Curtin University

What you'll study

The Doctor of Business Administration is centred on an original, practice‑oriented research project that addresses a significant problem in business, commerce or public policy. Candidates undertake advanced training in research design and methods before progressing to sustained independent research and thesis writing under supervisory guidance. Typical taught components or preparatory coursework cover:

• Advanced research design and philosophy – research paradigms, ethics and designing rigorous applied studies.
• Quantitative methods – multivariate analysis, structural equation modelling, advanced statistics for business research.
• Qualitative methods – case study design, interview and ethnographic methods, thematic and discourse analysis.
• Mixed methods and data integration – combining qualitative and quantitative evidence in applied research.
• Literature review and theory development – systematic review techniques and building theoretical contributions grounded in practice.
• Research proposal and project management – developing a viable proposal, stakeholder engagement and planning for data collection in organisational settings.

After completing preparatory coursework and a formal research proposal, candidates undertake a sustained period of supervised research leading to a doctoral thesis that demonstrates an original contribution to applied business knowledge. Modes of study include full‑time and part‑time enrolment to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification with evidence of research training, or an honours degree with a substantial research component. Curtin also considers applicants who have professional qualifications and substantial senior managerial or consultancy experience, provided they can demonstrate the capacity to undertake doctoral research and submit a clear research proposal. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts and certified copies of prior qualifications.
• A research proposal outlining the problem, proposed methods and contribution to practice.
• Curriculum vitae detailing professional experience and responsibilities.
• Two academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where the previous study was not in English.

All candidates undergo a supervisory suitability assessment and, where required, may be asked to complete preparatory research coursework before confirmation into the doctoral program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration typically move into senior leadership, policy and advisory roles where rigorous evidence-based decision making is valued. Common career pathways include:

• Senior executive and strategic leadership positions in private, public and not‑for‑profit organisations.
• Management consultants and specialised advisory roles addressing complex organisational challenges.
• Research and scholarship roles in universities and professional schools, often combined with executive education delivery.
• Policy analyst and leadership roles in government and international organisations.
• Entrepreneurial and knowledge‑intensive ventures where applied research informs product, service or organisational innovation.

The DBA is particularly suited to experienced practitioners who wish to translate practice problems into publishable research, influence organisational practice, or teach at tertiary level with a strong research profile.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers the DBA within a business school that emphasises applied research and industry engagement across a global campus network. Candidates benefit from access to experienced supervisors with expertise in management, strategy, innovation, organisational behaviour and analytics, plus industry contacts for fieldwork and partnerships. Flexible study arrangements support working professionals, and students can draw on Curtin’s research training programs, library and data resources, and workshops in academic writing and research methods. The university’s focus on real‑world impact helps DBA candidates produce research that is academically rigorous and immediately relevant to organisational practice.