Postgraduate course
Doctor of Business Administration
Advance your academic understanding about sustainability and future technologies in business management while contributing to professional practice.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1000/Students-in-Library-29.png)
This course combines academic research and applied professional practice. Learn how to to address complex, real-world business challenges and generate impactful, evidence-based solutions. We focus on reflective practice, enabling you to bridge the gap between scholarly research and day-to-day organisational challenges. You will benefit from this course if you are an experienced professional who aspires to enhance your research capabilities and contribute knowledge and practice within your professional sector.
London campus, York campus
- Duration – 3 years full time minimum 6 years part time minimum
- Start date – September 2026
Minimum entry requirements
2:1 masters degree in a related subject
Personal statement which must demonstrate relevant work experience
Tuition fees
UK 2026-27 £8,200 per year full time
International 2026-27 £14,900 per year full time
Course overview
The first part of the course will help you to gain an understanding of the latest debates concerning sustainability in business. You will learn about the dynamic relationships between business and business leadership, society, technological innovations and sustainability challenges facing the environment. Gain an understanding of sustainability and ethical practice in business and the processes and activities this involves, and the analysis of extant and emerging technologies in shaping future business strategies and operations. Assessments during taught modules will promote the development of solutions to the pressing social justice and environmental challenges that both small and large organisations experience.
During the second part of the course you will implement your own doctoral level research. This project will contribute both to theory and professional or organisational practice.
This course is designed for professionals with substantial management or leadership experience. You will benefit from this course if you are motivated to expand your academic knowledge and make a professional contribution to your chosen sector. After completing this course you will be able to address complex, real industry challenges with evidence-based solutions. This aligns scholarly inquiry with the practical needs of business and society.
We provide a structured and supportive environment that blends advanced research training, critical inquiry, and reflective professional development. You will benefit from being a part of York Business School and our Postgraduate Research School which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, peer learning, and sustained engagement with the wider research community. Our institutional values of social justice, sustainability, inclusivity and ethical leadership are embedded throughout the course.
Course structure
How you will study
If you choose to study full time the course will take a minimum of 3 years to complete. You will:
- Study 3 compulsory modules
- Complete a doctoral thesis
If you choose to study part time the course will take around 6 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.
You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.
Modules
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Critically examine the intersections between sustainability, ethical decision making, and organisational impact in relation to shifting stakeholder expectations, wider society and political economies. Evaluate how businesses can create long term value while operating responsibly and transparently within the context of critical global challenges including climate change, social inequality, and resource availability. This course especially focuses on circular economy discourses and exploring how regenerative and resource-efficient models of production and consumption can be embedded into business operations. After completing this module you will be able to design and implement strategies that drive meaningful impact, contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and support resilient, future oriented organisations.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Acquire advanced research skills so that you are able to conceptualise, design and implement a doctoral thesis. Learn about the diverse sources of digital and non-digital information available to business management researchers, including sector specific databases and government and company reports. Explore different philosophical approaches underpinning business management methodologies and the associated implications for conceptual, epistemological and ontological viewpoints. You will also consider ethical research practices and the concept of researcher positionality.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Explore the emerging technologies that are reshaping business, society, and the global economy. This course will focus on their strategic, ethical, and practical implications for organisational leadership. Critically engage with developments in technology, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Robotics
- Blockchain
- Quantum computing
- Biotechnology
- Immersive technologies
- Advanced data analytics
Consider how these innovations disrupt existing models and create opportunities for new forms of value creation. Take a creative and human-centred approach to exploring how organisations can harness these technologies to solve complex problems, reimagine business models, and generate innovative solutions with real industry impact. You will do this through the lens of sustainability, governance, and ethical responsibility, to anticipate risks and harness innovation for long term competitive advantage.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Through a Viva Voce, which is a verbal defence of your thesis to a panel, and a 60,000-word doctoral thesis you will demonstrate how you have met the York St John University Research Degree Committee doctoral programme requirements, FHEQ Level 8 descriptors and Vitae RDF. This ensures you meet and exceed the standards required to be awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration. You will have a supervisory team and other contact points to guide you throughout this process.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions to encourage active learning and participation. This includes:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Peer learning activities
- Writing retreats
The topics covered will be influenced by the interests of yourself and your fellow postgraduate researchers to make sure the content aligns with your career goals. You will also participate in virtual sessions with our partner Lincoln University of Business and Management, Dubai.
While doctoral study can mean working in isolation, we have designed out course to facilitate community and collaboration. You will be a part of the York St John University, York Business School and Postgraduate Research School communities which offer in person sessions and events.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment types in stage 1 that reflect industry scenarios, such as:
- Individual presentations
- Presentations at conferences
- Critical Essays
- Reports
You will receive detailed feedback throughout the course to help you improve your work.
At the end of stage 2 you will submit a Doctoral thesis of 60,000 words. You will defend the focus of your thesis to a panel in an oral examination called a Viva Voce, which you must attend in person. You will receive feedback from both an external examiner as well as internal examiner from outside of your supervisory team on your thesis following your Viva Voce.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:1 masters degree in a related subject
Personal statement which must demonstrate relevant work experience
Personal statement and work experience
You must submit a personal statement describing how the course will benefit your professional working life. We also require a minimum of 3 years’ relevant managerial work experience.
International students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 7.0 (with no skill below 6.0) or equivalent.
Fees and funding
UK 2026 - 2027 entry
The tuition fee for entry to this this PhD in the 2026 - 2027 academic year is £8,200 per year for full time UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.
Doctoral loans are available to help you pay for your course. Find out more about UK Government Doctoral loans.
More information about funding your PhD is available on our Funding your research degree page.
International 2026 - 2027 entry
The tuition fee for entry to this PhD course in the 2026 -2027 academic year is £14,900 per year for full time study.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.
Tuition fees
UK 2026-27 £8,200 per year full time
International 2026-27 £14,900 per year full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
Additional costs and financial support
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Accommodation and living costs
View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.
Course highlights
York Business School
You will be a part of York Business School, who are a proud signatory of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education). This is a United Nations initiative seeking to inspire and champion responsible management globally.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1200/Business-Students-Working-26-(1).png)
Business connections
York Business School has a great relationship with local, national and international businesses. This provides opportunities for you to learn from and network with our industry partners.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1200/Radio-YO1-and-Buissness-School--March-2025_-26.png)
Postgraduate Research School
When you progress onto the research part of the course you will be part of the Postgraduate Research School. As part of this community you will have access to additional support and events.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1200/Students-on-Campus-28.png)
Sustainability and future technologies
You will learn about emerging technologies that are reshaping business, society and the global economy. Explore their strategic, ethical and practical implications for sustainability and climate change mitigation.
/prod01/yorksjacuk/media/content-assets/safe-images/1600-x-1200/Students-in-Library-15.png)
How to find a supervisor for your project
You will be allocated a supervisor ahead of stage 2 of the course. You can list your preferences before this is finalised and use the process below to support your choice.
Your research supervisor will be an academic at York St John University who is working in a related area to your research. This is to make sure we are able to support you in your area of research.
Your research supervisor should understand current theories and ideas in your chosen area. They may be researching a similar topic to you.
To find a suitable supervisor, you can:
- Use our Find a Supervisor search page to contact our academic specialists.
- Refer to our institutional repository (RaY) and contact an academic whose expertise aligns with your research interests. (Please note, they must be listed as a supervisor on our ‘Find a Supervisor’ search page in order to supervise a PhD).
- Browse our list of Research centres and groups as well as the Institute for Social Justice and the Institute for Health and Care Improvement.
There are also certain funding opportunities throughout the year which will be advertised on the Scholarships for postgraduate research students webpage. These are often linked to specific subject areas and will have the supervisors attached.
If you would like help in finding a supervisor, please contact PGR.admissions@yorksj.ac.uk
