Comparison of leadership development programmes
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at HWZ is a part-time doctoral programme designed for experienced professionals and managers from a range of industries. Discover the HWZ DBA programme and deepen your expertise through practice-oriented research at doctoral level.
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What is a DBA and who is this doctoral programme suitable for?
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a part-time doctoral programme designed for experienced professionals and managers. The HWZ DBA is aimed at individuals who, having completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree, wish to deepen their expertise in practice-oriented research and engage in academic study of a specific issue from the business world.
The programme combines applied, strategically oriented research with practical challenges from business and management. At its core is an individual dissertation topic, which is developed and researched academically throughout the entire duration of the course.
How long does the Doctor of Business Administration at HWZ take to complete?
The HWZ DBA programme lasts three years. The programme is designed to be studied alongside work. The HWZ recommends that students work a maximum of 80 % of full-time hours whilst studying.
The programme is structured into the development of the research proposal, the preparation of the dissertation, and its completion with examination and defence.
What qualification will you receive with the DBA?
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) and will be entitled to use the title Doctor (Dr.).
The DBA programme is therefore aimed at individuals who, having completed both a bachelor's and a master's degree at university level, wish to pursue the highest academic qualification in management education.
How does the DBA work alongside employment?
The DBA programme is specifically designed for managers, executives, and experienced professionals and leaders. The dissertation is developed over three years under the supervision of a doctoral-level member of HWZ staff.
The on-site courses typically comprise three block days per academic year. In addition, there is the presentation of the research proposal after the first year and the defence of the dissertation at the end of the third year. These sessions take place in Nantes or Paris. If desired, and depending on the programme, it is also possible to complete the course entirely online.
How is the HWZ DBA programme structured?
The core structure of the DBA programme comprises three phases: the development and presentation of the research proposal, the supervised development of the dissertation, and its submission, examination, and defence.
The individual research project is at the heart of this process. The aim is to investigate a practice-oriented question using scientific methods and to link applied research with real-world business challenges.
Why complete a DBA at HWZ?
The Doctor of Business Administration at HWZ combines part-time study with practice-oriented research and international collaboration. The programme is delivered in partnership with Audencia Business School in Nantes and Paris.
Part-time doctoral programme
The three-year study model is designed for experienced professionals. During the course of study, employment of up to 80 % is recommended.
Practice-oriented research
At the heart of the programme is an individual dissertation addressing a question related to professional practice. The programme combines applied and strategically oriented research with challenges from business and management.
Personal support from HWZ
Supervision of the dissertation is provided by a recognised member of HWZ who holds a doctorate.
International partnership
HWZ delivers the DBA programme in partnership with Audencia Business School. On-site sessions and presentations take place in Nantes or Paris.
What are the admission requirements for the DBA?
To be admitted to the DBA programme, you must hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree at university level. Eligible qualifications include, among others, a Master of Science, Master of Arts, EMBA or MBA. An MAS does not usually qualify for admission and must be assessed on an individual basis.
In addition, a minimum of five years’ professional experience, a position with increased managerial, leadership or specialist responsibility, a minimum age of 25 years, and good command of English are required.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Doctor of Business Administration at HWZ
The tuition fees for the Doctor of Business Administration are CHF 36,500.
The DBA programme begins each year in the first quarter, usually in February. The application deadline is at the end of the year.
The language of instruction is English. Support is provided in either German or English. Parts of the programme may be conducted in French if required.
According to HWZ admission requirements, a MAS degree does not usually qualify for entry to the DBA programme. Any possible admission must be assessed on an individual basis.
The programme is delivered by HWZ in collaboration with Audencia Business School. The on-site courses and presentations take place in either Nantes or Paris. Supervision of the dissertation is provided by a member of HWZ.
The programme is primarily designed for in-person interaction during the scheduled on-site sessions. However, it is also possible to complete the programme entirely online upon request.
The application requires an English-language CV, a research proposal outlining your research idea (three to five pages), copies of your bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates, an English language certificate from a recognised test taken no more than two years ago, and a copy of your ID card or passport.
Please contact the programme director before submitting your documents.
