The DBA is a highly respected academic degree that will open doors into and within the international business world. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be entitled to use the title "Dr.".
A doctoral degree is not only a very high scientific achievement and a personal milestone, but also a smart and sustainable investment in one's professional future. With the preparation at Munich Business School you can directly enter the research phase of the part-time DBA program at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). The DBA boosts your academic as well as your business career in an international and flexible setting, which doesn‘t require you to put your professional career on hold.
According to a resolution by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, doctoral degrees from the United Kingdom, including the DBA, may continue to be used in Germany with the abbreviation “Dr.” without an academic specialization or indication of origin, even after the UK’s official withdrawal from the EU.
The DBA – Doctor of Business Administration – is a research-based doctoral program for those interested in applied business research who want to contribute to the development of current management practices and professional methods in their area of expertise. You earn your doctoral degree by conducting an evidence-based research project and writing your dissertation.
Completing a doctorate while working?
Our DBA allows you to pursue your doctoral studies without interrupting your career as a manager.
The DBA program at Sheffield Hallam University gives you the opportunity to explore substantial topics that generate forward-looking insights in organizational and business administration research. You are guided step by step in the development, planning, and execution of your dissertation research.
MBS is the only university in Germany that specifically prepares students for a DBA program at an AACSB-accredited institution. AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is one of the world’s leading accreditation bodies for business schools and faculties of management, widely recognized as a global mark of excellence in teaching and research.
The structure of the DBA program reflects two objectives: the first is to present you with an opportunity to discuss key substantive topics and concepts in contemporary business and management theory; the second is to take you through the process of developing and planning a doctoral research project in a staged way, and then to the execution of the project itself.
You will begin your path to the DBA with three preparatory modules in Sheffield and Munich. Upon successful completion of these modules, you will receive a "Certificate in Business Research" from Munich Business School, which will enable you to enter the second phase of the DBA program at Sheffield Hallam University - the preparation of the actual doctoral thesis.
Time frame: September 14–18, 2026
This module provides you with the essential academic skills to successfully complete your DBA studies. It includes an introduction to reflexivity, critical thinking and writing, as well as philosophical and ethical considerations that will underpin your research process. During this module, you will also be allocated a supervisor, and draft the introductory chapter of your thesis.
Time frame: April 19-23, 2027
The purpose of this module is to introduce contemporary issues and debates in such a way that is relevant to define your research interests, and drawing boundaries around your research scope.
The content of the module includes key concepts such as diversity at the workplace, economic trends, and future technological revolutions, and challenge your thinking on how these external factors may impact your sector and research.
In addition, the module includes in-depth sessions on developing a literature review, which enables you to eventually draft your own literature review.
Time frame: October 4–8, 2027
During this module, your knowledge inquired in module 2 is further deepened, allowing you to gain advanced insights into general research approaches and designs with the aim to enable you to develop your research method, and align it to an underpinning research philosophy. At the end of this module, you will draft the research methods chapter of your thesis.
After successful completion of modules 1-3, you will receive a "Certificate in Business Research" from Munich Business School. This qualifies you to enter the second phase of the DBA program at Sheffield Hallam University: the preparation of your doctoral thesis.
Time frame: until September 2030
The research phase begins with the formal preparation of a research proposal and an oral presentation. This so-called research report (RF2 report; max. 6,000 words) should include the methodology, a summary of the work done so far, and a statement of further research planned.
Once your research report has been approved by the DBA Program Assessment Board, you will be ready to write your dissertation. Throughout this process, you will receive ongoing support from both SHU and MBS, and ongoing support from your supervisors.
Once your thesis is completed, you will submit it to SHU for an oral defense (viva voce). After the successful defense you will receive the degree DBA Doctor of Business Administration.
The AACSB-accredited Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) in the UK is one of the largest and most renowned universities in the country. Over 34,000 students from more than 100 nations benefit from modern facilities, practical research, and a clear focus on learning success and individual development.
Within the university, Sheffield Business School is one of the leading faculties for economics and management. Its programs are characterized by academic excellence, high practical relevance, and an international orientation—ideal conditions for a challenging DBA program with global aspirations.
Munich Business School is a proud member of the Executive DBA Council (EDBAC), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in DBA programs. As part of this network, we are closely connected with leading educational institutions worldwide and accordingly strive for the highest standards in postgraduate education.
Our affiliation enables our DBA students to benefit directly from a high-quality, research-oriented education that offers both theoretical knowledge and practical applicability.
The DBA program is designed for experienced executives and managers who want to deepen their expertise through academic research and strategically advance their careers. As part of a cohort, you begin your studies together, discuss research ideas, reflect on professional experiences, and support one another on the path to your dissertation. The intensive exchange during the block seminars and beyond creates a valuable network of ambitious individuals who take responsibility and are committed to actively shaping management practice.
In order to be admitted to the DBA program, you must fulfill academic, linguistic, and professional requirements. The required application documents may be submitted at any time. However, due to the limited number of spots in the program, MBS recommends you to commit yourself to a specific application round. One thing always applies: the earlier you submit your application, the more likely it is that you will be admitted to the next program start.
Tuition fees can be paid in installments. The first installment is due at the beginning of your studies and is paid by bank transfer or PayPal.
Tuition fees:
First year €15,750 | Second year €15,750 | Third year €6,750 | Fourth year €6,750
Each additional year €4,500
If you are registered as a taxpayer in Germany and studying part-time, you may get a tax refund of your tuition fees. Please check out the website of the German Federal Ministry of Finance for the latest information on taxes.
Munich Business School seeks to admit candidates to the DBA Doctor of Business Administration program who:
Since the DBA program is conducted in English, all candidates must have good command of the language. Applicants can prove their English language proficiency by one of the following options:
Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please advise us of your planned test date. You can hand in your test results up to four weeks prior to the program start. Submission after start of studies is not possible.
Why do you want to pursue a DBA? Your answer should include reference to personal, professional, and educational experience, as well as the impact you expect it to have on your career.
What do you propose to research? Discuss a possible topic and research approach that interests you, and address the following:
Please provide the following documents for your application:
Please apply online with your complete application documents.
Please note: A processing fee of 60 euros is due upon submission of the application documents. You will receive information on this in a separate e-mail after the application process has been completed. Further processing of your application is only possible after receipt of the fee.
The interview will last approximately 45-60 minutes and is intended to help both you as well as the university to determine whether the DBA is the right program for you. Of course, the interview will also present you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
All applicants from Germany or close enough to travel must attend a personal interview at Munich Business School with the Academic Program Director. Applicants who cannot attend a personal interview due to unreasonable travel times will be interviewed via video conference.
The Admission Office will inform you about the outcome of the application process within 10 working days. If your application has been accepted, Munich Business School will provide you with an acceptance letter as well as two copies of your study contract. One copy needs to be signed and returned within two weeks to secure your spot in the program. The other copy needs to be kept for your own records.
Additionally, in order to be formally accepted onto the program, you must pay a one-off matriculation fee of €690 (EU/EFTA) or €1,490 (non-EU).
Elsenheimerstraße 61
80687 München Germany
