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    DR-BUSADM

    Business Administration

    Professional doctorate by research

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    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Doctor of Business Administration
    • Duration

      Duration

      A minimum of two years and a maximum of four years equivalent full-time study.
      4 years full-time
    • Credit

      Credit

      A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
      100
    • CRICOS

      CRICOS

      The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.
      023971C
    • Location

      Location

      The Curtin campuses or teaching locations where units of this course are offered.
      Curtin Perth
    Course outline
    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) develops highly skilled, critical thinking and practical managers who can read, carry out and apply the results of a research initiative. The DBA will enable you to concentrate on practical situations as well as the sensitive aspects which are inescapable in the conduct of business.

    You'll start by studying a Graduate Certificate in Business Research (6 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time), which will give you the skills and knowledge you need to confidently progess your thesis. Once you complete your graduate certificate, you'll then enrol in your thesis unit (3 years full-time or 6 years part-time). Please note that you must achieve a course-weighted average of 70% in your graduate certificate to enrol in your thesis unit.

    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.

    What you'll learn

    • apply discipline specific theories, concepts, models, frameworks and/ or principles to address contemporary business challenges
    • critique business practices in the light of relevant theories, concepts, models, frameworks and/ or principles
    • apply appropriate 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
    • design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to professional practice by helping to solve contemporary business challenges
    • demonstrate the capacity to have superior oral and written communications skills relevant to both business, industry and a range of stakeholder audiences
    • recognise internal and external influences on business and recommend decisions that demonstrate social inclusivity and responsible ethical judgements

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    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 70 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.

    Applicants are required to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed research course. 

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    6.5

    Speaking

    6.5

    Reading

    6.5

    Listening

    6.5

    Overall band score

    6.5

    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.

    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Submit an enquiry CRL search

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    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. View our application deadlines page for further information.

    Apply now

    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

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    • Curtin course code: DR-BUSADM
    • CRICOS code: 023971C
    • Last updated on: 21 December 2024

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    Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations

    Business specialisations available in the BBA:

    1. Accounting for Business Decisions Specialisation
    2. Business Law and Policy Specialisation
    3. Business Project Management Specialisation
    4. Business Strategy Specialisation
    5. Corporate Governance Specialisation
    6. Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
    7. Supply Chain and Marketing Distribution Specialisation
    8. Event Management Specialisation
    9. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
    10. Information Systems in Business Specialisation
    11. International Management Specialisation
    12. Marketing Foundations Specialisation
    13. Property Investment Specialisation
    14. Public Relations Specialisation
    15. Small Business Start-Up Specialisation
    16. Social Leadership and Ethics Specialisation
    17. Taxation Law Specialisation
    18. The Business of Advertising Specialisation
    19. Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
    20. User Experience for Business Optimisation Specialisation
    21. Workforce Management Specialisation

    Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

    1. Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
    2. Advertising Design Specialisation
    3. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
    4. Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
    5. Asian Studies Specialisation
    6. Chinese Language Specialisation
    7. Construction Management Specialisation
    8. Creative Writing Specialisation
    9. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
    10. Designing Fashion Specialisation
    11. Digital Design Specialisation
    12. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
    13. English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
    14. Environmental Planning Specialisation
    15. Fashion Design Specialisation
    16. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
    17. Fine Art Specialisation
    18. Geography Specialisation
    19. Graphic Design Specialisation
    20. Graphics Specialisation
    21. History Specialisation
    22. Illustration Specialisation
    23. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
    24. Interior Architecture Specialisation
    25. International Development Specialisation
    26. Journalism Specialisation
    27. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
    28. Photography Specialisation
    29. Principles of Planning Specialisation
    30. Professional Writing Specialisation
    31. Screen Production Specialisation
    32. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
    33. Social Justice Specialisation
    34. Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
    35. Theatre Arts Specialisation
    36. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
    37. Web Media Specialisation
    38. Web Presence Specialisation

    Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations

    Business specialisations:

    1. Accounting for Business Decisions Specialisation
    2. Applied Finance Specialisation
    3. Banking Specialisation
    4. Business Law and Policy Specialisation
    5. Business Project Management Specialisation
    6. Business Strategy Specialisation
    7. Corporate Governance Specialisation
    8. Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
    9. Employment Relations Specialisation
    10. Event Management Specialisation
    11. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
    12. Information Systems in Business Specialisation
    13. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Specialisation
    14. International Management Specialisation
    15. Marketing Foundations Specialisation
    16. Property Investment Specialisation
    17. Public Relations Specialisation
    18. Small Business Start-Up Specialisation
    19. Social Leadership and Ethics Specialisation
    20. Supply Chain and Marketing Distribution Specialisation
    21. Taxation Law Specialisation
    22. The Business of Advertising Specialisation
    23. Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
    24. User Experience for Business Optimisation Specialisation
    25. Workforce Management Specialisation

    Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:

    1. Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
    2. Advertising Design Specialisation
    3. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
    4. Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
    5. Asian Studies Specialisation
    6. Chinese Language Specialisation
    7. Construction Management Specialisation
    8. Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
    9. Creative Writing Specialisation
    10. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
    11. Designing Fashion Specialisation
    12. Digital Design Specialisation
    13. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
    14. English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
    15. Environmental Planning Specialisation
    16. Fashion Design Specialisation
    17. Fine Art Specialisation
    18. Geography Specialisation
    19. Graphic Design Specialisation
    20. Graphics Specialisation
    21. History Specialisation
    22. Illustration Specialisation
    23. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
    24. Interior Architecture Specialisation
    25. International Development Specialisation
    26. Journalism Specialisation
    27. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
    28. Photography Specialisation
    29. Principles of Planning Specialisation
    30. Professional Writing Specialisation
    31. Screen Production Specialisation
    32. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
    33. Social Justice Specialisation
    34. Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
    35. Theatre Arts Specialisation
    36. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
    37. Web Media Specialisation
    38. Web Presence Specialisation

    Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations

    Business specialisations:

    1. Accounting for Business Decisions Specialisation
    2. Business Law and Policy Specialisation
    3. Business Project Management Specialisation
    4. Business Strategy Specialisation
    5. Corporate Governance Specialisation
    6. Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialisation
    7. Event Management Specialisation
    8. Fashion Marketing Specialisation
    9. Information Systems in Business Specialisation
    10. International Management Specialisation
    11. Marketing Foundations Specialisation
    12. Property Investment Specialisation
    13. Public Relations Specialisation
    14. Small Business Start-Up Specialisation
    15. Social Leadership and Ethics Specialisation
    16. Supply Chain and Marketing Distribution Specialisation
    17. Taxation Law Specialisation
    18. The Business of Advertising Specialisation
    19. Tourism and Hospitality Essentials Specialisation
    20. User Experience for Business Optimisation Specialisation

    Specialisations available from Humanities, Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies:

    1. Advertising Design Specialisation
    2. Animation and Game Design Specialisation
    3. Asian Studies Specialisation
    4. Biological Diversity Minor
    5. Climate Change Science Minor
    6. Construction Management Specialisation
    7. Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
    8. Creative Writing Specialisation
    9. Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
    10. Designing Fashion Specialisation
    11. Digital and Social Media Specialisation
    12. Environmental Management Minor
    13. Environmental Planning Specialisation
    14. Fashion Design Specialisation
    15. Fine Art Specialisation
    16. Food Science Minor
    17. Forensic Studies Minor
    18. Geophysics Minor
    19. Geospatial Technology Minor
    20. Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
    21. Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
    22. Graphic Design Specialisation
    23. Graphics Specialisation
    24. Illustration Specialisation
    25. Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
    26. Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
    27. Interior Architecture Specialisation
    28. International Development Specialisation
    29. Landscape Restoration Minor
    30. Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
    31. Mapping and Land Planning Minor
    32. Metallurgy Minor
    33. Mining Minor
    34. Optimisation Minor
    35. Photography Specialisation
    36. Principles of Planning Specialisation
    37. Screen Production Specialisation
    38. Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
    39. Social Justice Specialisation
    40. Strategic Studies Specialisation
    41. Theatre Arts Specialisation
    42. Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
    43. Web Media Specialisation
    44. Web Presence Specialisation
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