DBA Doctor of Business Administration

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 60% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Robert Gordon University is fostering academic excellence and attracting top-tier international talent. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to support PhD students pursuing advanced research across various disciplines. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and provide a conducive environment for scholars to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (PhD): The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes and supports outstanding PhD candidates. It covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend to support living expenses. This scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic merit, research potential, and the impact of the proposed research.

International Fee Scholarships (IFS): RGU's International Fee Scholarships are available to high-achieving international PhD students. These scholarships contribute towards the cost of tuition fees, making doctoral studies at RGU more accessible to exceptional scholars from around the world. Recipients are selected based on academic achievements and the potential impact of their research.

Santander Universities Scholarship: In collaboration with Santander Universities, RGU offers scholarships to support international PhD students. These scholarships are designed to facilitate research projects with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. Successful applicants receive financial support to further their research goals.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS): RGU participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which provides full funding for international PhD students from Commonwealth countries. This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a living stipend. It aims to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among Commonwealth nations.

RGU PhD Studentship Awards: The university allocates a number of PhD Studentship Awards to exceptional candidates across various disciplines. These awards may cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic background, research proposal, and potential contributions to their field of study.

Energy Transition Institute (ETI) PhD Scholarships: RGU, with a focus on energy transition research, offers PhD scholarships through the Energy Transition Institute. These scholarships support research projects related to sustainable energy, renewable technologies, and environmental impact. Successful candidates benefit from both financial assistance and access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

School-specific Scholarships: Different academic schools within RGU may have specific scholarships tailored to their research priorities. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to explore opportunities within their intended field of study and inquire about discipline-specific funding options.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Robert Gordon University prepares graduates for leadership and strategic roles across diverse industries. This advanced business qualification equips professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive organizational success. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): DBA graduates may aspire to the highest executive position within organizations, leading strategic decision-making and ensuring overall business success.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Careers in finance leadership involve DBA graduates overseeing financial strategies, budgeting, and investments, contributing to the financial health and stability of organizations.

Chief Operations Officer (COO): Graduates may pursue roles as COOs, managing day-to-day operations and optimizing business processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): DBA graduates may lead marketing departments as CMOs, developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive business growth.

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO): Careers in HR leadership involve graduates managing human capital strategies, talent acquisition, and employee development, contributing to organizational success.

Chief Information Officer (CIO): DBA graduates may specialize in information technology leadership, overseeing technology strategies and ensuring that IT aligns with overall business objectives.

Management Consultant: Graduates may work as consultants, offering strategic advice to organizations seeking to improve their operations, overcome challenges, and achieve sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: DBA graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may choose to start their own businesses, applying their advanced business knowledge to create successful ventures.

Business Development Director: Careers in business development involve graduates identifying growth opportunities, building partnerships, and expanding the business's reach in the market.

Policy Advisor: DBA graduates may work in governmental or non-governmental organizations as policy advisors, influencing economic and business policies.

Academic Leadership: Graduates may choose academic careers, becoming professors or academic leaders, contributing to business education and research.

Executive Leadership Positions: Graduates may hold executive leadership positions such as Vice President or Director in various functional areas, depending on their expertise and organizational needs.

International Business Manager: Careers in international business involve graduates overseeing global operations, managing cross-cultural teams, and navigating international markets.

Nonprofit Leadership: DBA graduates may contribute to the nonprofit sector, leading organizations dedicated to social impact and community development.

Supply Chain Director: Graduates may specialize in supply chain management, overseeing the end-to-end processes to ensure efficient and effective delivery of products or services.

Corporate Strategy Manager: Careers in corporate strategy involve graduates shaping and implementing high-level strategies to position organizations competitively in the market.

Project Management Director: Graduates may lead project management departments, ensuring successful planning and execution of projects to achieve organizational objectives.

Research and Development Director: For industries emphasizing innovation, DBA graduates may lead R&D teams, driving research initiatives and product development strategies.

Sustainability Director: With a growing focus on sustainability, graduates may contribute as directors overseeing sustainable practices and environmental initiatives within organizations.

Board Member or Non-Executive Director: DBA graduates may serve on boards, providing strategic guidance, governance, and oversight to organizations.