A Doctorate Designed for Impact, with Local Relevance and Global Recognition.
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, organisations striving for global influence require visionary leaders equipped with advanced expertise. The demand for doctoral-level executives and change-makers has never been more strategic—or more essential.
UBI Business School’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), delivered in partnership with Middlesex University London, offers seasoned professionals a globally respected credential that enhances both academic prestige and professional distinction. This internationally recognised doctorate combines the intellectual rigour of scholarly research with the practical demands of real-world business leadership.
Building on a legacy of over 25 years and more than 700 graduates across China, UBI’s DBA continues to set the standard in doctoral education. Now, through UBI’s EOCCS-accredited HyFlex learning model, this transformative programme is accessible to candidates worldwide—allowing participants to pursue a high-level degree without compromising their careers or personal commitments.
3 Years
Mandarin
English
Spanish
Brussels
Shanghai
HyFlex/Online
September
Programme Highlights
Structure & Core Modules
Common Core Modules
A combination of established academics and researchers from both China and Europe, providing students opportunities to examine, critique and appreciate the best research practices through a global perspective
A 3-stage structured framework to ensure that students acquire all the necessary skillsets, knowledge systems and core competencies to complete their thesis
Small group interactions and activities are designed to stimulate mutual critique and challenge existing business theories and literature in order to form new interpretations of knowledge that are most relevant to current contexts.
UBI’s DBA programme provides students opportunities to organise industrial visits to their peers’ organisations to learn more their strengths, qualities and best practices.
Our DBA programme stands out for its innovative structure and real-world relevance. Anchored in academic excellence and executive insight, it empowers experienced professionals to drive transformation across industries through three defining pillars:
Our DBA is purpose-built for experienced leaders and scholars seeking to deepen their impact. Through academically rigorous research grounded in practical business realities, participants develop the skills to generate actionable insights and advance both theory and practice. This transformative journey positions graduates as influential thought leaders—ready to reshape institutions, redefine strategy, and inspire the future of business.
Tailored to meet the needs of a diverse regional audience, the DBA can be carried out in Chinese, Spanish, or English—ensuring broad accessibility without compromising academic excellence. Participants have the flexibility to produce academic work, including the final thesis, in either language. Select courses and reading materials are offered in English to keep participants aligned with the latest global thought leadership and business trends.
Each DBA candidate benefits from personalised guidance by two seasoned mentors—one rooted in academia and the other in industry. This dual-mentorship model combines the analytical depth of scholarly research with the strategic insight of executive leadership. Together, these experts provide a rich, multidimensional learning experience that empowers candidates to conduct impactful work and translate it into meaningful organisational outcomes.
UBI’s HyFlex delivery model was crafted through in-depth research into the evolving expectations of employers and executive learners. Designed for maximum flexibility, it mirrors real-world professional environments while upholding the highest international academic standards for degree programmes.
This approach not only meets the needs of today’s busy professionals, it also reflects UBI’s commitment to educational access and social impact. By opening doors to learners from underrepresented backgrounds and developing regions, HyFlex serves as a key driver of the School’s global mission.
In recognition of its leadership, the quality and impact of the HyFlex model earned it a feature in the “Leading The Future” documentary by AMBA/BGA—an honour shared by only 14 business schools worldwide.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is delivered in collaboration with the most prestigious academic institutions in Latin America and Europe, a consortium that represents both a profound honour and a great responsibility. Working alongside these leading institutions, together with our campuses in Europe (Brussels) and China (Shanghai), we strengthen the academic ecosystem and foster a community of researchers and professionals with a global vision and regional commitment.
This collaborative network is the heart of the program: a platform for exchange, growth, and transformation that positions the DBA as a truly unique offering in the field of doctoral business education.
The DBA journey begins with a deep dive into participants’ professional experience, encouraging critical reflection and the expansion of expertise in management and applied research. This formative phase bridges conceptual understanding with real-world application, ensuring participants are well-prepared to anchor their research in practical relevance. The stage culminates in an advanced practitioner review and a reflective synthesis of each candidate’s chosen area.
This stage is carried out during the first nine months of the first year, it includes 4 taught modules and an advanced practice-oriented review and reflection.
In this pivotal phase, participants begin shaping the foundation of their doctoral work. Guided closely by their academic and industry mentors, they develop a comprehensive project proposal that aligns intellectual curiosity with practical relevance. Tailored support, including optional specialised modules, ensures candidates build depth in their chosen field. The stage culminates with a 10,000-word proposal—marking a critical milestone in the DBA journey.
In the final phase of the DBA, participants bring their research to life through a substantial doctoral project. This capstone can take various forms, such as a 65,000–80,000 word dissertation, a professional artefact accompanied by a critical commentary (35,000–40,000 words), or an alternative format approved by the academic board. This stage synthesises the candidate’s expertise, research acumen, and practical insight, culminating in a Viva Voce examination that marks the successful completion of their doctoral journey.
Applicants for the DBA programme should meet the following requirement:
With the successful completion of the postgraduate programme, graduates will obtain an accredited British degree from Middlesex University London: Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
This is a programme developed, delivered, and assessed by UBI Business School, and quality assured by Middlesex University. Students receive a Middlesex award upon successful completion.
Middlesex University London, an institution with a distinguished heritage of excellence and innovation in higher education, validates all UBI Business School programmes. It is one of the top 100 Young Universities in the World and top 10 transnational universities in the world.
