Build on your knowledge and expertise to solve some of the most complex organisational challenges
“With two decades of experience delivering executive education, our DBA programme at Atlantic Technology University embodies a legacy of significant management and organisational development, and builds on our academic excellence, instilling trust in our quality at the highest levels and delivering transformational value in professional and organisational practices”
Michael Margey, Head of School – Business
Study for a Doctorate in Business Administration at Atlantic Technological University and obtain the highest-level management qualification available.
Delivered by ATU’s School of Business, this unique, research-based, practice-driven DBA will empower innovative thinkers, build analytical prowess and equip executives and academics with the knowledge and competencies to confront and conquer substantial organisational challenges.
Tailored to suit professionals in management or leadership roles, the programme’s flexible structure facilitates doctoral-level research while enabling DBA candidates to continue meeting their employment commitments over a four-year, part-time duration.
A DBA is the pinnacle of professional achievement in the realm of management, offering a platform for individuals to enhance their expertise, drive innovation, and shape the future of their chosen domains.
Why undertake a DBA?
This advanced degree will involve a remarkable journey of growth, both individually and within the broader context of the business world, delivering impact at three levels:
Empowering Organisational Impact
Strategic Leadership: Armed with advanced business knowledge and a strategic mindset, DBA graduates develop and implement visionary strategies that drive growth and competitiveness. Innovation Catalysts: DBA research often leads to groundbreaking insights and innovations. Graduates introduce fresh perspectives, enhancing product development, process optimization, and customer experience.
Problem Solvers: The DBA equips individuals with the ability to tackle complex organisational challenges. They become adept problem solvers who can address issues ranging from market fluctuations to operational inefficiencies.
Unlocking Personal Impact
Knowledge Mastery: Through rigorous research, DBA candidates gain a deep and nuanced understanding of complex business concepts.This new-found knowledge not only boosts confidence but also cultivates a lifelong passion for learning.
Critical Thinking: The DBA sharpens critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to dissect intricate problems, formulate innovative solutions, and make informed decisions both inside and outside the boardroom.
Self-Discovery: The DBA journey often leads to self-discovery, as candidates uncover their unique strengths, interests, and leadership styles. It is a path to personal growth and empowerment.
Elevating Professional Impact
Executive Roles: DBA holders are sought after for top executive positions, including CEO, CTO, and CMO, due to their strategic acumen and leadership prowess.
Academic Excellence: For those inclined toward academia, a DBA can lead to prestigious teaching and research roles in universities, allowing them to shape the next generation of business leaders.
Industry Influence: DBA holders often become thought leaders and influencers in their respective sectors, contributing to industry publications, speaking at conferences, and guiding industry standards.
A DBA is not just an academic pursuit; it is a life-altering journey that empowers individuals to make a profound impact on themselves, their organisations, and their professions.
“
The structured format of the DBA appealed to me—especially the taught component in the first two years and the chance to study with a cohort, which made the experience even more valuable.”
Annette Houston, CEO of FM Services Group
Programme Structure
In our DBA programme, we offer a blended delivery learning model to cater to the needs of our students.
Our blended delivery model seamlessly integrates the advantages of both online and in-person learning, offering flexibility without compromising on quality of engagement. This approach allows you to engage in enriching online discussions and coursework while also participating in on-campus sessions for handson experiences and networking opportunities.
Programme Structure
Your DBA journey will follow a structured approach. A structured approach means breaking down your doctoral work into smaller pieces that add up to your final submission. The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) programme is divided into four stages:
Attendance
The programmes requires attendance in person three times per year, for the first two years. Modules are delivered in blocks consisting of three days on-campus. Modules are supplemented by pre-and postsessions delivered online.
Where will DBA students study?
With campus locations in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal along with access to offcampus learning environments across Ireland, workshop delivery will be facilitated in a location that meets with the cohort’s needs.
Online content will be delivered live and interactively on the learning environment, with the opportunity to access resources and recorded sessions at a time that suits.
DBA students are required to attend an oncampus induction at the start of Semester 1 “Preparing the Mindset”.
Taught Elements
Year 1 & Year 2, part-time study
Each of the 6 core taught modules integrate advice on academic writing skills and have a dedicated focus on the forthcoming research proposal. The research proposal is written during the final module of the taught element.
Workshop Themes
• Becoming a Professor of Practice – Reflective and reflexive practice, academic writing, variations of literature review.
• Grand and Middle Range theories in areas such as Strategic Management, Leadership and Change Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, Digital Transformation, AI, and Healthcare Processes.
• Research Paradigms and Philosophies, Methodologies, Methods, Applied Research Design.
• Quantitative Methods, Data Preparation and Preliminary Analysis, including comparing groups and exploring relationships through data sets.
• Qualitative Methodologies e.g. case study, narrative, action learning, processual, etc.
• Ethics and Integrity, The Research Proposal, Getting Published.
In order to proceed to the research stage (years 3 & 4), the DBA candidate must have successfully completed all 6 modules and attained the 60 ECTS credits.
Research Paper Series, Thesis and Viva Year 3 & Year 4, part-time study
The research element is based on the production of a series of 3 research papers which are written in tandem with pursuit of the research project. Each of these papers are supported by one-to-one consultation with the research supervisors and are reviewed by an external advisor. Research papers which reach an acceptable standard at doctoral level can be integrated as chapters into the final dissertation. The 3 research papers are as follows:
• Literature Review: due Semester 5
• Methodology: due Semester 6
• Analysis and Findings: due Semester 7
• Final dissertation: due Semester 8
Faculty of Business Executive Education Team
DBA Academic Team
Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable – our team and their networks empower excellence, including industry experts and visiting professors. Every member of our faculty is a distinguished expert in their field, possessing doctoral level qualifications obtained from some of the most renowned universities across the globe.
Their comprehensive knowledge, extensive research experience, and commitment to teaching ensure that our DBA students receive a world-class education that seamlessly blends theory and practice.
By enrolling in our programme, you will have the privilege of learning from, and collaborating with, academics who have not only excelled in their own academic journeys but have also gained international recognition for their contributions to the business world. Join us in this transformative educational journey and be mentored by the best in the field.
Academic Supports
DBA Supervisory Team: Your DBA supervisory team is here to guide you throughout your doctoral journey. Your lead supervisor is assigned in Year 2, ensuring support from the beginning of your research project. Your supervisory team will support you in your research journey, assisting from the initial research concept to your final thesis viva.
Joint Programme Directors and Executive Education: You’ll be an integral part of our Faculty of Business, including its Executive Education. You’ll receive unwavering support from our faculty team throughout your academic journey, from DBA Programme Directors, Dr Anne Burke and Dr Tena Patten, and our Executive Education Coordinator, Wendy McGarvey.
Dr Anne Burke
Joint Programme Director, DBA
Anne’s research interests encompass a diverse range of areas, including auditing, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, action learning, processual research, and IT-business alignment. In her role, she not only conducts research but also actively contributes to the academic community by delivering lectures as part of PhD programmes at both the TCD Business School and Bursa Uludağ University.
Dr Tena Patten Joint Programme Director, DBA
Tena’s teaching interests straddle the areas of creativity, business, entrepreneurship and education. She is involved at postgraduate level in teaching and supervision and has published in the areas of research methodology, creative enterprise, and pedagogy. Her own DBA was a qualitative study of creative entrepreneurship.
Making an Application
ATU is accepting applications for the Doctorate of Business Administration. For important deadlines and webinar series, visit atu.ie/dba for details.
Entry Requirements
To join our DBA, it's essential to demonstrate not just your academic aptitude but also the resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication required for self-directed study. You'll engage in a conversation with our programme academics, where you can delve into the programme's prerequisites and explore how it can address specific challenges or opportunities within your organisation through your research.
To be considered for this programme, you must:
• hold a Masters degree in a Business related area or equivalent;
• have a minimum of five years’ professional experience at managerial level.
To apply you will need to submit the following documentation:
• completed online DBA application form;
• curriculum vitae (max 3 pages);
• DBA research proposal;
• supporting evidence of the qualifications achieved;
• two letters of reference (one academic and one industry – where possible);
• evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
Further details on entry requirements, English language requirements and recognition of prior learning (RPL) entry pathways are available at atu.ie/dba
Fees & Funding
Your fee encompasses a comprehensive array of services and benefits, including online study materials, registration, tuition, expert supervision, as well as refreshments during the induction, and the on-campus sessions. You'll also enjoy access to ATU campus student facilities, convenient hot-desking facilities at the University, a black and white printing allowance, and free car parking (where available). Furthermore, your fee covers attendance at the graduation ceremony, ensuring your achievements are celebrated in style.
Full fees and funding details are available at atu.ie/dba
I hope that completing the DBA will help me advance my career as a professional researcher. In business, we often make quick decisions based on limited information, but the DBA has encouraged me to view situations from multiple perspectives. I now feel better equipped to make more informed decisions, involve others in the process, and cultivate a more creative and collaborative culture.”
Shane Grant, VP of Innovation & Administration at PGIM Ireland
