Executive Doctorate in Business Administration

Tuition fees are 17,361 USD per year.

Introduction

Our Executive DBA is a hybrid, part-time, action-research doctoral programme specifically designed for business leaders, rather than those who want to be academic researchers. If you hold a leading role in your organisation, the Executive DBA will provide you with new skills to investigate and solve workplace issues, using advanced research methods. The programme enhances your existing management experience, allowing you to drive transformational change before and after graduation. Alongside gaining the highest level of academic qualification, the Executive DBA gives the opportunity to become a thought leader in your professional area, with some of our students publishing in world-leading journals.

Course Content

Pre-thesis stage
During the first two years, you’ll complete four modules to expand your research skills needed to study real-life business phenomena.

• Introduction to doctoral research
• Working with literature
• Research methods
• Designing scholarly practitioner research

This is an intensive two-year period which combines online learning sessions and four on-campus residencies. In-person attendance is highly recommended.

Thesis Development Stage

During the thesis development stage, you’ll put your new skills into practice by researching a particular aspect of your organisation. Alongside regular one-to-one online support from your supervisor, you’ll receive continuous guidance via group seminars and refresher workshops on different methodologies.

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.