Programme accreditor
Chartered Management Institute
The UK's only chartered professional body dedicated to management and leadership. Completion of this Diploma puts you on the direct pathway to Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.
Course Overview
Course Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral programme delivered by the London Institute of Business and Technology (LIBT) in academic collaboration with Acacia University, a U.S.-based institution accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Acacia University filed with Arizona’s Secretary of State and applied for a degree-granting license in the State of Arizona in September 2007. Approval was granted on February 28, 2008. This international partnership provides experienced professionals with a rigorous and practice-oriented doctoral pathway that integrates global academic standards with applied business relevance.
Designed for senior leaders, executives, and advanced practitioners, the DBA enables candidates to address complex challenges in contemporary business environments through applied research and strategic inquiry. The programme emphasises critical areas such as organisational leadership, global strategy, innovation management, financial performance, and research methodology.
Students follow a structured academic pathway that includes foundational modules, IRB-approved research ethics training, doctoral seminars, and a dissertation based on original empirical investigation. All coursework and research components are delivered online, combining flexible access with personalised academic support.
The primary objective of the programme is to prepare candidates to become scholar-practitioners—leaders who apply rigorous research to real-world problems, inform policy, drive innovation, and shape strategic outcomes within their organisations and industries. Graduates of the DBA programme will be equipped to lead transformative change, contribute to the academic and professional body of knowledge, and engage with complex decision-making at the highest level.
Programme Modules
Programme Modules
This programme consists of 3 modules totalling 0 credits.
The course Business Research Methods is designed to provide students with a comprehensiveunderstanding of the research methodologies and techniques used in the field of business. Itaims to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct effective research and makeinformed decisions in a business context.
What You'll Learn
Outcomes, teaching style, assessment, and recognition of prior learning.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
Critically evaluate strategic management theories and frameworks and apply them to complex, ambiguous business problems in your own organisation.
Synthesise financial, operational, marketing and HR perspectives into an integrated strategic plan, and defend it against board‑level challenge.
Lead change initiatives that account for organisational culture, ethics and global operating contexts.
Reflect on your own leadership practice and design a personal development plan that progresses you toward Chartered Manager status with the CMI.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry to Doctorate of Business Administration (Advanced Entry).
- Entry to Doctorate of Business Administration (Advanced Entry)
Or
- • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- The degree must be verified on original transcripts sent to Acacia University.
- Applicants from Institutions Outside the United States: applicants submitting transcripts from non-US institutions may be required to have their transcript evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency.
- • Successful completion of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- The degree must be verified on an original transcript duly signed and certified by the Registrar or other responsible officer of the awarding institution directly to Acacia University.
- Mail or secure electronic delivery is accepted.
- Applicants submitting transcripts from non-US institutions may be required to have their transcript evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency.There is no minimum GPA required for admission to Doctoral study, but superior academic performance in courses related to the intended field of study is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated improvement in academic performance over time is also desirable.
- The degree must be verified on an original transcript duly signed and certified by the Registrar or other responsible officer of the Master’s institution.
Or
- • Applicants must currently hold or have held a professional position or be otherwise actively engaged in work that relates to the intended field of study.
- • Essay – A personal statement, between three and five hundred (300-500) words that discusses: your reasons for pursuing the doctorate; your career goals; how the doctorate would help you meet career goals; and prior experiences which relate to your interest in, and aptitude for this program.
Or
- • 65 on the paper-delivered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT)
- • 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS)
- • 58 on the Pearson Test of English Academic Score Report
- • 05 on the Duolingo English Test
- • 55 on the 4-skill Michigan English Test (MET)
- • 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE)
- • 650/LP on the Michigan Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)Completion of LIBT Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management
Accreditation
Accredited by
Continue your journey
Where this Diploma takes you next.
On successful completion you may progress directly into:
Fees & Payment
Fair fees by country of residence.
The standard fee is £3,800. Reduced fees of 75% and 50% apply by World Bank income tier — so the programme is accessible whether you're in London or Lagos. Payment plans are available for any tier.
Tier 1 · High income
£3,800
Application feeFree
Pay in full (5% off)£3,610
3 instalments£1,267 × 3
6 instalments£633 × 6
How fee tiers work
Tier 1High-income economies£3,800
Tier 2Upper-middle income£2,850
Tier 3Low / lower-middle income£1,900
Tiers follow the World Bank's income classification. Need a custom plan? Talk to admissions.
From This Programme
Real reviews from L7 Strategic Leadership students.
We only show reviews from people who have actually taken this Diploma. All quotes are verified Trustpilot reviews; some are anonymised at the reviewer's request.
★★★★★
“The team was incredibly helpful with providing guidance and insight into the study options available. Applying for Chartered Manager status with CMI, through LIBT, was a rewarding and growth-filled process.”
NW
Nathan W.
Operations Lead · 5★ on Trustpilot
★★★★★
“The customer service from the admissions team made the enrolment easy. They negotiated a discount price for me. The course is unique — I'm ready to explore the opportunities it brings.”
VR
Verified review
L7 PgDip Strategic Leadership · 5★
★★★★★
“LIBT provided strong support and flexible learning which made it easy to study alongside full-time work. Despite learning remotely they are always on hand.”
VR
Verified review
Working Manager · 5★
★★★★★
“Very affordable source of learning. The tutors are diligent and helpful and the support is satisfactory. Would recommend to colleagues.”
VR
Verified review
Senior Manager · 4★
★★★★★
“Great value through the recent partnership with the CMI. The pathway to Chartered Manager status was the deciding factor for me.”
VR
Verified review
Programme Lead · 5★
★★★★★
“Flexible learning that fit around my work commitments. The named admissions contact made all the difference — felt like a person, not a process.”
VR
Verified review
Head of Function · 5★
4.7
Excellent on Trustpilot
Based on 36 reviews across all LIBT programmes
Speak to a real person
Hi — I'm your admissions advisor.
LIBT Admissions · Postgraduate
“Most students take 15 minutes with me before they apply — to talk through fees, RPL credit for prior experience, and which specialism fits their next role. No pressure, no fee.”
Currently online · typical reply within 2 hours · Mon–Fri 9am–6pm UK
Similar at this level
Browse all Level 7 Other Level 7 Diplomas you might consider.
FAQ
Things people ask before applying.
Who is this Level 7 Diploma for?
It's designed for working managers ready to step into senior leadership — typically aspiring or new heads of function, programme leads, or operations managers. You should already have either a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or 5+ years of managerial experience, and be at least 22.
How long does it take?
Between 6 and 12 months, depending on how much time you give it each week. Most students study around 8–10 hours a week alongside full‑time work. The programme is paced, not deadline‑driven — you can accelerate or slow down within that window.
How much does it cost?
Fees vary by country of residence using World Bank income tiers. The standard fee is £3,800 (Tier 1); Tier 2 countries pay 75% (£2,850), Tier 3 pay 50% (£1,900). Payment plans of 3 or 6 instalments are available on every tier — there's no application fee.
Is it accredited?
Yes — the Diploma is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Completing it makes you eligible to apply for Chartered Manager status, the UK's only chartered status for managers.
Can I progress to a Master's degree?
Yes. The 120 credits transfer to a dissertation top‑up at one of LIBT's university partners, leading to a related Master's degree (typically MBA or MSc Strategic Management).
Is it fully online?
Yes. All modules are delivered online with 24/7 access to course materials, a one‑to‑one academic tutor, and twice‑monthly live tutor sessions per module (recorded if you can't attend live).
What if I don't have a bachelor's degree?
Apply on the strength of 5+ years of managerial experience. We assess applications case‑by‑case through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and we can also reduce the workload if you already hold a relevant Level 6 or 7 qualification — by up to 50%.
How do I apply?
Click "Apply now" anywhere on this page. The application takes about 10 minutes and carries no fee. Our admissions team will respond within 2 working days, usually faster.