Doctorate of Business Administration (Advanced Entry)
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
This programme consists of 3 modules.
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.
Dissertation 1 guides students through the process of developing a formal research proposal. It includes topic selection, literature review, research questions, and methodological planning. The module culminates in the submission and defence of a research proposal, preparing students for ethical approval and the execution of their research.
This final dissertation module supports students in completing and defending their doctoral thesis. It covers IRB approval, data collection, advanced analysis, manuscript preparation, and oral defence. Emphasis is placed on scholarly rigour, ethical research practice, and effective communication of findings.
Entry Requirements
Entry to Doctorate of Business Administration (Advanced Entry)
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
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Key Information
Programme Brochure
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