Doctor of Business Administration

The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) will normally be three years for a full-time student and six years for a part-time student.

The research thesis is approximately 80,000 words in length. Your thesis should bridge the theory-practice gap, make a practical contribution to a specific area of business administration and professional knowledge, and contribute to current scholarship. It is assessed by examination by three external reviewers.

As a doctoral candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree. Your academic supervisors will be complemented by a professional mentor, who has expertise in the industry or profession relevant to your research area. Your supervisors and professional mentors will assist you with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

Most domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships, which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. International students may be supported through Commonwealth Government RTP Scholarships or the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are also very competitive.

You will complete four compulsory research training courses: Quantitative Research Methods (RSCH7000), Qualitative Research Methods (RSCH7001), Scholarly Reading and Writing (RSCH7002), and Developing a Research Proposal (RSCH7003). The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments, and the coursework is available with a flexible timetable to accommodate current work commitments.