About offering
Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) has been designed to develop highly skilled, critical thinking and practical managers who can also read, carry out and apply the results of a research initiative. The DBA will enable you to concentrate on the practical situation as well as the sensitive aspects which are inescapable in the conduct of business.
As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.
A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.
Throughout your studies, the Curtin Business School will provide you with access to facilities and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences.


What you'll learn
- have a thorough foundation of contemporary business and research theories, concepts and principles and be able to apply these in a group or organisational and/or research environment; an understanding of appropriate research methodologies and support of research paradigms
- create and critically evaluate innovative ideas and strategies within ambiguous and uncertain business environments through conceptual and research application
- access, evaluate and synthesise diverse information for intelligent business application and research methodologies
- effectively communicate in a manner appropriate to their audience and their desired outcomes; this may include verbal outcomes required for candidacies and written presentation of thesis and subsequent journal publication
- select and use appropriate technologies and recognise their advantages and limitations in undertaking research data collection and analysis
- possess and be able to utilise life-long learning strategies through generalisable or prescriptive application of research findings to business environments
- recognise and apply international research methodology perspectives within the global business environment
- appreciate the complexity of organisations and have knowledge of research instruments that assist analysis and interpretation of the changing infrastructure and environment for an organisation
- recognise and apply international research methodology perspectives; work independently and in teams; demonstrate leadership; understand and demonstrate professional behaviour; demonstrate ethical practices
Why research at Curtin
Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems.
Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and
government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally,
nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-
driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators
in their fields.
Professional recognition
Depending on your area of speciality, you may be eligible for membership of various professional organisations upon graduation.
Admission criteria for Australian and New Zealand students
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
Five years' professional business or management experience plus a 70 per cent course-weighted average from a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent master degree.
Australian citizens and permanent residents will be required to complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Research which comprises four doctoral level units. The completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Research with a 75 per cent course-weighted average may enable articulation into this degree.
For visa requirements, international applicants will be allowed direct entry but will be required to maintain a 70 per cent course-weighted average in the first semester to continue the course.
Before applying you should obtain authorisation from an appropriate research supervisor. You will need to submit a written statement and references with your application and attend an interview.
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are as outlined in the IELTS table below. Additional information on how you can meet the English requirement can be found on the English proficiency page.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
---|---|
Writing | 6.5 |
Speaking | 6.5 |
Reading | 6.5 |
Listening | 6.5 |
Overall band score | 6.5 |
Minimum academic entry requirements

Essential course prerequisites
Entry requirements for international students
Five years' professional business or management experience plus a 70 per cent course-weighted average from a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent master degree.
Australian citizens and permanent residents will be required to complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Research which comprises four doctoral level units. The completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Research with a 75 per cent course-weighted average may enable articulation into this degree.
For visa requirements, international applicants will be allowed direct entry but will be required to maintain a 70 per cent course-weighted average in the first semester to continue the course.
Before applying you should obtain authorisation from an appropriate research supervisor. You will need to submit a written statement and references with your application and attend an interview.
Other requirements and notes for this course
If you do not have prior studies in research methods and statistical data analysis, you will be required to complete relevant preparatory units. These units may increase the course duration.
In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.
Advanced standing / credit transfer / recognition of prior learning
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Email: crl@curtin.edu.au
Tel: 1300 222 888
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course at another educational institution, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Email: ci-enquiries@curtin.edu.au
Tel: 1300 222 888
Fees and charges
Australia / New Zealand students
International students
Under the Research Training Program (RTP), Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents undertaking higher degrees by research may be granted an Australian Government RTP Fee Offset Scholarship to assist with tuition fee liability.
You may be eligible for a scholarship or industry assistance (sponsorship) may be available from external organisations under special conditions.
Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Please check out our Fee Calculator for an estimation of course fees.
Where you can study
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
On Campus
Research Term 1 and Research Term 2
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice:
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
Apply nowNext steps
If you are successful in your application to study at Curtin, you will receive a letter of offer via email. You can either accept or defer your offer. To find out more about this process, view our enrolment web page.
You may also like to find out how you can obtain financial assistance or apply for a scholarship and prepare for Orientation Week (O-Week).
Where to get further information
- More about studying at Curtin
- Visit the WA Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) website
- Visit the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website
- Visit the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) website
- Our admission appeals and grievance process
Applicants applying for an undergraduate degree with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Find information on how you can apply to study at Curtin with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma if you are applying for an undergraduate degree.
Applicants with other international qualifications
Find information on what qualifications you can use to apply for a Curtin course.
The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: DR-BUSADM
- CRICOS code: 023971C
- This offering was last updated on: 25/01/2019