DBA
University of Newcastle – HKMA
Although the DBA programme offered by the University of Newcastle in Australia with the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) takes three years to complete, it allows a shortcut for students with MBA qualifications who can enrol in the second year and gain the qualification in two to two-and-a-half years. The programme schedule is also suitable for working people.
Students with MBAs must complete six taught and four research courses. Each taught course has a six- to eight-week schedule of 36 contact hours on two consecutive weekends plus two weekday evenings.
Programme graduate Dr Derek Ling, IT manager at Luk Fook Group, was pleased to be able to upgrade his qualifications while working. He says he found the course informative and of great help to his work.
“Through the course, I updated my business research and management ability and I have gained a thorough understanding of business research methods and also a strong network of professionals from all walks of life. I love the course on relationship marketing. It is something we can apply on a daily basis in almost any industry. Research methods was the most practical course. It serves as a guide on how to complete my dissertation,” he says.
Professor Amir Mahmood, acting pro-vice-chancellor in the faculty of Business and Law at the University of Newcastle, says the programme aims to build students’ core knowledge of business, equip them with research skills and inspire them to contribute to the development of the global economy in an ethical, environmentally aware and socially responsible way.
“These goals are achieved by offering students a strategically designed coursework structure. All taught courses are conducted through intensive seminar blocks, taught by Newcastle Business School faculty staff. Students keep in touch with lecturers through the online learning portal, Blackboard,” he says.
“There is a limit to class sizes, allowing for more intensive teaching and offering students the opportunity of substantial individual contact time with lecturers,” Mahmood says, adding that the course is aimed at managers or consultants wishing to develop top-level problem-solving and research skills to exploit business opportunities.
“The programme provides an opportunity for high-calibre senior executives or consultants to refine, consolidate and extend their theoretical understanding, and to apply that knowledge in an innovative and creative way,” Mahmood says.
“By extending on professional skills and knowledge acquired in the MBA and from professional practice, the DBA provides the ability to participate fully in the further development of the profession,” he adds.
Students must complete all coursework and a dissertation project of 30,000 to 40,000 words. They are guided by experienced supervisors from the University of Newcastle to carry out their dissertation. Applicants should have a master of business degree or an MBA from a recognised university with at least two years’ work experience. Other masters in business-related disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for applications is June 14.
