Format: part-time
Delivery: hybrid
Starting in: September 2025
Duration: 4.5-7.5 years
Timeline
The Executive DBA is structured in two stages:
STAGE 1 - Pre-thesis stage
During the pre-thesis stage you will complete four modules designed to expand your research skills, specifically those needed to study real-life business phenomena.
This is an intensive 2-year period which combines four on-campus residencies and online learning sessions.
After completing the Stage 1 of the programme, you will gain 180 credits at Level 7.
STAGE 2 - Thesis development stage
During the thesis development stage, you will put your new skills into practice by researching a particular aspect of your organisation.
Here are some examples of the type of research projects our students have undertaken before:
- Creating recovery strategies and initiatives following major natural disasters in the USA
- Developing a bespoke leadership evaluation and a tool used in management consultancy interventions
- Designing a technology transfer process for a major international food security programme in Mozambique
- Avoiding Covid-related deaths in a chain of UK care homes
Alongside regular one-to-one online support from your supervisor, you will receive continuous research skills development guidance with our new Doctoral Development Plan.
In these sessions, you will have access to group seminars and refresher workshops on different methodologies and aspects of the research process.
The goal is to build capability and capacity, so you can deploy these skills in your thesis workplan and continue to do so once the course ends.
You will be awarded with a doctorate degree once you complete Stage 2 of the programme, which accounts for 360 credits.
Timeframe
The whole process can be completed in 4.5 years. However, we understand unexpected personal or professional situations can affect your progress.
So, if needed, you can have up to 7.5 years to finish the programme.
Modules
The taught stage of the programme (pre-thesis) comprises four 45 credit modules distributed across two years:
| Year 1 modules | Key topics | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to doctoral research |
|
45 |
| Working with literature |
|
45 |
| Year 2 modules | Key topics | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research methods |
|
45 |
| Designing scholarly practitioner research |
|
45 |
To progress to Stage 2, you must:
- Complete all four Stage 1 modules
- Achieve a minimum mark of 60 in your ‘Research Proposal’ assignment, as part of the ‘Designing Scholarly Practitioner Research’ module.
If you pass the taught modules but do not meet these requirements, you will be awarded with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Research Methods.
Teaching
The Executive DBA is delivered in a hybrid format, combining on-line sessions with on campus residencies.
Online sessions
At University of Liverpool we are pioneers in online education, with over 10 years’ experience delivering distance learning.
Online sessions and the part-time format of the programme, have been designed to allow busy business people to study while fulfilling they professional obligations.
On-campus residencies
Our on-campus residencies are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet your colleagues and the Executive DBA in person, as well as discovering the university’s research ecosystem and our city.
There are four residencies, which take place during pre-thesis stage of the programme (first two years) and always during weekends, to ensure they don't interfere with your professional schedule.
These face-to-face sessions offer essential value for your development as researcher, through a mix of lectures with academics and guest speakers, group workshops and networking events.
Although in-person attendance is not compulsory, coming to Liverpool offers an enriched and interactive experience where you can learn from other students, connect with leading researchers from different disciplines and discuss potential ideas for collaboration.
If you cannot travel to Liverpool, you can still take part in most of the activities remotely.
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