Research Degrees
PhD / MPhil
A Research Degree (MPhil or PhD) typically lasts longer than a taught Masters programme and involves a higher level of individual study and investigation. An MPhil usually takes 18 months to two years of full-time study and a PhD takes about 3 years. If you study part-time you would take about 3 years and 4½ years respectively.
These awards – MPhil and PhD - do not follow the same principle as taught programmes. Research programmes are created between the research interests of the Faculty, and your own – so if you have something about research at Napier that interests you and is in tune with what you want to do, then contact our Research Office (see Related link below) to discuss the possibility of becoming one of a growing number of research students at Edinburgh Napier.
Currently The Business School has a lively group of over 50 full and part-time research students who support our research activities and through their enthusiasm ensure the development of research in The Business School. This is a truly international group with students from across the Globe.
For further information please contact Jim Doyle, Faculty Administrator, Edinburgh Napier University Business School, on j.doyle@napier.ac.uk or 0131 455 4117.
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
Are you a middle or senior manager aspiring to take your personal education beyond the level of Masters? Are you focused on the need for management research to be applicable and relevant to modern business problems?
The DBA is a Professional Doctorate, equivalent in its requirements to that of a PhD, but with an emphasis on a focused business/management problem. The DBA will allow you to develop strong research skills in senior business, and has 7 key aims:
- To enable you to develop analytical and critical skills, judgemental skills and anticipatory skills through the application of theoretical and critical analysis to your investigations;
- To enable you to critically explore the relationship between management theory and management practice both in general and within your own organisation;
- To identify and formulate business problems and produce creative solutions;
- To enable you to more effectively communication your ideas, arguments and opinions to a wide range of audiences including academics, government cadres and the business community;
- To develop project management skills through the production of a major piece of work;
- To conduct research into complex issues with a high degree of originality;
- To make a substantial contribution to the understanding of a particular issue in business;
- To communicate at a doctorial level.
Entry Requirements
You must hold an MBA or equivalent, plus at least 5 years managerial experience to be considered for admission to the programme. If you hold an overseas qualification, you must provide confirmation that your qualification is equivalent. If English is not your first language you require a minimum IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7. Each application is considered on an individual basis.
For further information please contact Jim Doyle, Faculty Administrator, Edinburgh Napier University Business School, on j.doyle@napier.ac.uk or 0131 455 4117.