Doctor of Business Administration
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Overview
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About the Programme
An education grant of S$3,270 is available to local applicants for the 2025 intakes of this programme. Please contact our programme consultant for more information.
Doctoral Degrees are pivotal in advancing knowledge within professional fields, yet there is often confusion about the different types available. Distinct from a PhD, which emphasises theoretical research and academia, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is meticulously tailored for aspiring future executives. It emphasises the need to evidence significant impact on professional practice.
In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting regulations and macroeconomic fluctuations, the demand for a diverse and profound skill set is paramount. This dynamic environment continually presents new and intricate challenges, necessitating thoughtful and skilled navigation to ensure sustained business success.
This research-based Doctoral programme is explicitly designed for seasoned business executives. It aims to augment their professional experience with advanced, research-based skills, enabling them to rigorously analyse and effectively tackle complex, real-world business issues. This programme empowers executives with the knowledge and tools to make a substantial impact in their fields, driving forward both their personal career trajectories and the wider business community.
Graduation & Degree Awarded
Students who successfully complete and pass the modules stipulated in the programme structure will be awarded the Doctor of Business Administration from Aston University, United Kingdom.
The Degree will be the same as that awarded to the on-campus graduates in the United Kingdom.
Key factsDuration48 monthsIntake MonthApril & OctoberNumber Of Modules4Mode Of DeliveryBlended LearningAssessmentA combination of assignments and examinationsCareer OpportunitiesBusiness LeadChief Executive OfficerConsultantResearch Director
Ranking & Accreditation
Aston Business School is accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Association of MBAs (AMBA) and EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
The Doctor of Business Administration programme adheres to AMBA’s accreditation criteria.
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Intakes
There are 2 intakes per year.
Commencement- April
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October
Please contact our programme consultant to obtain a copy of the class schedule.
Minimum Class Size-
17 students
Class may commence with fewer students than indicated above, subject to resource availability. In the event of cancellation, you will be notified at least 1 week before the programme commencement date, stated in your student contract with Kaplan, and our consultants will contact you to advise on a backup plan.
Modules
The DBA programme consists of a taught phase and a research phase. This programme may be completed in 48 months on a part-time basis.
During the first year of the DBA programme, students will gain baseline research skills through modules taught by inspirational faculty, with the aim of refining the research topic. There are four modules in the taught phase.
Taught Phase
- Applied Research Methods
- Introduction to Business and Management Research
- Professional Development and Research Impact
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Research Phase
The research phase of the DBA programme requires the research candidate to engage in independent research with support from a supervisory team. The contact hours in this phase are solely for research supervision meetings. This stage of the programme requires significant drive, commitment and dedication to undertaking independent study.
By the end of month 20 of the second year in the case of part-time students, you will submit a qualifying report which is assessed by viva voce examination with internal examiners. Briefly, the report will deliver a detailed review of previous research findings relating to your research and a plan and design for research work going forward. Progress on the programme is contingent on meeting the submission deadline for the qualifying report and passing the viva.
Aston University's academics sit within the following departments:
- Accounting
- Aston Law
- Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship
- Marketing and Strategy
- Operations and Information Management
- Work and Organisational Psychology
Cross disciplinary research retaining a business focus but draws on wider faculty/department expertise is also welcome.
Click here for module descriptions.
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Admission CriteriaAcademic Requirements
The DBA programme accepts the following qualification:
- A Master’s Degree in Business or Management (or comparable subject) and a minimum of five years’ senior management experience.
English Language Requirements- Evidence that the Master’s Degree was taught mainly or entirely in English; OR
- IELTS score of 6.5 overall with min 6.5 in Reading and Writing and min 6.0 in Listening and Speaking; OR
- An equivalent English language qualification recognised by Aston University. Click here for more information.
Working Experience- Mature entry candidates with a minimum of five years’ senior management experience.
In all cases, the final decision on admission to the programme rests with the University.
Additional NotesEntry is competitive and all applicants must submit the following:
- Official academic transcript(s) and certificate(s) evidencing an MA, MBA or MSc Degree in Business or Management
- Two references, one of which will be from your current employer
- Detailed CV
- A research proposal (Guidance notes)
- A personal statement detailing your motivations in undertaking this programme and how your background, qualifications and experiences will help you meet the demands of the programme (Guidance notes)
Application Process
Applications that meet entry requirements are reviewed by the DBA Programme Director. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview via Microsoft Teams. As part of the interview, applicants will have a conversation with the DBA Programme Director and faculty members to discuss their proposed research and the requirements of the programme.
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter and information on programme registration and enrolment.
The information on this website provides details regarding the typical entry requirements for this programme, including the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the admissions team before applying to determine whether their qualifications are considered acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications, these will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor and in accordance with applicable university policies and regulations.
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Fees
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Local ApplicantsApply Now
Part-time (Local Applicants) – Click here to apply online.
Course FeeTuition Fee
The total tuition fee covers university registration, lectures/tutorials/workshops, and assessments such as assignments/tests/examinations/projects (where applicable), programme materials in digital format, Degree (if earned), and transcript.
S$62,130 payable in 4 instalments
(Nett programme fee listed above = Tuition fee of S$65,400 minus Education Grant of S$3,270*)Fee inclusive of 9% GST
*The Education Grant and amount specified is exclusive to selected programmes and not transferable to other programmes or another intake of the same programme. Terms and conditions apply.
NTUC members are eligible for funding support under the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP). The maximum claimable is capped annually at S$250 for NTUC members below 40 years old and S$500 for NTUC members aged 40 and above.
For application guidelines, please click here.
For FAQs, please click here.
Non-Refundable Application Fee
S$239.80
Fee inclusive of 9% GSTStudent Development Fee
S$283.40*
Fee inclusive of 9% GST*Payment for this fee will be included in the first instalment.
The Student Development Fee covers the provision of a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the career and industry-readiness of Kaplan students, such as programmes aimed at improving interpersonal skills, technical and digital skills, as well as career advisory and job matching services. More details can be found here.
Payment OptionsPayment Counter Operating Hours:
Wilkie Edge Campus, Level 2, Payment Counter Operating Hours:
9am – 8pm (Mondays to Fridays)
9am – 3pm (Saturdays)Christmas Eve and New Year Eve: 9am to 1pm
(Closed on Sundays, Public Holidays and Chinese New Year Eve)
SingPost SAM Kiosk/Mobile App/Web/Kiosk:
For New Students
New students who wish to pay their application fee or their 1st instalment of the programme fee via SAM mobile app, web or kiosk can contact the programme consultant for assistance.
Download SAM mobile app:
Google Playstore
Apple AppstoreOnline payment website:
https://mysam.singpost.com/webhomeCredit Card 0% Interest Instalment Payment:
Payment to be made at the Payment Counter:
- 6/12 months – DBS/POSB/OCBC/Standard Chartered Bank/UOB
- 6/12/24 months – AMEX/Maybank
Online Instalment Payment Plan (IPP):
- 6/12 months – AMEX/OCBC/Standard Chartered Bank
Education Loan:
Choice of flexible repayment schemes available to suit your needs:
- Standard Repayment: Pay your monthly instalments (principal and interest) once your loan is disbursed.
- Partial Repayment: Pay partial instalments for up to 3 years or till the end of your programme, whichever is earlier. Standard monthly instalments (principal and interest) will commence thereafter.
- Interest Servicing: Pay only interest for up to 3 years or till the end of your programme, whichever is earlier. Standard monthly instalments (principal and interest) will commence thereafter.
- Flexible repayment tenure of up to 8 years.
Please click here for more information on Maybank Education loan and here for OCBC Frank Education loan. Terms and conditions apply, subject to bank’s approval.
Maybank and OCBC Education Loans:
Flexible repayment tenure of up to 8 years
For assistance, you may contact your programme consultant or the bank officers, by clicking on the link.
Cheque Payment (Singapore banks only):
Cheque should be made payable to “Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte Ltd”.
Flywire (for International Students):
For international students making overseas remittance payments through Flywire, please make payment via https://flywire-pay.kaplan.com.sg/#/ (application and programme fees only).
Interbank Transfer/Telegraphic Transfer:
Students can make application fee and programme fee payments via Interbank Transfer or Telegraphic Transfer.
Kaplan Higher Education Academy
Bank account details:
Bank name: DBS Bank
Bank address: 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982
Beneficiary’s name: Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte Ltd
Bank code: 7171
Branch code: 001
Account no.: 001-900452-7
Swift code: DBSSSGSGImportant Note:
- Please fill in the “Payment description” column with your Invoice details and Student CT number which can be found in the student contract.
- If you wish to make an application fee payment via this method, please contact your programme consultant to acquire your Student CT number.
- For new students: please sign the student contract prior to making the transfer and provide a screenshot of your payment confirmation (including hard copy payment slips, if any) with your CT number to your programme consultant.
- For existing students: please provide a screenshot of your payment confirmation (including hard copy payment slips, if any) to [email protected] or call 6496 5661 for assistance.
Inaugural Intake GrantThe Inaugural Intake Grant is designed to offer financial support to the first cohort of students enrolling in selected programmes at Aston University. For additional details on this opportunity and to understand how you can benefit, click here or contact our programme consultant.
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DurationDuration
- 48 months
Maximum allowed candidature period-
72 months (6 years)
If a student fails to complete the programme within the candidature period, they will not be entitled to any recourse or refund.
Life Beyond Classrooms
Experience Kaplan’s supportive learning environment inside and out.
A Supportive Environment
At Kaplan, our conducive environment helps stimulate minds, encourage exploration and achieve excellence. Find out how this helped our student Jordan Sukaimi become a World Dance Champion! Check out the video here.
Learn more about the Kaplan way:
Culture of Support
Future Ready
Student Engagement
Career Readiness
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated consultant for this programme for more information.
Diana Wong