senior leadership and executive roles by enhancing your personal brand

  3. 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

  4. Complete a real-world, practice-focused capstone project, addressing an organisational or professional challenge

  5. Qualify for prior-learning credit subject to individual academic assessment and applicable credit limits

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

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

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

  Graduates often recover the full cost of the program within a year, particularly when it leads to a promotion, a new role, or a salary increase.

  The compounding value of a DBA can extend throughout your career. In addition to strengthening advanced business knowledge and leadership capabilities, the qualification can support long-term career progression and help develop skills that are highly valued across the business world.

  

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• Career Prospects

  DBA graduates may pursue senior executive, board-level, advisory, and enterprise leadership roles that require advanced strategic judgement and applied research capabilities.

  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 aptitude required 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 Association of MBAs (AMBA) states that the median salary for DBA graduates is around the £150k mark.

• Prerequisites

  Applicants who wish to pursue the DBA degree normally 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 DBA.

  Alternatively, applicants without a Master’s degree may enter the DBA with a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least eight years of business or managerial experience, or at least five years at a senior or executive level (C-suite, director, partner, owner).

  Applicants whose first language is not English should normally demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.0 or an accepted equivalent. Relevant professional experience or academic qualifications undertaken in English may also be considered as evidence of proficiency.

• Course Length

  The DBA may be completed in as little as two years. Study fully online and progress through the program around your professional and personal commitments. Studies should be completed within a period of three years. Extensions may be requested.

• Recognition & Accreditation

  
  The DBA is a professionally focused private institutional qualification awarded by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC) and delivered by ICI in association with IAPCC. IAPCC is a not-for-profit organisation established and operating under applicable Swiss law and legally domiciled in the Canton of Geneva. It operates industry based quality-assurance standards for private post-secondary education and accredits institutions against those standards.

  
  This degree is delivered through the ICI School of Management, International Career Institute’s higher education department. The School is a private education provider registered with the Ministry of National Education (France).

  
  ICI is a member of the European Association for Distance Learning (EADL) and abides by its Code of Conduct and Quality Standards. EADL represents private and non-governmental European distance learning providers committed to high-quality education.

• What Do I Get?

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

  • Access to all required learning materials, including course notes and videos
  • Assessment projects, including a capstone project
  • Access to faculty and tutorial support throughout your studies.

  Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive:
  

  • The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) qualification
  • Academic transcript recording the completed modules (180 ECTS)
  • The Master of Management (MM) qualification upon successful completion of the first 60 ECTS credits
  • A letter of recommendation and verification
  • Access to the Graduate Career Services Program: Graduate Career Services Program.

• Cut Off Date

  Applications for the next supported intake close on Friday, 24th July 2026. Applications are assessed in the order received, and places may be limited by available academic and supervisory capacity.

  Once your enrolment has been approved, you can expect to receive access to your first module within a few days.

Course Investment & Payment Plans