Units in second semester 2020 may be delivered online and in alternative formats whilst restrictions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic are in place.
Business Administration
Professional Doctorate by Research
DR-BUSADM
Outline
Get the Curtin edge
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019).
Global education
You’ll have access to a range of international study opportunities.
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.
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.
What you'll learn
- apply discipline specific theories, concepts, models, frameworks and/ or principles to address contemporary business and/ or industry problems
- critique contemporary business professional practices in the light of relevant theories, concepts, models, frameworks and/ or principles
- identify and apply research methodologies to help solve contemporary business and/ or industry problems.
- select appropriate technologies and recognise their advantages and limitations in undertaking research, data collection and analysis
- apply appropriate research methodologies to help solve contemporary business and/ or industry problems
- design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge related to professional practice
- demonstrate the capacity to have superior oral and written communications skills relevant to both business, industry and a range of stakeholder audiences
- demonstrate the capacity to be a leader in the application of discipline knowledge
- identify, analyse and evaluate environmental influences on business to help manage change and/ or recommend decisions that demonstrate social inclusivity and responsible ethical judgements
Entry requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
| IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
|---|---|
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Overall band score | 6.5 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
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Australia
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Bangladesh
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Botswana
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Brazil
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Brunei
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Canada
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China
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Germany
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Hong Kong
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India
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Indonesia
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Iran
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Japan
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Kenya
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Korea
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Malaysia
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Mauritius
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Myanmar
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Nepal
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Norway
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Oman
- Other
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Pakistan
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Philippines
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Russia
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Saudi Arabia
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Singapore
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South Africa
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Sri Lanka
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Taiwan
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Tanzania
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Thailand
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US
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United Arab Emirates
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United Kingdom
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Vietnam
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
Please select a country above.
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
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: +61 8 9266 5888
Fees & charges
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. Find estimated course fees.
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
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.
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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
- Last updated on: March 11, 2020
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