Higher degrees by research
The CGSB offers three Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Masters of Philosphy (Business Administration)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is the highest university award given in the field of business administration. The program has been designed to develop highly skilled managers who can think critically and design, implement and apply research initiatives. It enables students with extensive business experience to design and concentrate their research on a practical business situation and to be sensitive to research questions and implications that are inescapable in the conduct of business.
The Curtin DBA program consists of four coursework units covering introductory research methods, advanced qualitative and quantitative methods and research project design and implementation. The coursework component is completed during the first year of study. The units are offered through face-to-face classes and require attendance at Curtin’s Bentley and Murray Street campuses. Students have a minimum of 2 years and maximum of 4 years equivalent full time study to complete their coursework and doctoral thesis.
Applicants must have 7 years professional business or management experience, and a 75% course weighted average from a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Leadership (MBL) or equivalent Masters degree, and authorisation of an appropriate research supervisor. Other requirements include: research proposal; interview; references; written statement; certified academic record; TOEFL score of 580 (if appropriate), IELTS score of 6.5 (if appropriate).
The DBA is a supervised research degree. Prospective students should submit a preliminary thesis proposal together with a CV to the Curtin Graduate School of Business Student Services Manager who will then ascertain whether there are any supervisors willing and able to supervise you should your application be approved.
The high profile of the School’s researchers attracts postgraduate students from Australia and the Asian region. Research projects form an important part of most of our postgraduate programs. Students are supervised by staff members with expertise in their area of business research. Information about postgraduate research projects and supervision can be accessed via the CGSB’s staff profiles.
Further details may be found in the Research and Coursework Doctoral Programs pages of the Curtin Handbook.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a supervised research degree which may be undertaken through the Curtin Graduate School of Business provided appropriate supervisors are available.
View Curtin's register of PhD supervisors.
Prospective students should submit a preliminary thesis proposal together with a CV to the Research Student Coordinator who will then ascertain whether there are any supervisors willing and able to supervise you should your application be approved.
Visit Curtin's research website for more details on what is required in a preliminary thesis proposal and eligibility requirements. Further details can also be found in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) pages of the Curtin Handbook.
Master of Philosophy (Business Administration)
Students interested in undertaking a Masters Research Program through the GSB should follow the instructions outlined above for prospective PhD students. Preference will be given to students whose research interest closely aligns with the supervisory expertise offered through the school. Students should first contact the Research Student Coordinator with a preliminary thesis proposal together with a CV to ascertain whether or not staff are interested and willing to supervise you should your application be successful. Visit Curtin's Research website for further details on eligibility requirements and application.
