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Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

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•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

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What to Think About When Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master’s Degree

When choosing a graduate program, you’ll find that you may have to decide between pursuing either a thesis or non-thesis master’s degree. Although employers do not consider which you choose during the hiring process, your decision can significantly impact the skills you acquire in your academic career. 

What Is the difference?

A non-thesis master’s degree focuses on coursework . Students are immersed into projects and learning environments that help strengthen their knowledge in their field. Similar to undergraduate programs, a non-thesis program is structured around assignments, group and individual projects, and exams. Research may be included somewhere in the program, but it is primarily focused on helping students achieve skills that will help them become more successful in their careers. This degree path typically has more courses than a non-thesis degree but can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

A thesis master’s degree is more research intensive. Students who aim to work on a thesis can expect to do more reading and writing as they specialize their knowledge. The coursework is generally centered around preparation for a final thesis, building their skills in research, data collection, analysis, and writing. Professors act more as guides and advisors who help students clarify their goals and aid in their research projects and thesis development. Master’s theses are a great primer for anyone looking to pursue a Ph.D., as research skills will be crucial in the development of a dissertation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong degree path. Both degrees offer a quality education that can help you excel. One thing to consider when deliberating is why you’re pursuing your graduate degree. If you’re going back to college to help you change fields or get to that next level of your career, a non-thesis master’s degree can help you get there. If you want to dive into a career in research and development or pursue a Ph.D., a thesis master’s degree may be more worthwhile. 

Another thing to consider is your learning style. What methods of learning do you enjoy more? If you thrive in group projects and assignments, a non-thesis degree may be more efficient in helping you retain information. For those of you independent thinkers who love to dive deeply into subjects, you might relish in the idea of the research needed in the production of a thesis. Think about what type of academic environment will motivate you to earn your degree. 

Here are 7 questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide:

• What are my career goals?
• Where do I see myself in 5 to 10 years?
• What motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in the first place?
• What are my plans after graduation?
• Do I want to learn in a classroom setting, or do I want to be more independent?
• Am I interested in learning about research?
• How much writing do I want in my program?

If you have any questions or want to learn more about what each program has to offer, reach out to your school’s faculty and admissions officers. After all, the most important thing about a program isn’t the name of the degree, but what you gain from it.

How to Choose a Grad Program as an International Student

How to Network in Graduate School

How to Ace Your Graduate School Interview

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• Postgraduate study
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MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Our mba community, what our students say, graduate destinations, arrange a one-to-one visit.

MBA Events : our MBA events are a great way to find out more about the Glasgow MBA and how it can help you take your career to the next level.  Attend an MBA event

Propel your career to new heights with the Glasgow MBA, ranked in the top 60 programmes in Europe by the QS. Gain vital skills, knowledge, and access unparalleled networking opportunities. Our program, coupled with personalised support, shapes you into a dynamic leader, whether in managerial roles or pursuing entrepreneurial ambitions.

• [email protected]
• Teaching start: September
• MBA: 12 months full-time

Why this programme

• We have been teaching the MBA since 1976. Our programme is AMBA accredited, which means our MBA is internationally recognised to the highest standard.
• We purposefully recruit a small yet diverse cohort of students. As a result you will receive dedicated 1-2-1 teaching and support whilst also being able to take the time to learn from your fellow students’ experience and skillset.
• Classes are interactive, striking the right balance between teaching and discussion.
• The Glasgow MBA project allows you to apply the diverse knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme to real-world problems. You will have the option to select from 3 pathways: Start-up, Industry or Research. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your MBA to align with your goals and prepare for the next step in your career.
• Throughout the year we host a series of social, networking and guest speaker events to enhance your learning experience and help you get the most out of your MBA.
• We offer an MBA Professional Development and Employability Award. This is a unique initiative which includes an opportunity for you to be mentored by one of our MBA alumni.
• Experience practical learning with real business challenges. Network, collaborate, and make a real-world impact through competitive, merit-based  industry projects .

Find out more: Graduate destinations

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024-25

• Full-time fee: £37500

International & EU

All applicants are required to pay a deposit of  £2000 within four weeks  of an offer being made.

Deposits: terms & conditions

This programme requires some students to pay a deposit to secure their place.

If you are an international student, we will only issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once the deposit has been paid.

Your offer letter will state:

• how to pay the deposit payment
• the deadline for paying the deposit

The following guidelines will apply in determining whether a deposit will be refunded. Where the deposit is refunded, a 25% handling fee will be deducted.

Deposits will be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

• Where the University is unable to offer you a place.
• Where the applicant has personal circumstances such as illness, bereavement or other family situations that has prevented them coming to the UK. Medical or other proof may be requested.
• Applicant can prove that they have applied for a visa to attend the University of Glasgow, but the VISA has been refused. The applicant must have shown 'real intent' to study at the University of Glasgow but has been unable to obtain their visa.
• Applicant does not meet his / her conditions of offer: this may be academic or language test requirements. Satisfactory evidence must be uploaded to the student’s applicant self-service to prove that they have not met the conditions of their offer (note that applicants who do not meet the language condition of their offer must show reasonable attempt to meet this, i.e. they must provide a language test which was taken after the date that the deposit was paid).

Deposits will not be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

• Applicant has decided to defer – in this situation the University will retain the deposit and credit it against the applicant’s account for securing their place for the following year of entry.

Refund requests must be made within 30 days of the programme start date stated on your offer letter.

Requests made after this date will be subject to discretion.

• Find out more about Deposits

Application fee

A fee of £50 per application must be paid by all applicants to this programme. The application fee will be requested when you apply online and it can be paid using your credit or debit bank card.

Application fee: Terms and conditions

The application fee is non-refundable so it is important that you check any specific entry requirements for the programme. If you are applying with qualifications from outside the UK then you should check the postgraduate taught entry requirements for your country: see International students: In your country

Applicants who are sponsored may have the application fee waived at the point of applying online. However if the sponsorship status changes before the student registers with the University and the student is self-funding the University reserves the right to invoice the student for the initial application fee.

Find out more about Application fees

Additional fees

• Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
• Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

• The Glasgow MBA Scholarship

The Glasgow MBA has available significant scholarship funding to our most talented applicants.

We are proud to offer a range of awards to outstanding applicants that support diversity, equality and inclusion.

Candidates eligibility will be assessed via both the scholarship application and the MBA interview. There is no deadline to apply for the Glasgow MBA scholarship, but as funds are limited, we advise you to apply as early as possible.

Please note that only current applicants are eligible to apply for this scholarship

Please email  [email protected]  to discuss your application.

• The Glasgow MBA Scholarship for Women in collaboration with the 30% Club

The Glasgow MBA Scholarship for Women in association with the 30% club aims to promote women in leadership by encouraging women to enrol in the MBA programme.

There have been significant changes to educational and professional opportunities for women; the Glasgow MBA has consistently welcomed a high proportion of women in its cohort, and we would like to strengthen further women active participation in the programme.

The University of Glasgow aims to meet the diverse needs of women through its Glasgow MBA programme.

Now for the third consecutive year, the Glasgow MBA is pleased to award one full tuition fee waiver scholarship to an outstanding woman who shows a clear potential to impact an industry or country and needs practical support.

This reflects the shared mission of the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School and its partner organisations to help develop strong female talent and to improve gender diversity on leadership teams.

It supports the 30% Club’s goal of achieving a minimum of 30% women on FTSE-100 boards.

Gender diversity often exists at early-career stages but falls away at senior levels. To improve the gender balance on leadership teams, this scholarship supports talented senior women to undertake MBAs and rise to the top.

• The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship

The Snowdon Trust Master’s Scholarship is accelerating exceptional Disabled Students through masters’ programmes into leadership positions to create change.

Do you have ambitions to change the world? Are you pioneering in your field? Are you creating change for Disabled People? Let us open some doors.

We are searching for individuals who choose to use their lived experience of disabling barriers to make a difference. To create change.

Applications open 2pm 15 January 2024.

Please see  Snowdon Trust, Investing in Disabled Students  website for more details.

• Banco de Mexico

The Mexican National Bank (Banco de Mexico) provides special loans for students who wish to undertake a programme of postgraduate study. The University of Glasgow in partnership with Bank of Mexico FIDERH is offering a fee discount to holders of a Bank of Mexico FIDERH loan. See the FIDERH website for further information.

• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans

Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans are EU-guaranteed loans with favourable pay-back terms. They’re designed to help prospective students finance their Master’s courses in an Erasmus+ Programme country while leaving as little of a lasting economic footprint as possible.

The scheme is designed to provide postgraduate students with the means to pay their tuition and living expenses – thereby allowing individuals to focus on their degree instead of managing their bank balance. The programme aims to be as inclusive as possible, working under the following guidelines:

• No need for collateral from students or parents - ensuring equality of access
• Favourable, better-than-market interest rates
• Pay-back terms that allow graduates up to two years to find work before beginning repayment.

Please visit the  Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans website  for more information.

• Climate Leadership Scholarships

Cop26 was held in Glasgow from 31 st October – 12 th November 2021 and the University of Glasgow recognises the importance of universities in tackling the climate emergency. Glasgow is part of the newly formed  Cop26 Universities Network , a growing group of over 80 universities working together to promote a zero-carbon future. Alongside vital research being carried out by our academics, Glasgow recognises that urgent action is needed on our campuses, and we aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.  We believe that the climate emergency can only be addressed by implementing long-term sustainability policies and our Green Glasgow strategy details our action plan for the next decade.

In recognition of the vital need for action to combat the climate emergency the University of Glasgow is excited to launch our Climate Leadership Scholarships. We have 20 scholarships available to UK students entering any of our Colleges on a PGT programme which engages with the climate emergency.

As a world-changing research-led University we are committed to supporting the next generation of researchers working across disciplines to address the climate emergency.

• Chevening Scholarship

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one year Master’s degree at universities across the UK. There are over 50,000 Chevening Alumni around the world who together comprise an influential and highly regarded global network.

For further information, please refer to the  Chevening website .

• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia

The University of Glasgow offer discounts to all successful Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia (Colfuturo) scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Schemes

Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO ),  with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

• EU Welcome Award

The University of Glasgow continues to be committed to ensuring a strong relationship with our existing and future EU students, and supporting EU talent to make their home at the University of Glasgow.  

We appreciate the challenging financial implications that have arisen for our European applicants, and are therefore delighted to offer the EU Welcome Award to new incoming EU students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee discount.  This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

Applicants that graduated from the University of Glasgow or completed a Study Abroad year, Exchange programme or International Summer School at the University of Glasgow, are eligible for the Alumni discount and this can be combined with the EU Welcome Award.

• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across Africa in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  

The University is offering up to 15 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

• University of Glasgow African Partners Award

The University of Glasgow African Partners Awards aims to support high achieving students from across Africa in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  The scholarship is exclusively for students, alumni and staff of the University partners across Africa:  African Partners List 2024 .

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for International students from Africa, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2023/24.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

Applicants much hold an offer of a place for a postgraduate taught one year Masters programme for September 2024 intake (offer is not needed to apply but applicants will require an offer to be considered for interview, and should take programme application timelines into consideration as detailed on programme webpages)

• Emerging Asia Award

The University of Glasgow is proud to introduce an exciting new award designed to support students from a selection of underrepresented 'frontier and developing' Asian countries . 

The University of Glasgow is offering 8 scholarships for highly qualified international students from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Students must be starting a one-year postgraduate taught masters programme, in any discipline, for the academic session 2024/25. The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver with stipend for one year that can not be combined with any other scholarships. 

• University of Glasgow Caribbean Partners Award

The University of Glasgow Caribbean Partners Awards aims to support high achieving students from our partner The University of the West Indies in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  The scholarship is exclusively for students, alumni and staff of The University of the West Indies.  

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for students, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

Those who apply must hold an offer of a place for a postgraduate taught one year Masters programme for September 2024 intake (offer is not needed to apply but applicants will require an offer to be considered for interview, and should take programme application timelines into consideration as detailed on programme webpages);

• University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has several International Leadership Scholarships available to International students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fees discount.

• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award

The University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award aims to support high achieving students from across the Caribbean in their journey to become Future World Changers.  We are looking for students who wish to undertake Masters level study, to further develop their knowledge and skills, in order to positively contribute to their community in the future.  

The University is offering up to 5 scholarships for International students from the Caribbean, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme, in any discipline for academic session 2024/25.  The scholarship is a full tuition fee waiver.  

• CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)

The University of Glasgow offers a 25% discount to all successful CONICyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award

The University of Glasgow has 40 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to students from low and middle income countries, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline, in academic session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

• India Merit Award

The University of Glasgow is proud to announce a new India Merit award for 2024 entry to acknowledge highly qualified Indian postgraduate taught offer holders. The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee discount. This discount cannot be combined with another University scholarship.

• University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award (Nigeria)

The University of Glasgow has 10 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to Nigerian students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline in academic session 2024-25. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement

CONACYT offers a non-refundable scholarship, a monthly stipend and medical insurance of an approximate total of $20,000 USD (in the case of the UK, no medical insurance grant is given since students are already covered by the National Health System) The University of Glasgow offer a 30% discount to all successful CONACyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Eligible full-time and part-time students, undertaking an eligible postgraduate course, can apply for a tuition fee loan up to a maximum of £7,000 towards their course. Eligible full-time postgraduate students can apply for a living-cost loan of up to £4,500.  

This support extends to online Masters or Postgraduate Diplomas, and not to the online Postgraduate Certificate courses.

For more information visit the SAAS website .

• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)

If you’re an English student looking to study a taught Masters programme in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan. Students from England are able to apply for a non-means tested   Postgraduate Master’s Loan  of up to £11,570   to help with course fees and living costs. You have to  repay your Postgraduate Master’s Loan  at the same time as any other student loans you have. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

If you’re studying by distance learning, you can also apply.

• Alumni Discount

In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2024/25. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, International Summer School programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.

• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

If you are a Welsh student looking to study a postgraduate programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a Welsh University.

* does not apply to Erasmus Mundus programmes

Postgraduate Master's Finance

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time Postgraduate Master’s course (taught or research based) from 1 August 2019, you can apply for Postgraduate Master's Finance and receive up to £17,000 as a combination of grant and loan:

• a maximum grant of £6,885 and loan of £10,115 if your household income is £18,370 and below
• a grant of £1,000 and loan of £16,000 if your household income is not taken into account or is above £59,200.

For more information visit  Student Finance Wales

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re starting a full-time or part-time postgraduate Doctoral course (such as a PhD) from 1 August 2019 you can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £25,700.

• Postgraduate Access Scholarship

The University of Glasgow is pleased to be offering Postgraduate Access Scholarships to support Home students who could face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study at the University. Applications are particularly welcomed from applicants who met any of our widening participation criteria , or equivalent, at undergraduate level. The value of each scholarship is £4,000 and they are for students undertaking a one or two year Taught Masters programme. For two year Taught Masters programmes, the scholarship is available in year one only.

• Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

If you are a Northern Irish student looking to study a taught Masters programme* in Glasgow then you can apply for a student loan in exactly the same way as you would for a University in Northern Ireland.

Northern Irish students are able to apply for non-means-tested tuition fee loans of up to £5,500, to help with the costs of funding.

For more information visit  www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/types-of-finance/postgraduate  .

• Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Glasgow is offering up to 20 Sanctuary Scholarships for applicants to the University, who have been forced to travel to the UK for humanitarian reasons and are facing challenges in progressing onto Higher Education. The scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate and postgraduate taught students at the University of Glasgow applying for entry in September 2024/25. Please note that you must have applied to the University before submitting an application for this scholarship. The scholarship will meet the cost of tuition fees for the duration of your programme, for applicants who are unable to access mainstream funding through Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) or Student Finance . The Sanctuary Scholarship also provides a £5,000 per year stipend, to assist with study costs. In addition, if the eligibility criteria for university accommodation is met, this will also be provided for the duration of your degree, if required. For more information on the accommodation criteria, please see the  Accommodation Services section  on the website.

Undergraduate students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs only, if successful.

Postgraduate Taught Masters students with refugee status (or equivalent) and access to funding, are eligible to apply for the scholarship and would receive the £5,000 stipend towards study costs and a partial tuition fee waiver, to cover any shortfall not met by your Postgraduate Masters tuition fee loan.

• The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Clan Gregor Society is offering an award to new entrants to the University of Glasgow who descend from Clan Gregor. Prospective students will be asked to submit an application highlighting areas of consideration such as academic excellence and financial need. The award is open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants for 2024 entry.

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

• 2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in any subject and  a minimum of 3 years managerial work experience. 
• A personal statement and a detailed CV describing your work experience with specific emphasis on the managerial roles and responsibilities. (Managerial work experience should include and highlight responsibility for planning business aims/objectives and prioritising workload to deliver these. Communicating these to the team you are managing and relevant colleagues. Please note it is a requirement to have at least a team of 3 reporting to you).

If your application successfully passes through the first stage of the admissions process, you will be invited to take part in an interview by Zoom. The interview is relatively informal, lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and seeks to evaluate your suitability for the Glasgow MBA, as well as discuss your application and expectations. The interview will enable the MBA team to get to know you and provide you with an opportunity to understand how the Glasgow MBA works. The interview may include interaction with other candidates and you may be asked to prepare a brief presentation on a particular topic. Focus will be on the following competencies: motivation, commercial and business awareness, team working, project management, creativity, resilience and flexibility, business ethics and communication.

Although the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is not a standard requirement of our admissions process, strong verbal reasoning and numerical abilities are critical for the MBA and we may ask you to undertake such a test.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, mybest or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our  enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

• Find out more about entry requirements and other country-specific information
• International student support & visas
• This one-year masters programme is eligible for a new, streamlined visa application process: find out more

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

• A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
• A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
• Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
• One reference letter on headed paper
• Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
• Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
• A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see  how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see  Application System Help .

• Name and Date of birth:  must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
• Contact Details : Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
• Choice of course : Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
• Proposed date of entry:  Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
• Education and Qualifications : Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
• English Language Proficiency : Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
• Employment and Experience : Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference : Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2024.

• International & EU applicants : 26 July 2024
• UK applicants : 16 August 2024

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MBA with a thesis or without

Discussion in ' General Distance Learning Discussions ' started by Dennis , May 26, 2004 .

Dennis New Member

Hello, taking a look at some MBA programs recently, I've noticed that some of them require a thesis at the end of the program while others can be done completely by coursework. Now, is there a difference(regarding worth and utility) between this two kinds of MBA programs in the business world and academia? Thanks for your input, Dennis  

kevingaily New Member

I know that some schools give one the option of either or. One catch is that if one is thinking of gaining their PHD then the thesis is very important. Many doctoral programs require a Master thesis as a pre-requsite for entrance. If the MBA is the terminal degree for one's educational pursuit, then I don't think it is as important. On a personal note, a thesis is a great tool to learn to order your thoughts in a complex and long-term project. It also teaches greater indepth study and research skills. These are very good qualities. One other point that deserves thought is if the classes better teach one to do the job better. If the classes are tailored for the future prospective position desired, then it may be better to take the classes.  

Han New Member

Originally posted by Dennis Hello, taking a look at some MBA programs recently, I've noticed that some of them require a thesis at the end of the program while others can be done completely by coursework. Now, is there a difference(regarding worth and utility) between this two kinds of MBA programs in the business world and academia? Thanks for your input, Dennis Click to expand...

Re: Re: MBA with a thesis or without Originally posted by Han I have a VERY strong opinion on this one, from a lesson learned the hard way. I went with the no-thesis. When I started applying for the doctrate, I was told this hurt me. Go with the thesis, go with the thesis, so with the thesis!! Click to expand...

cogent New Member

Thesis?? When I applied for and got accepted into doctoral programs in the past the non-thesis option I took for my masters didn't hurt at all. In fact, today I read something in the Arizona Republic (aka, "Repulsive") about my old football coach Jim Young. He said he just completed an online masters in military history... so I looked it up. It is the Sam Houston State masters in military history. They make an interesting point about non-thesis options and a doctorate: http://www.shsu.edu/~his_www/FAQs.htm An MBA with a thesis? Holy cow. I think it is totally unneeded. Forget the extra hassle, and it is. I wrote a thesis for one of my graduate degrees. Bottom line, if the non-thesis option is an issue with some school, sing out "NEXT!" There is a ton of competition in graduate education today... THANK YOU ONLINE!  

Originally posted by kevingaily I know that some schools give one the option of either or. One catch is that if one is thinking of gaining their PHD then the thesis is very important. Many doctoral programs require a Master thesis as a pre-requsite for entrance. If the MBA is the terminal degree for one's educational pursuit, then I don't think it is as important. Click to expand...

iquagmire Member

I would also like to know the answer to the DBA question. For SHSU, the thesis is not a requirement but it seems that it will be helpful or beneficial - as it states on the Sam Houston State site referenced above under degree requirements ( http://www.shsu.edu/~his_www/mildegree.htm ): The Thesis/Non-Thesis Option In deciding whether or not to write a master=s thesis, history students should consider the following information: 1) Only five percent of our MA students write a thesis. 2) Writing a thesis is not required for getting into Ph.D. programs. The thesis can help a student later in writing a dissertation, but far more important is the applicant=s GRE score and whether his or her letters of recommendation are written by historians with national reputations. Most of our MA students who have earned Ph.D.s or those currently in Ph.D. programs did not write a master=s thesis. Bottom line - It can't hurt to write the theses if considering a doctoral program in the future.  

Originally posted by iquagmire 2) Writing a thesis is not required for getting into Ph.D. programs. The thesis can help a student later in writing a dissertation, but far more important is the applicant=s GRE score and whether his or her letters of recommendation are written by historians with national reputations. Most of our MA students who have earned Ph.D.s or those currently in Ph.D. programs did not write a master=s thesis. Click to expand...

kelechi New Member

When I completed my MBA program I never wrote a thesis and now I have been admitted into a phd program  

Originally posted by Dennis Is an MBA with thesis also important if one decides to pursue a DBA later? Thanks, Dennis Click to expand...

Originally posted by kelechi When I completed my MBA program I never wrote a thesis and now I have been admitted into a phd program Click to expand...

master New Member

How many words does a British / American MBA / M.Sc. thesis usually have? Thanks, m.  

Originally posted by master How many words does a British / American MBA / M.Sc. thesis usually have? Thanks, m. Click to expand...

Ian Anderson Active Member

Bill Grover New Member

Entry into the OSU EdD did not require that a master's thesis be done. But this a residential program. Entry into the research DTh at Unizul does require one. I've done two , not theses but "term papers", one for ACCS and one for Trinity, which were about 12,000+ words. Most are only about 4,000. My master's thesis was about 20, 000. A thesis of 10, 000 seems short.  

Originally posted by kevingaily As we have read, there are two differing opinions. One thing I will say, is that doing a thesis is a very good help in preparing one to do a dissertation. A dissertation is a monumentous task and the thesis will help you to be ready for it. So in that aspect, I'd say yes it is important. Is it necessary? Well, that depends on the school. It would serve you well to ask this question to any perspective schools before you make your final decision. Guten Tag mein herr!!! Click to expand...

John Spies Member

I am just starting my dissertation (UK name for thesis) and it is to be 10-15K words. This is for the MBA . Currently, I have met all requirements to gain the Post-Graduate Diploma. After the dissertation is completed (providing I pass, of course!), I will get the MBA award.  

ternahan New Member

CSUDH requires ten pages double spaced per credit for course work. Their length standard for the thesis is similar--thus for a four-credit theis, the requirement is a minimum of forty pages of text, plus of course all the introductory pages. Mine in toto runs about sixty-five pages. Parenthetically, there's a research or creative project option. My focus is 19th century American utopian literature.  

Originally posted by ternahan Their length standard for the thesis is similar--thus for a four-credit theis, the requirement is a minimum of forty pages of text, plus of course all the introductory pages. = A 40 page master's thesis? amazing! I've blasted the unaccredited (for now) Trinity Seminary enough times that no one should think I'm playing shill here, but here's some facts: TTS , a distance learning institution, at the grad level of studies in Bible/Theolgy, for a three unit course, required four papers.This was in addition to , in some cases, also responding in writing to many questions based on cassette tapes and the reading of around 1000 pages. My very last TTS paper , admittedly longer than the norm, (ie, one of four papers for one three unit class NOT a thesis), was 61 pages long not counting the Bibliography. It has about 170 footnotes, interacts with and /or references about 100 (mostly) scholars and often employed Greek when dealing with their argumentation. Perhaps I over did it. The last term paper (not thesis) I did for ACCS, another (now) unaccredited school, theology class is 68 pages long, references and/or interacts with 150 scholars, and has 301 footnotes and uses argument from the Hebrew and Greek as needed. This was the only required writing for the course. I recall the prof accepted this instead of three at 20 pp each. That must be why I like theology ; I get to "talk" so much Click to expand...

Dr Dave New Member

I did my MBA at Boston College which offered the option of writing the thesis or doing two additional courses. I opted for the courses. Later I was accepted to both the Nova University (now Nova Southeastern University) DBA program and The Fielding Institute (now Fielding Institute and University) PhD program in Human and Organizational Development. Neither school required or expected a master's thesis, nor did they hassle or disqualify me. (For the record, in the end I completed the California Pacific University DBA instead.) I would also point out that within the world of business, I have never had an employer ask me about an MBA thesis. The extent of their interest has been limited solely to verifying that I earned the MBA--period.  

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Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of  research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Business Research Topics

• Business /management strategy
• Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
• Finance and accounting
• Operations management
• International business
• Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

• An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
• The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
• Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
• An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
• Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
• Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
• An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
• Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
• Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
• A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
• Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
• Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
• A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
• An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
• Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

• Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
• The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
• Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
• Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
• A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
• An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
• The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
• A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
• An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
• Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
• Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
• Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
• Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
• Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
• An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

• An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
• Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
• Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
• An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
• Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
• A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
• An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
• Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
• An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
• A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
• An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
• Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
• Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
• A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Ideas: Operations Management

• An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
• An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
• Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
• A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
• Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
• An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
• Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
• An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
• Italian automotive industry
• Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
• An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
• Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
• Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
• A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
• Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
• Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Topics & Ideas: International Business

• The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
• An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
• The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
• An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
• The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
• The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
• An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
• The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
• An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
• An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
• The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
• The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
• An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
• The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

• A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
• An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
• An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
• The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
• An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
• The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
• An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
• The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
• The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
• An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
• The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
• The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
• An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
• Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
• Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
• Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
• Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
• Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
• The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
• Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
• Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
• Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
• Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

If you’d like hands-on help to speed up your topic ideation process and ensure that you develop a rock-solid research topic, check our our Topic Kickstarter service below.

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Great help. thanks

Hi, Your work is very educative, it has widened my knowledge. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for helping me understand how to craft a research topic. I’m pursuing a PGDE. Thank you

Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

Research topic accounting

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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

A PhD  helps you advance your career and secure senior leadership positions. However, if you’re a busy working professional struggling to manage your family, work, and personal commitments, full-time enrollment with dissertation requirements might not be an option. Most PhDs take 3-7 years to complete, with lots of time spent on dissertations.

But what if you could study a PhD without dissertation requirements or lengthy durations?

Sure, online PhD programs  offer more flexibility; however, you’ll still spend years studying.

Luckily, many schools offer 18-month doctorate without dissertation programs that you can complete in record time, often while studying online on your own schedule. Does that mean you can find the easiest PhD without dissertation requirements? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the top universities and no-dissertation PhD programs you can finish in just 18 months or a little more.

Table of Contents

Top 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We’ve separated our list of doctorate degrees without dissertation into a few categories: education, nursing, physical therapy, and business management.

Walden University

PhD in Education (P-20 Education)

Walden University is known for offering research doctorates to African-American students and has many flexible options in various disciplines to extend education to everyone. This flexible PhD without dissertation requirements is a fabulous education program where you can design your study based on your interests.

• Courses:  Leading the future of education, governance & politics of education, and learning experiences in supportive environments.
• Credits:  86
• Delivery:  Online
• Tuition: $692 per quarter hour
• Financial aid:  Grants, education assistance, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Nebraska Methodist College is one of the country’s most famous allied healthcare colleges and offers more than 40 healthcare and education programs online and on-campus. You don’t need to complete a dissertation or submit GRE scores to apply for this doctoral degree online; no dissertation. You can also balance your studies with other parts of your life by choosing between part-time or full-time options.

• Courses: Information technology in healthcare & education, legal & ethical issues in organizations, and healthcare policy.
• Duration: 24 months
• Cost per credit hour : $817
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  92%
• Location:  Omaha, Nebraska

Nova Southeastern University, College of Education & School of Criminal Justice

EdD – Educational Leadership

Nova Southeastern University is a nationally renowned private institution that embraces social mobility and diversity. The institution offers an EdD that doesn’t require a dissertation. Instead, you’ll need to complete a Strategic Research Project (SRP) amounting to 12 credits.

• Courses: Leadership, communication, & technology, legal & ethical issues in educational leadership, and leading an educational organization.
• Credits:  55
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $1,505 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, employer assistance, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  76%
• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maryville University is renowned for innovative and comprehensive education, using advanced technology to deliver distance learning programs across a range of disciplines. If you are a working nursing professional, this doctoral degree without dissertation requirements will qualify you to reach the highest levels of nursing leadership.

• Courses:  Principles of epidemiology & biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice, and professional role development.
• Credits:  33
• Duration:  20 months
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $813 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and employer assistance.
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Location:  St. Louis, Missouri

Monmouth University

Online DNP Program

Monmouth University has a low student-faculty ratio and believes in immersive learning experiences beyond the classroom. This DNP doctoral program without dissertation requirements helps students analyze evidence to improve clinical policies and practices.

• Courses: Translating evidence to clinical practice, organizational leadership in healthcare, and health care economics and financial management.
• Credits:  36
• Tuition :  $1,348 per credit hour
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  West Long Branch, New Jersey

Bay Path University

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse

Bay Path University is a non-profit institution that offers a range of opportunities for lifelong learning, especially for women. This DNP program seeks to prepare nursing professionals with modern evidence-based knowledge to handle advanced nursing practitioner roles, especially in the family health sphere. You can complete this online doctorate (no dissertation) at your own pace.

• Courses:  Managing healthcare delivery systems, healthcare informatics, and biostatistics & epidemiology.
• Tuition : $995 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal loans and private loans.
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Location:  Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Physical Therapy

The university of north carolina at chapel hill, school of medicine.

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy

The University of North Carolina is ranked #5  for research among public universities and has two Nobel laureates. This non-thesis PhD helps licensed physical therapists gain advanced knowledge and skills in their area of practice. Additionally, physical therapists earn a median salary of $91,010, making this program one of the highest-paid PhDs . Balance familial and work responsibilities easily as you complete this doctorate degree online (no dissertation).

• Courses: Advanced patient management, advanced neuromuscular intervention, and advanced practice issues.
• Credits: 27
• Tuition :  $902 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and employee benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Location: North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Gannon University

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Gannon University is a private Christian institution with a low student-faculty ratio that offers various online programs. This is one of few occupational therapy doctorate degrees without dissertations that help physical therapy professionals translate knowledge from cross-disciplinary theories and research into practice, enabling them to grow beyond a therapist-clinician role.

• Courses:  Applied research in clinical practice, advanced leadership & ethics, and entrepreneurship for the IT professional.
• Credits:  34
• Duration:  2 years
• Tuition :  $770 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  79%
• Location:  Erie, Pennsylvania

Business Management

Capella university.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation

Capella University is a private institution that strives to extend education to all by offering programs that fit with busy routines. As a result, many of its programs are highly flexible, allowing you to finish at your own pace. The institution also makes it easy to manage study costs by only requiring payment for 12 weeks instead of per credit. This doctorate without dissertation offers two streams: the GuidedPath, where you have a pre-fixed curriculum structure, and FlexPath, where you can modify the structure and complete the program according to your pace and convenience.

• Courses:  Effective organizational leadership, strategic decision making, and teaching business in higher education.
• Credits:  45
• Tuition : $545 – $810
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Location:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Liberty University has been named one of the top 5  online universities and is known for its quality, accessibility, and affordability. This flexible DBA program allows you to specialize in one of a range of business areas, from international business to healthcare management. No dissertation is required for this doctorate degree online.

• Courses:  Strategic allocation of financial resources, marketing for competitive advantage, and quantitative research methods.
• Credits:  60
• Tuition:  $595 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

What Is a Dissertation and How Does it Work?

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, involves conducting research before writing a final report to summarize the research’s findings. It is a fundamental requirement of many graduate programs, especially doctorates, and allows students to develop advanced research, writing, and analytical skills. If a panel approves your dissertation, it will become a part of the field’s current body of knowledge.

The student may choose the topic independently or in consultation with an advisor. In some cases, students can collaborate with faculty members to conduct research. Once complete, the university evaluates the dissertation, and their assessment often decides whether the candidate achieves their PhD .

Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

A dissertation is usually the most involved and longest-running assignment you need to complete as part of a graduate program. Many schools include a dissertation in the program to develop and test students’ research abilities and set them up for careers in academia.

However, some universities offer graduate programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, these programs involve additional research-oriented courses for the students to make up their credits.

Ranking Methodology for 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We put together the above list of universities and doctorate programs across various disciplines based on their requirements for a dissertation and the total duration of the program. Of course, we gave preference to 18-month programs, but we also included some slightly longer programs.

Most programs don’t require any dissertation at all, while some require fair research activity for satisfactory completion. We ranked the programs based on accessibility, delivery mode, courses, faculty, and school reputation.

Key Takeaways

While most doctorate programs include a mandatory dissertation, several universities now offer no-dissertation programs. These are ideal for working students who may not be able to attend full-time, on-campus programs involving extensive research that can take years to complete.

But you might wonder whether an 18-month doctorate without dissertation status is still valuable. The good news is that it is — a doctorate without a dissertation is nonetheless a respected advanced degree that can significantly boost your career and secure well-paid, senior positions in the field of your choice.

Looking for other ways to speed up your post-graduate education?

Explore the Best 1-Year PhD Online Programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

Yes. Many universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation at all. Review the ones we’ve listed in this article for more information.

What Is a Doctorate Without a Dissertation Called?

There’s no particular term for doctorates without dissertations. Instead, they’re simply known as PhDs, EdDs, DNPs, or doctorate degrees. However, some institutions call them “no-dissertation programs” on their official websites.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

At many universities, a dissertation is an important and indispensable part of a PhD curriculum. However, some universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation or thesis for completion. This can be a good option if you’re uninterested in research, don’t wish to work in academia, or are looking for an accelerated option.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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50 Best Doctorate Degrees Online No Dissertation Required [2024 Doctoral Programs]

Skip your dissertation with an accredited no dissertation doctoral program!

In the past, the majority of doctoral programs always required students to write a dissertation.  Now, instead of spending years working on a dissertation, a growing number of universities offer doctoral students an alternative to the dissertation process: a capstone project.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering No Dissertation Online Doctorate Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

These programs can work around your existing obligations such as family or work commitments, and will allow you to advance in your career and contribute to your field in ways that don’t require a massive research paper and the massive amount of dissertation research that goes along with it!

List of Doctorate Degrees without Dissertation Requirements

Here is a list of doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project or a doctoral study project.

Click on your desired field of study to jump to that section:

• Business A dministration
• Co mputers & Information Technology

Criminal Justice

Healthcare administration, homeland security, public administration, public health.

Like dissertations, capstone projects are a culmination of your education. They usually involve some original research or some type of applied practical knowledge in your field. It all depends on the school and program.

Be sure to check out the specializations available, as well as the particular requirements for each of these non dissertation PhD programs to be sure you select the one that will best suit you and help you achieve your goals.

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in accounting and focuses on domestic and international managerial accounting.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , financial managers are in high demand with a mean salary of $134,180.

In addition, the need for financial managers in leadership positions is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

Business Administration

A Doctor of Business Administration is the highest academic degree program in the business world and is ideal for business professionals in corporations, the public sector, or academia.

Quite a few Online DBA concentrations are available without involving the dissertation process and associated research. Instead, you complete a capstone project or doctoral study project. These projects provide real-world learning and leadership opportunities.

An online DBA program focuses on advanced decision-making and leadership skills, integrating business theory and applied research. The capstone project or doctoral study project will relate to the specialization you have chosen and prepare you for that particular career path.

Most online DBA programs allow you to tailor your education by selecting the specialization that best suits your interests and aspirations.

Below are a few common DBA concentrations available without a dissertation.

• Entrepreneurship
• General Business
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems Management
• International Business
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

Whether you work full time as a business consultant or manager, as an entrepreneur, as a school administrator or in government, programs like this may help you take your education – and your career in business – to the next level.

Computers & Information Technology

A doctoral degree in computer information systems or information technology trains you for senior management roles in corporations, government agencies, and non-profits.

The Doctor of Information Technology and the Doctor of Business Administration are applied doctorate degree programs.

These online doctorate programs can prepare you for top-level positions such as IT strategist, IS manager, chief information officer, or even college faculty member.

Earning your doctorate in criminal justice gives you the tools needed to analyze and operate in the social sciences in areas such as law and society, crime, policing, homeland security, and criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice programs are often offered as follows:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Management (DM) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

Of these five degree program types, the PhD in Criminal Justice is the most common. However, the other four types of doctorates are professional doctorates and are more likely to require a capstone project instead of a dissertation.

Having an advanced level degree in education can really set you apart and open new doors. That’s where Doctor of Education programs come into play.

More and more universities are now offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements, which means you may be able to complete the program sooner, without neglecting your other obligations, and without writing that massive research paper!

Unlike a PhD in Education which is heavily focused on research, a Doctor of Education (EdD) program is more focused on the real world practical application of knowledge.

With the creation of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED) which looks at EdD curriculum and its development, an increasing number of universities are adopting a more practical approach in their curriculum.

For this reason, Doctor of Education programs are starting to offer capstone projects (or similar applications) as an alternative to the lengthy, research-intensive dissertation process.

There are two main education doctorate options: a Ph.D. in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD). So which is the best choice?

A Ph.D. in Education is ideal for someone interested in academic and/or research positions in higher education, or in a corporate, military or government position, but typically requires a traditional dissertation.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs, however, focus more on developments in the field and prepare you to work in a classroom or for a school district. Quite a few schools now offer online Ed.D. programs without dissertation requirements.

The University of Southern Mississippi, for example, offers a part-time, fully online EdD program that culminates in a capstone project in educational administration instead of a traditional dissertation process.

Be sure to select one of the doctorate degree without dissertation  programs that will work with your lifestyle and commitments, and help you achieve your long-term career goals.

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in finance and focuses on international finance, entrepreneurial finance, law, and compliance.

In addition, the need for financial managers is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management provides advanced training in organizational leadership, professional management, and human resource development.

DBA in Healthcare Management degree programs will prepare you for senior-level leadership positions in the healthcare field.

Explore cutting-edge strategies in leadership and decision-making while gaining a deep understanding of both theory and practice.

With the global increase in terrorism and natural disasters, the need for homeland security leaders well-trained in crisis planning is on the rise.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security addresses global terrorism, risk analysis, policy challenges, organizational leadership, and emerging trends.

Courses include an in-depth look into homeland security policies, homeland security business planning, and business infrastructure vulnerability analysis, among others.

A Doctor of Business Administration with a focus in management is designed to prepare you for strategic leadership. Not only will you develop advanced research skills, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new ways to address complex problems within your industry.

A Doctor of Business Administration is a professional doctorate that can help prepare you for high-level management positions in corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for management professionals is $109,760, which is the highest wage  of all major occupation groups.

Instead of following a traditional dissertation process in your studies, you will complete a DNP practicum.

Nurses participating in the DNP program will learn to take evidence-based research and put it into practice to improve patient outcomes.

This DNP can be completed in as little as two years:

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Leadership and innovation are also areas of focus to help encourage innovation and positive change in the healthcare system.

The Doctor of Public Administration is an applied doctorate that gives you the in-depth knowledge you need to lead effectively and help create positive change in non-profits, government agencies, or similar organizations.

Doctor of Public Administration degree programs can help prepare you for a career in academia or to work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows high-demand in the field. For example, the need for social and community service managers will grow by 15% in the next ten years.

The Doctor of Public Health is a professional doctorate degree intended for individuals already working in the field of public health.

The field is interdisciplinary and covers topics ranging from advocacy and marketing to communications and leadership.

A number of concentrations are available such as epidemiology and biostatistics. Career options vary but can include health officer, health policy advisor, and community health director.

The Doctor of Psychology is a professional degree program that covers both Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

There are a few online PsyD programs that require no dissertation .

Some common fields of specialization include:

• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Behavioral Psychology
• Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Couple or Family Therapy
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Mental Illness
• Neuropsychology

Instead of a dissertation, some PsyD programs (like Capella) allow you to complete a capstone project related to your field of specialization.

What is a Doctoral Dissertation?

A doctoral dissertation, the culmination of most doctoral degree programs, is a substantial written document in which the student uses the teachings and skills gleaned from the entire program to develop and discuss an original concept, theory or practice that will help advance the field.

Writing a dissertation is no easy feat! They are typically hundreds of pages long, and students work on them for over a year, reviewing research, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Because this project is daunting, demanding, and often requires years of research, many universities have come up with alternatives that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and provide worthwhile contributions to their field without completing a traditional dissertation.

What Are All But Dissertation Completion Programs?

“All But Dissertation” (ABD) completion programs, also known as PhD completion programs, are designed to help students who have completed all the requirements of a doctoral degree program except the dissertation.

Quite often, students work diligently through the coursework of their doctoral program, but fall short when it comes to completing the required dissertation. According to the Council of Graduate Schools , only about 56% of those who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate or PhD within 10 years. Completing a dissertation is an enormous project that entails extensive research — and life, family, careers and other obligations sometimes get in the way.

For example, the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offered by National University is one example of a structured program that transfers credit for prior academic coursework and provides guidance and mentorship as you work to finish your dissertation. This type of program typically takes 2-3 years.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

Not always. In the past a dissertation was required for a PhD, but a growing number of institutions have started to offer online doctoral programs no dissertation.

Instead, students may complete a capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge and provide new contributions to the field. This may be a combination of a research paper and fieldwork, or perhaps you might do some consulting work at a functioning business. However, it most cases, it will require considerably less independent research than what is required for a dissertation.

Capstone projects vary from school to school, and program to program.

One of the benefits of non-dissertation doctorate degrees is that you can finish in less time. Check out our guide on accelerated online doctoral programs for a deeper look.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online PhD Programs?

Looking to manage the costs of an online PhD program? You’ve got options.

First up, the FAFSA – it’s not just for undergrads and can open doors to federal grants and loans. Don’t overlook state financial aid either; many states offer loan programs that might be more budget-friendly than private loans, helping to reduce the cost of repayment.

Also, keep an eye out for scholarships and grants tailored for online doctoral students. These can take into account your academic achievements and work experience.

Many universities now offer affordable online programs, designed to provide quality education without the hefty price tag of traditional on-campus degrees.  For more specific details and info about reducing these costs, the financial aid office at your university is a great resource. They can guide you through the maze of options and help you find the best fit for your financial situation.

Federal Financial Aid

First, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , just like you did when you were an undergraduate student. This will open the door to federal grants and loans, as well as many other resources.

State Financial Aid

In addition to federal financial aid, almost 40 states offer student loan programs. Like Federal loans, the interest rates offered by most state programs are generally less than those charged by private student loan lenders. You can get more info on individual State Financial Aid programs here.

Scholarships and Grants for Online Doctorate Programs

Additionally, online PhD and doctoral students are often eligible for grants, fellowships, and scholarships. These may be available through the school, large corporations, or professional associations that take your work experience into account.

You can generally also get more info from the financial aid office at the university or college you choose to learn more about institutional funding and financial aid opportunities.

Can You Get a No Dissertation Doctorate Online?

Yes! A growing number of reputable, accredited colleges and universities offer non-dissertation doctorate programs. We’ve compiled a list of universities offering online doctorate degrees without dissertation requirements in the next section.

Are There Any PhD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are quite a few doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, but PhD programs without dissertation requirements are few and far between. In these cases, instead of the dissertation most commonly used in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a capstone project is required to help you put your new-found skills to good use.

In the past, dissertations were required so that you could demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. But universities have started to realize that there are quite a few ways you can do that.

As you can see with the online DBA programs , a few colleges are no longer requiring dissertations. They allow you to complete a doctoral capstone project instead. No, it’s not technically a dissertation. But you do prove that you have acquired a high level of expertise in your field of study.

Higher education is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As another example, a number of PhD programs without GRE requirements are appearing.

How Many Credits Do PhD Programs Require?

Most PhD programs require between 54 and 90 credit hours. That’s between 18 and 30 courses. This is true for both campus-based PhD programs and online PhD programs.

Let’s look at one of National University’s online programs as an example. The online DBA in Accounting is 54 credit hours and consists of 18 courses (most courses are 3 credit hours).

In contrast, if you attend a state university campus program like the University of Illinois, the PhD in Business requires 64 credit hours (around 21 courses), provided you already have your master’s degree.

Are There Any EdD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are a number of EdD programs without dissertation research papers. Here is a list of Ed.D. concentrations / specializations without a dissertation requirement: Online Doctor of Education list .

Do All Doctoral Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. A wide-range of doctoral programs do not have a dissertation. Instead, graduate schools allow you to complete a capstone project which focuses on solving a real-world problem.

You can also earn your doctorate through an accredited online program if you don’t want to attend on campus.

Is a PhD Program Without a Dissertation Respected?

A dissertation allows students the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in their field of study through extensive research and an associated dissertation research paper.

In certain fields, a dissertation will be the measure of quality. This is true for academia should you ever want to be a tenured professor at Harvard. But if that’s not your goal, doctoral programs in higher education, leadership, or business administration are reputable – provided you earn your doctorate from a graduate school with regional accreditation.

Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes. There are dozens of online doctorate degrees with no dissertation being offered from accredited universities. The most common doctoral degree programs are the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Are There Any 18 Month Doctorate with No Dissertation Programs?

Yes. Some online PhD no dissertation programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

To finish in a short time like this, you will need to be enrolled full time and progressing through your doctorate program courses successfully. You will also need your capstone project to be approved in a timely manner. Again, in order to complete your doctorate in less than 18 months, you’ll need to enroll in a PhD without thesis or dissertation requirement.

Are There Any PhD Without Dissertation Programs Online?

Yes, a number of universities offer online doctoral degree programs without dissertation to help working professionals juggle full time jobs with their studies. We’ve compiled a list of them above. As more universities offer no dissertation doctorates, we will update the list.

It’s worth noting that while these programs do not require traditional dissertations, there will usually be a research project (usually known as a Capstone) through which you demonstrate what you have learned. Each program should detail the capstone experience requirements and the opportunities you will have while enrolled.

A growing number of universities allow you to complete your program as a full time, working professional from the comfort of your own home!

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Doctor of Business Administration

Make your business leadership skills indisputable with a DBA degree made for real-life application.

Finish in as little as 3 years † . No GMAT or GRE Required.

Learn 100% Online

An online DBA degree built for today's leader.

Business evolution is faster and more complex than ever. Leaders are expected to navigate technological and sustainable advancements while making decisions that impact their business, as well as their communities and society. Built for today’s business leader, The Bellevue University applied Doctor of Business Administration degree will prepare you to solve current problems in your industry, lead in top executive positions, and address the complexities of today’s business landscape with vision, knowledge, and clarity.

Earn your doctorate in business administration in 3 years † — start to finish.

Time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. The Bellevue University program is structured so that you can earn your DBA online in only three years † — with built in two-week breaks — when you transfer in your MBA or equivalent master’s-level credits and finish each course with satisfactory grades.

Publish and present as an expert thought leader with a DBA.

Many Doctor of Business Administration programs prepare candidates for a teaching career or academic research. The Bellevue University DBA degree program is different. At Bellevue University, the DBA helps you become an expert and a thought leader in your chosen research topic to help tackle real challenges in the business world. Your research project will also provide you the opportunity to present and publish on your topic as an expert.

Complete a research project; not a dissertation.

The Bellevue University DBA degree does not require you to write a dissertation at the end of the program. Instead, you will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. Start in year one and work on it throughout the three-year program † — so when your courses are complete, your doctoral project is, as well.

Why Earn Your DBA Online at Bellevue University?

Doctoral research project.

You will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. You will start the project in year one and complete it during the three-year program † .

3 years start to finish †

We understand time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. Our program is structured so that you can earn your degree 100% online in only three years † .

Applied DBA

Many DBA programs prepare candidates for a teaching career in academia. Our DBA program, however, prepares you for the real-world business challenges that require informed, executive-level decision-making.

Two-week breaks

Life doesn’t stop when you earn your degree. We’ve built in a two-week break between every course to help you recharge and make time for other responsibilities.

† Students must receive satisfactory grades and complete all terms sequentially to complete the program in as few as three years.

Business as Usual? Not at Bellevue University.

Not all DBA programs are designed to complement the life of a business professional. As a leading university for working adults, at Bellevue University, we have addressed the obstacles that often stand in the way of completing a doctoral degree — empowering you to become an expert in a reasonable amount of time.

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The future of business is changing. Are you ready?

What You’ll Learn

• Communicate advanced business analyses to lead an organization effectively.
• Assess advanced scholarly thinking to identify and resolve business challenges ethically.
• Conduct business research for organizational and societal problems.
• Combine experience, knowledge and judgment to build advanced competencies in business.

Transfer your graduate degree.

Over the course of your DBA online program, you will take 55 credit hours. When combined with an MBA of 36 credit hours* (or equivalent degree), you will have a total of 91 program credit hours upon completion

• 36 Credits transferred from MBA or equivalent program*
• 55 Total hours taken in Bellevue University DBA Program
• 91 Total program credit hours

* Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Doctor of Business Administration Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “ Academic Progress ” for your curriculum requirements.

DBA Requirements (55 Credit Hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

The online residency course will provide students with an overview of the university, the College of Business, the DBA program, faculty, and a time to meet their fellow classmates. Tutorials explaining the online learning platform and how to use the library for research will be covered. Students will be introduced to learning expectations and the rigors of doctoral studies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate relationships of business and society and how the human experience is affected and shaped through the social institution collectively known as business. Students examine complex interactions of people, businesses, and governments. Focus is on how these multifaceted interactions affect quality of life and economic value creation. Students examine social, ethical, political, legal, and regulatory implications of these relationships. The course explores how business leaders must achieve economic value creation while simultaneously providing meaning, purpose, and social value. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

2-Week Break

This course examines a number of ways leadership is perceived and practiced in global organizations. Accordingly, key theoretical perspectives and practical matters in leadership will be examined to determine desired leadership approaches in various cultures. Key topics include cultural diversity in organizations and ethical standards in multicultural leadership. Emphasis will be placed on complexity of diverse people, understanding and respecting differences, adaptive leadership, and ethical challenges of leading global and multicultural organizations. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course focuses on the development of human capital strategy that maximizes all human-derived sources of capital. Emphasis is placed on assessing and measuring human capital stocks and needs within the organization. Attention also is given to strategies that retain and motivate members to meet organizational needs while simultaneously looking for win/win partnerships between the organization and its employees and other stakeholders. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the first in the series of doctoral research projects to be completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis is placed on statement of the problem, purpose of the study, scope, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course provides the student with a variety of theoretical and grounded readings that address and examine challenging communication issues that modern business organizations face. Topics include, but are not limited to internal identity and value factors; company culture and internal knowledge factors; organization-society relationships; and internal/external stakeholder relationships. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers the quantitative analysis tools associated with professional practice in leading an organization. The focus is on practical application of statistics and data analysis techniques to maximize organizational outcomes. Successful students will become sophisticated designers and consumers of quantitatively-based research, reports, and communication. In addition, emphasis is placed on communicating statistically-based conclusions to stakeholders who may not have quantitative training. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course introduces students to the basic tools and concepts of qualitative business research. With this epistemological grounding, the seminar will then explore the core issues in case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative research design, including methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, congruence testing, and the use of counterfactual analysis. Students will look at business problems and situations, critique their assumptions, comparative strengths and weaknesses, and select proper tools for analysis. Students thereby develop their skills in participant observation, interviewing, and document analysis by using each method to investigate a topic or question of their choice. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the second in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project, applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a more substantial literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis will be placed on statement of the problem, developing a feasible topic, designing the study, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course explores the interconnectivity of energy, environment, and business strategy. Strategies for adapting to the impact of environmental changes, energy production and consumption, and government policies are discussed. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on economic, social, and environmental impacts, and plays an increasing role in organizational strategy, is explored. Major federal environmental laws and a study of local policy and regulations relating to sustainable projects are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the role of lean sustainable quality leadership (LSQL) and a systems approach, to successfully lead an always-improving, waste-limiting, and sustainable company in harmony with the environment. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate and apply financial management principles and strategies used by business leaders and boardroom decision makers in the pursuit of long-term financial and organizational success. The course focuses on applications of core principles and techniques of financial strategy, benefit-cost-value cash flow analysis, value-based decision making, financial statement analysis and holistic communication of financial performance and strategies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

In the Graduate Student Research Data bootcamp, doctoral students will be provided with the practical tools of completing scientific research in management, so they are able to collect, represent, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The bootcamp will enable students to answer testable questions and analyze data to answer a research question in social science, including running statistics programs such as SPSS. Any specific experience in data analysis and coding is not required. Students will gain hands-on learning experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods by completing a replication paper project.

This course provides the student with an examination of the interrelationship of company philosophy, purpose, and policy that are the foundation for strategy formulation and implementation. Topics include the role of the boards; business policy planning; long term economic, social, and cultural assessments; sustainable and adaptable value creation processes; competitive advantages; and organizational change. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course concentrates on strengthening strategic marketing decisions within a firm by examining its current position in the market in comparison to competitors and determining where it should invest monetary and human capital. Emphasis will be put on aligning decisions with core beliefs, mission, and vision. A central focus will be the ethical decisions and implications on stakeholders and society. Examining the theoretical and empirical research along with identifying new entrants in the market and market disruptors will be explored to enhance decision-making. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers promoting and marketing an entrepreneurial idea from its inception to the marketplace. The course is designed for exploring the unique marketing strategies required to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. It will also focus on issues surrounding companies with high growth potential, and how sustainability and the creativity is needed to develop innovative marketing for these environments. Students will practice with examples of early market disruption and innovation, explore their own creativity and work together on entrepreneurial ideas to solve contemporary business problems. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Organization survival requires constant adaptation, innovation and change. This course will address current issues, basic theories and practical strategies associated with organizational change and development in contemporary and global organizations, which are necessary for their enduring survival and success. It will cover the drivers of change, including the competitive environment, new technologies, consumer demand, economic conditions and government policy actions; why organizations fail to change; how to deal with resistance to change; how to plan for, implement, monitor and measure change; and the role of leaders and culture in effective change management. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

See the end at the beginning.

Usually, a dissertation waits at the end of most doctoral programs, a giant obstacle to overcome. This isn’t the case in the Bellevue University DBA online program. Instead, you will undertake an applied research-based doctoral project that seeks a solution to a business challenge you are passionate about. With a structured plan, you’ll work on your project throughout the DBA program—so when coursework is finished, your doctoral project is complete as well.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org) .

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

Students applying for professional license or certification should verify the University’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Learn more about business courses that can make the difference in your career.

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

Cohort learning: a proven model for busy professionals.

When you’re ready to enroll in the highest level of education, there’s no better place to turn than to an experienced leader in adult learning. The Bellevue University Online Cohort Learning Format has been specifically designed—and proven to work—for busy adults. You register for all your courses upfront, and then move through them step-by-step with your peers. It’s our most popular and effective learning format for adult learners.

Learn from expert faculty.

Throughout your DBA degree program, you will learn from award-winning faculty with practical experience and doctoral education.

Get to know your instructors.

Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Ph.D. Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, program director for the Doctor of Business Administration program, has held positions at companies across the Midwest. Her professional experience and academic research span a wide variety of subjects, including business strategy, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and dissertation research.

Dr. Cronin-Gilmore is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. In addition, she has earned numerous certifications and received several awards for her contributions to both teaching and business. These awards include an Excellence in Teaching Award from the United States Distance Learning Association, and Marketer of the Year and Pinnacle Awards-both from the American Marketing Association, Omaha chapter-among others.

Gregory Ashley, Ph.D. Dr. Greg Ashley brings extensive experience in building curriculum, instruction, and teaching business, economics, and industrial-organizational psychology courses at all academic levels. His special research interests involve social capital, self-awareness, humility, leadership, and psychometrics. Ashley also directs the Bellevue University Ph.D. in Human Capital and chairs its Dissertation Committee.

Inhyun Han, Ph.D. Dr. Han specializes in leadership and organizational behavior, bringing her interdisciplinary management research experience and novel insights to the DBA program. Her research interests include the leader's mindset, proactive behavior and decision-making, negotiation, stereotype threat, and first-generation college students and their real-world outcomes. Dr. Han's research has been published in the International Journal of Conflict Management and she has presented her work at numerous research conferences. Dr. Han welcomes opportunity to collaborate on intriguing research projects with DBA students in management.

John Kyndt, Ph.D. Dr. John Kyndt specializes in energy, water purification, and sustainability. He brings valuable experience in renewable fuels research and in building sustainable systems, as well as know-how for startup technology ventures. His instructional repertoire includes biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, energy, and sustainability. Dr. Kyndt is co-author of the book, Algae: Coloring the future green.

Stephen J. Linenberger, Ph.D. With many years of teaching, course development, research, and training experience, Dr. Linenberger offers expertise in leadership education and practice. He has created and taught courses in social psychology of leadership, leadership ethics, human capital, and organizational leadership. Dr. Linenberger has presented his research at academic conferences and won an international award for his research in leadership education for medical schools. He also has leadership experience from his prior work in human services and retail management.

Paul Poppler, Ph.D. Dr. Paul Poppler's extensive experience in research, publication, speaking and program/course development enhances the dynamic aspect of the DBA program. His research interests include business policy and strategy, human capital, human resource management, and ethics.

Kevin Schieuer, Ph.D. Dr. Kevin Schieuer brings valuable insights and connections to the DBA Program from his diverse work and educational experiences in math, physics, electrical engineering, business administration, agriculture, law, and finance. Dr. Schieuer directed the Business Administration Program for many years, serves as Co-Director of the MBA Program and Director of the MS Strategic Finance Program and earned the Excellence in Teaching and University Service Kotouc Professorship Award, among others.

Linda Thiede Thomas, Ph.D. As Director of Graduate Programs for the College of Business, Dr. Linda Thomas has vast experience in providing an administrative perspective to students. Her research interests and teaching experience include organizational behavior and management, human capital, leadership, and management research. Dr. Thomas previously directed the Bellevue University MBA program and has received the ConAgra Distinguished Professorship Award, among others.

Nicholas Wolff, Ph.D. Dr. Nick Wolff brings an entrepreneurial and innovative approach to curriculum development and instruction in the fields of business, human capital, leadership, and entrepreneurship. His special research interests involve interactive learning, leadership, conflict management, values, and psychometrics. Dr. Wolff also teaches courses in the Bellevue University Doctorate in Human Capital Management program.

Enroll in a DBA degree crafted for you and your priorities.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Doctoral degrees can be more affordable than you think..

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one.

2023 / 2024 Academic Year

$799 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements) Application Fee (non-refundable): $100 General College Fee (per term): $250 Graduation Fee: $100

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

$810 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.

As a graduate student, you may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.

And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.

Learn more about financial aid >

See how expert faculty and a proven program model make your DBA degree at Bellevue University more than worth the cost.

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

How to apply for the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Prior to applying for enrollment into the DBA program, students must possess a regionally accredited MBA, or equivalent master’s degree. A maximum of 36 credit hours from approved master’s programs may be transferrable. If the student has an MBA from an accredited college or university, it will be accepted in whole. Students entering with non-MBA master’s degrees must take equivalent courses from Bellevue University’s MBA program to make up for any core deficiencies.

• 1. Possess a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the U.S., or a U.S.-equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university outside the U.S.
• 2. Have five years of professional experience.
• 3. Submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee for doctorate programs (this fee is waived for Bellevue University alumni) and a 1,000-word statement describing your interest in the DBA.
• 4. Provide all official transcripts for previous graduate coursework. Showing a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
• 5. Submit a resume.
• 6. Submit one letter of nomination from an employer and one letter of recommendation from a peer or personal reference.

Note: Because of the cohort and concentrated nature of the Doctorate of Business Administration program, doctoral-level credit hours from other university programs will typically not be accepted in transfer.

For International Students: International students who do not possess a degree from a post-secondary institution, where English is the principal language of instruction, must have a minimum score of 575 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International credentials must be submitted to World Education Services (at the applicant’s expense) for a formal course-by-course evaluation at www.wes.org .

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200+ Subject-Wise MBA Dissertation Topics to Check Out This Year

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Research, Discuss, Dissert

Feeling the dissertation pressure mounting? Don't let writer's block turn your thesis into a 'to-do' list!  Here’s a list of 200+ MBA dissertation topics that go beyond the usual suspects.  From unique tech trends to the future of sustainability, we've got ideas to start your research passion and impress the professors. So, forget the generic, and let's craft MBA dissertation ideas that make your thesis stand out!

3 Key Considerations when Selecting MBA Dissertation Topics

Picking an MBA dissertation idea isn't everyone's favourite task, but knowing how to select the best MBA research topics is crucial. Three key things to remember when searching for MBA dissertation ideas are:

1. Choosing Unique MBA Dissertation Topics

Selecting MBA dissertation ideas may seem daunting, but don't fret if they've been explored before. The key lies in infusing your unique perspective into existing topics. Be innovative in your research approach to stand out.

2. Ensuring Availability of Secondary Data

Avoid last-minute topic changes by ensuring ample secondary data for your chosen MBA thesis topics. Don't delay the search for secondary data; confirm its availability during topic selection to streamline your research process.

3. Inculcating Quantitative Study

While textual analysis is appealing, integrating quantitative study enhances the depth of your MBA thesis topics. Numbers provide credibility and engage readers effectively. Strike a balance between theory and numerical analysis for impactful research.

Pursuing an MBA will help you advance your career in the business world. Many of the top universities and colleges in the world offer MBA programs in various fields. 

Subject-Wise Best Research Topics for MBA Students

The possibilities for MBA thesis topics are vast, covering all facets of business administration. To narrow down options, consider various subjects. Despite constraints, here's a list of excellent research topics for MBA students for your research and exploration.

Accounting 

1. Investigating the influence of industry and public knowledge on market share index fluctuations

2. Assessing the significance of auditing for large corporations

3. Analysing the country’s tax scheme

4. Factors to consider when investing in financial markets

5. Evaluating risk-taking in companies from an accounting perspective

6. Providing recommendations for circular debt management in business firms

7. Exploring the differences and similarities between external and internal auditors

8. Examining the challenges faced by external audits due to equal value calculations

9. Analysing taxation as a human rights policy and supporting it with evidence

10. Understanding the impact of the current tax structure on lower-income individuals

Operations Management Dissertation Topics

1. Defining the concept of ‘Legality’ in supply chain design

2. Exploring the role of virtual supply chains in facilitating short-term business collaborations

3. Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of self-driving cars in supply chain management

4. Impact of big data analytics on efficient inventory management

5. Significance of RFID in Toyota's inventory management

6. E-commerce inventory management strategies

7. Production scheduling strategies in manufacturing environments

8. Production scheduling strategies in the automobile industry

9. Case study: Toyota's production scheduling strategies in the UK

10. Utilising AI for quality control: A case study of Amazon.com

Business Management Dissertation Topics

1. Strategies for supporting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries

2. Impact of management's socio-cultural background on leadership relationships

3. The effect of employment benefits on employee and company productivity

4. Adaptation of small business strategies to globalisation

5. Role of feedback in cultural shifts within multinational corporations

6. Assessing team performance in multinational corporations

7. Examining small business strategies in the context of globalisation

8. Analysing team performance in multinational corporations

9. Human resource management and policies in non-profit organisations

10. Role of foreign direct investment in the economy of developing countries

Finance Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the swift expansion of international microfinance

2. Investigating the growth of microfinance within the UK banking sector

3. Analysing the impact of microfinance on emerging economies

4. Assessing the role of credit and financial services in investment

5. Examining microfinance's contribution to poverty alleviation and economic growth

6. Contrasting FDI strategies between Europe and Asia

7. Studying emerging market stock synchronicity and analyst coverage

8. Evaluating the influence of foreign direct investment on developing nations

9. Assessing the effects of European financial regulations on cross-border investments

10. Scrutinising ongoing banking sector reforms in emerging economies: the Brazilian case

We also have a list of different finance dissertation topics in brief. You can also check out these topics for more information.

Marketing Dissertation Topics

1. Evaluating the significance of personalization in digital relationship marketing during the COVID-19 era

2. A case study on UK fitness brands building customer loyalty through high-value content

3. Analysing obstacles facing Tesco’s loyalty card scheme in today's market dynamics

4. Leveraging social media for customer acquisition through relationship marketing

5. Investigating the impact of product quality on consumer satisfaction

6. Assessing consumer understanding of brand values through a Starbucks vs. McDonald’s case study

7. Using digital methods to enhance brand salience: a case study approach

8. Exploring the impact of product availability on SME brand image

9. Transitioning a brand's reputation across industries: lessons from Virgin Cola

10. Assessing beauty brands' direct marketing efficacy using YouTube

Information Technology Management Dissertation Topics

1. Predicting the future impact of information technology on global business

2. Assessing the pace of technological advancement in meeting global financial system demands

3. Analysing the impact of the Sony hack on international market transactions

4. Exploring how technological advancements enhance global trade

5. Investigating the influence of religion on IT adoption in Yemeni universities

6. Assessing the impact of mobile technology on international students in British universities

7. Examining online discussions' role in promoting interaction and collaboration in blended learning environments

8. Applying instructional techniques to improve problem-solving abilities

9. Evaluating the effectiveness of automated tools in literature reviews for students

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Strategic risk management dissertation topics.

1. Exploring the Influence of Current Global Supply Chain Trends on Risk Management Strategies

2. Investigating Social Risks' Impact on Multinational Corporations and Shareholder Value

3. Assessing Liquidity and Credit Risk Management in Financial Markets

4. Best Practices in Operational Risk Management for Warehousing

5. Comparative Analysis of Risk Management in Financial Sectors

7. Critical Factors for Operational Management Success in Financial Services

8. Analysis and Mitigation of Social Risks

9. Overcoming Obstacles in Operational Risk Management

10. Utilising Risk Assessment to Manage Medical Errors

11. Long-term Risk Management in the Banking Sector

Entrepreneurship Dissertation Topics

1. Consequences of Chronic Unemployment in Major Economies

2. Government Bailouts vs. Corporate Responsibility

3. Profit Dynamics of Insurance Firms

4. Subsidised Loans and Business Practice Ethics

5. Risk and Reward in High-Risk Investments

6. Tactics for Long-term Financial Security in Small Companies

7. Real Estate Investment Risks and Myths

8. Investment Opportunities During Economic Downturns

9. Strategies for Risk-free Profits in the Stock Market

10. Factors Influencing Business Bankruptcy Probability

11. Human Resource Management Dissertation Topics

Implementing HR Philosophies in the Workplace

1. Collaboration Between Corporate Management and HR

2. Choosing Interpersonal Skills: Soft vs. Hard

3. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity in Employee Appraisal

4. Employee Engagement and Incentive Impact

5. HR Departments' Role in Organisational Change

6. Performance Improvement Strategies for Employee Evaluation

7. Employee Perspectives on Performance Reviews

8. Impact of Motivation Programs on Productivity

9. Enhancing the Employee Selection Process

E-Commerce Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating New Businesses' E-Commerce Strategies

2. Analysing Traditional Businesses' E-Commerce Migration

3. E-Commerce Strategies: Serendipity or Strategy?

4. Components of a Successful E-Commerce Strategy

5. Examining Payment Processing Models

6. Evaluating Social Media's Role in E-Commerce

7. Strengthening Customer Relationships through E-Commerce Tactics

8. The Significance of Unique Selling Points in E-Commerce Growth

9. E-Commerce Marketing Mix: Online vs. Hybrid Presence

10. Comparing Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Economics Dissertation Topics

1. Impact of Market Competition on Corporate Growth Strategies

2. COVID-19's Influence on Corporate Market Entry

3. Non-Profit Financing Models and Long-Term Viability

4. Privatisation's Economic Policy Ramifications

5. Challenges Posed by Digitalization in Industries

6. Brexit's Effects on UK Industrial Policies

7. COVID-19's Impact on the Entertainment Industry

8. Global Perspectives on Alternative Energy Markets

9. Shifting Consumer Preferences Over Two Decades

10. Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurial Behavior and Business Initiatives

Health Care Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Mid-Level Providers' Role in Healthcare

2. Telemedicine's Impact on Healthcare Administration

3. Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Healthcare

4. Growth and Consequences of Urgent Care Clinics

5. Supporting Families Caring for Dementia Patients

6. Health Literacy's Influence on Prostate Cancer Outcomes

7. Governance and Ethics in Patient Portal Use by Guardians

8. Employee Turnover Due to Tuition Reimbursement Programs

9. Follow-Up Procedures After Medical Errors

10. State Legislation's Effects on Medical Malpractice Insurance

International Business Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating the Success of Global Business Teams in Multinational Companies: Testing an Interfering Process Model.

2. Exploring Corporate Governance's Role in Globalization and Firm Performance.

3. Assessing Brexit's Impact on British SMEs: An Examination of Likely Effects.

4. Analysing Business-Government Relations: Contingency Theory Perspective.

5. Understanding Globalization's Method and Impact on Business Collaboration.

6. Retail Management Dissertation Topics

7. The Contribution of Visual Merchandising to Clothing Brand Income in UK Malls.

8. Management's Role in Revenue Generation in Automotive Retail.

9. Evaluating Store Location Effects on Apparel Brand Sales in UK Malls.

10. Assessing the Impact of Retail Promotions on Inventory Turnover.

11. Applied Retail Analysis in B2B Industries: Optimal Store Placement.

Rural Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Media Influence on Rural Development.

2. Rural Development and Community Health Administration: Exploring Roles.

3. Cooperative Societies' Impact on Rural Development.

4. Community Banks' Contribution to Rural Development.

5. Identifying Socioeconomic Barriers to Rural Growth.

Change Management on Dissertation Topics

1. Dissertation Topics on Managing Change

2. Incorporating Change Management Education in Universities

3. Identification of Tools and Techniques for Change Management in Construction Projects

4. Critical Analysis of Organisational Change Management in UK-based Companies

5. Impact of Change Management Processes on Performance in Mega Programme Projects

6. Change Management Perspectives among Veterinary Nurses

7. Inter-organisational System Performance and Change Management

8. Examining Africa's Change Management Approaches: The Ubuntu Values

9. The Influence of Business and IT Functions on Organisational Change Management

10. Evolution of Change Management Perspectives over Time

11. Change Management and Cultural Revitalisation Movements in Organisations

12. Change Management in Healthcare Nursing: A Comprehensive Review

13. Hexagonal vs. Pentagonal Models in Change Management

14. Significance of Grounded Theory Approach in Change Management

15. Ethics, Values, and Leadership in Change Management

1. Entrepreneurship Trends: A Recent Boom

2. Impact of Increasing Entrepreneurs on the UK Economy

3. Entrepreneurial Adoption of Cloud Technology for Quality Control and Cost Savings

4. Scope of Entrepreneurship in the UK: Implications for Competition and Productivity

5. Technological Developments and Entrepreneurship Effects

6. Gender Dynamics in Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

7. Government Policy Influence on Entrepreneurship

8. Entrepreneurial Role in Economic Development

9. Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Creativity

10. Entrepreneurship Education's Impact on Skill Development

11. Public Support for Technology-based Ventures

12. Factors Affecting New Ventures' Growth

13. Legislative and Fiscal Policies Encouraging Entrepreneurship

14. Alternative Marketing Tactics for Small-scale Food Entrepreneurs

15. Crowdsourcing: Definition and Functionality

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dissertation Topics

1.  Investigating the Importance of Supply Chain Management in Company Outsourcing

2. Assessing Risks within a Supply Chain

3. Analysis of Technology's Role in Present Supply Chain Structures

4. Examining the Connections Between Supply Chain and Company Logistics

5. Investigating Tax Evasion in Car Supply Chains and Its Impact on Procurement Costs

6. Challenges to Implementing an Effective Supply Management System

7. Evaluation of Information Dissemination and Sharing Among Supply Chain Intermediaries

8. Evaluating Cost Reduction Measures in China's Car Exports and Imports

9. Importance of Logistics Management in UK Clothing Reorders

10. Coping with Supply Chain and Logistics Changes: A Study on UK Businesses

So, there you have it! A diverse buffet of MBA dissertation topics to tantalise your intellectual taste buds. Remember, choosing the right one is key. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore uncharted territory. After all, your dissertation is your chance to shine, showcase your expertise, and leave a lasting mark on the business world. Dive in, research, analyse, and remember, the perfect MBA dissertation idea awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Master of Business Administration

A top-tier qualification that paves the way to top managerial positions within small, large, and multinational companies.

• Description

Course Overview

An MBA degree, or a Master’s degree in business administration, has become a quintessential qualification for aspiring leaders in the corporate realm. Whether your ambition is to ascend to the upper echelons of a multinational corporation, seize senior or leadership roles within dynamic, progressive companies, or forge your path as an entrepreneur with a profound understanding of how to steer a successful business, the MBA courses offer the framework to make those aspirations a reality. Recognised globally, the Master’s degree in business administration stands as one of the world’s most esteemed and comprehensive management qualifications. This innovative and tech-enriched qualification equips students with the critical skills and expertise essential to not only thrive but also innovate at the pinnacle of organisations.

Across the globe, business magnates and industry trailblazers acknowledge the transformative power of MBA courses. The Executive MBA, in particular, is tailored for professionals looking to further bolster their managerial acumen while staying abreast of their professional commitments. It’s no surprise then that industries spanning from business and engineering to education, healthcare, and an array of service sectors, hold the MBA in high regard. As our business environment evolves with unprecedented speed, acquiring an MBA degree becomes paramount for professionals aiming to stay ahead, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate and shape the complexities of the modern corporate landscape.

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An MBA degree, more formally known as a Master’s degree in business administration, is not just a qualification; it’s a transformational experience.

• Research & Analytical Prowess: MBA courses offer comprehensive research skills. Empower students to dissect and resolve intricate, multifaceted work-related challenges. This analytical ability complements the capability to rethink, reimagine, and reshape competencies.
• Socio-economic Contribution: MBA graduates drive socio-economic transformation. They make meaningful contributions that have wide-reaching effects on society and industry.
• Competitive Edge: Scholars with an MBA degree gain a sustainable advantage over peers. This advantage stems not just from the prestige but also from the tangible skills and insights acquired.
• Robust Curriculum: The Executive MBA, in particular, is grounded in core business and accounting principles.
• These principles lay the foundation for a successful career across sectors.
• Forward-Looking Perspective: The Master’s degree in business administration provides a future-focused outlook. Students learn to identify, analyse, and capitalise on emergent industry trends and needs.
• Critical-Thinking Skills: Modern business challenges are diverse and often high-stakes. MBA courses hone critical-thinking skills, preparing scholars to navigate these challenges systematically, critically, ethically, and creatively.

Course details

The Master of Business Administration is an 18-month course that gives students the chance to attain their master’s while working.

Distance learning

This MBA course is ideal for students who want to work independently. The hybrid format of this programme offers the perfect solution for those who wish to advance their careers but are already employed. The modules for this remote learning option include case study analysis, workshops, tutorials, and self-directed reading. Furthermore, workshop sessions are conducted in a hybrid manner using a combination of online and in-person classes. This promotes collaborative intelligence by giving academics a chance to interact with one another.

(In areas with enough demand, classes are held in person.)

Testimonials

Course structure and modules.

Semester 1 (6 months)

• Strategic and Change Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Leadership and Human Capital Development
• Governance and Sustainability

Semester Two (6 months)

• Managerial Economics
• Strategic Marketing
• Information and Knowledge Management
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Global Political Economy
• Research and Statistical Methods (annual module)

Trimester One (4 months)

• Entrepreneurship
• Public Sector Management
• Healthcare Management
• Islamic Finance and Banking
• Educational Management
• Project Management
• Fintech Disruptions in Financial Services

Trimester Two (4 months)

• Dissertation

In today’s volatile environment, where the pace of change is quickening, organisations that successfully manage strategic projects save more money and are positioned to outperform their competitors.

Since organisations now operate in a much more dynamic environment than they did in the past, change management is a topic we discuss frequently.

This module’s goal is to give students the skills they need to analyse the competitive environment, identify their organisation’s strategic capabilities, and formulate effective business strategies in a changing environment.

Managerial Economics teaches students how to apply economic theory and methods to commercial and administrative decision-making.

Additionally, it explains the financial effects of managerial behaviour and aids managers in understanding how economic forces impact organisations.

This module combines traditional economics and theory, decision sciences, and business practices to develop vital tools and skills for effective managerial decision-making and forward planning.

Every organisation needs specific marketing goals, and strategy will play a key role in determining how to get there. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the distinction between strategy and tactics.

This module aims to help students comprehend how marketing management adds value to an organisation by exploring the fundamental ideas behind the marketing idea and emphasising its core principles.

Over the last four decades, the world has experienced multifaceted and revolutionary change. A shift is taking place from the traditional, largely bipolar, to multipolar world order.

Economics and politics are closely linked in all countries. As such, the challenges and complexities of organisations can’t be separated from more significant global trends and developments.

Organisations function in a globalised world with interconnected economies and civilisations. Furthermore, countries are connected through their business economic systems in international trade and competition.

This module focuses on the study of international political economy, identifies current databases, and summarises major analytical frameworks so that students have a thorough understanding of the relationship between economics and politics.

In order to compete, survive, and prosper in this competitive global economy, managers must always look for ways to improve organisational performance and human skills.

One of the main differences between success and failure in any organisation is how its leadership uses its human capital resources to take advantage of strategic opportunities.

In the context of a legal framework and a dynamic organisational environment, this module describes the task and scope of human resources management. It also offers a critical analysis of the leadership phenomena.

The media has been flooded with stories about global and local governance failures, which have lowered public trust in the free market system.

The sheer scale and complexity of business make it challenging to comprehend all the possible issues that exist for organisations that appear to be successful. Complications are increased by globalisation and the widespread use of technology. Additionally, it is recognised that human activity affects the environment and ecosystems.

This module covers governance, sustainable development, and globalisation topics that managers need to know and be aware of to adjust and enhance their business processes.

Operations Management (OM) is the management of resources and activities that produce and deliver goods and services to customers.

With the increased market share, the ability to respond to customer and market requirements swiftly, at a low cost, and with high quality has become vital in gaining a competitive advantage and attaining higher profitability.

Thus, operations need to be managed efficiently. This module focuses on the concepts, issues, and techniques for practical value chain activities and functions.

This module aims to equip students with the skills necessary to make strategic financial decisions as part of the financial management.

It will allow students to build practical skills for budgeting, cash flow analysis, analysing organisational expenses, and making short- and long-term investment decisions.

Students that study accounting and finance will also be able to identify different financial sources, assess other costing systems, and develop working capital management strategies.

All enterprises in the private or public sector need excellent information and knowledge strategies to succeed.

The collective expertise of the workforce is frequently seen as an organisation’s most valuable resource. To some extent, worker’s knowledge and foundational data can be archived and made widely available within the organisation.

This module’s goals are to evaluate the importance of information as a resource to an organisation’s value chain and how data is managed and used within a company.

The goal of this module is to provide students with information about the vital roles that creative entrepreneurship and business management play in developing a country’s economy and creating jobs.

Students will learn how to integrate business management ideas in a technical and innovative setting to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

Additionally, students will understand how integrating entrepreneurial and business management procedures improves organisational performance.

This module aims to give students an understanding of social science research — with the emphasis being on the student developing a diligent approach to the research process.

The subject gives students a comprehensive introduction to the research procedure and an understanding of various research philosophies and ethics.

Statistical inference study allows students to make generalisations based on sample data and answer questions such as estimating product reliability, testing investment strategies, and predicting product sales based on its features.

This module aims to introduce students to current public sector trends with a specific emphasis on topics that are important to a business.

While much of the information specifically mentions South Africa, other countries of Africa — particularly those that have previously broken free from British rule — receive significant attention. An extensive range of issues are covered, including, but not limited to:

Public finance and development (state budgets, development plans, etc.) A local government with a focus on service delivery. Ethical concerns regarding the conduct of public officials. Procedures for making and implementing policies. The significance of new technologies for how governments function today. Strategic planning and management.

The focus will be on researching issues relating to the public sector, which will involve reading policy documents like “white papers” and development plans, as well as speaking with officials, service providers, and members of the public who need service delivery.

The administration of healthcare organisations in a setting with changing problems is the main focus of this subject. It looks at the setting in which healthcare is provided and investigates aspects of functional management that apply to healthcare organisations.

These include human resource management, financial management, marketing management, communication management, change management, and strategic management. In addition, there is a large focus on managing HIV and AIDS.

Islamic financial institutions have expanded significantly recently, with annual growth rates exceeding 15%.

Following the global economic meltdown of 2007/2008, there has been increased attention to and interest in Islamic Banking and Finance.

Islamic finance derives its intrinsic strength from the moral precepts embodied within the Islamic tradition, which is consistent with the principles of the Shari’ah (Islamic Law).

Islamic products are competitive since they focus on ethics and are fast attracting not only Muslims but non-Muslims.

In South Africa, initiatives have been put in place to facilitate Islamic Banking and Finance, such as the amendment of Tax Laws, to attract petrodollars from the Middle East countries and to make South Africa the hub of Islamic Banking on the African continent.

The overwhelming demand for Islamic windows in conventional banks has resulted in an increasing demand for professionals conversing with the principles and intricacies of Islamic Banking and Finance.

This module intends to contribute to addressing this need and will also contribute to human capital development.

This module provides cutting-edge academic insight into management, administration, and leadership. Influential leaders and education managers must find new ways to address regulatory, leadership, and management challenges to incorporate modern prospects and opportunities in the educational environment.

Due to the complexity of today’s educational systems, numerous programs have been designed to promote knowledge and skill transformation to improve innovation, technology, human resources, teacher/lecturer attributes, and accountability.

In a time of perpetual change, this module is developed to address the needs of educational managers. It incorporates the latest strategic thinking in educational leadership and management.

The program intends to advance management, interpersonal, financial, and communication abilities to enable educators to draw on management theory and practice.

It is related to schools and higher education institutions like colleges and universities and may also contribute to governmental agencies, private companies, and not-for-profit organisations.

Students who work in educational management may take on roles as researchers, consultants, or policymakers to help assess and find ways to improve the educational system at all levels.

This is necessary for modern companies to develop infrastructure, execute changes, provide services, and boost quality.

Project management and senior management abilities are the main topics of this module. The module aims to increase managers’ abilities to enhance output and service delivery, which boosts organisational effectiveness.

It also enables the development of quantitative project finance skills. Effective Project management impacts the growth and advancement of most organisations and is a much sought-after skill. The project management elective is suitable for people who are often involved in projects or work in an environment where projects are carried out frequently.

The dissertation draws together the threads running through the MBA programme.

It allows students to apply general management issues to an area of specialisation. As the dissertation is a science-based business research project, the candidate first learns appropriate research methods.

The MBA program’s final component entails selecting a research topic, using appropriate research techniques in an organisational setting, and then analysing and summarising the findings in a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

The research project aims to pinpoint and investigate a significant management problem while also achieving individual career goals, academic requirements, and organisational goals.

One of the following is likely to be the dissertation’s primary focus:

Finding and researching a business or management topic that will be useful or interesting to students in their future jobs. An organisation-based project, generally with the student’s employer. The investigation of a business concept, which could lead to self-employment or a business start-up

Various opportunities for organisation-based projects may arise out of the RBS range of networks and relationships with external stakeholders.

After the research proposal has been submitted and approved, a research supervisor will be assigned to the student. The student’s supervisor will be an expert in the area of study they want to research, and they will help with the dissertation writing process.

In addition, the research department and library will also be available to help with sourcing the material required for writing the dissertation.

Research clinics are also held regularly to aid progress and help overcome obstacles to successful completion. Such thorough dissertation support enables the student to work conscientiously, give their best and complete the dissertation in the allocated time.

“The RBS MBA degree provided me with the necessary skills required for different aspects of a business. It provided the appropriate platform to successfully lead and manage the business I am involved with. It has become the cornerstone for my future.”

Upon successful completion of this master’s course, students will have the opportunity to attain the following senior positions:

• Accounting Manager
• Brand Manager
• Budget Analyst
• Business Consultant
• Business Operations Management
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Chief Operations Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Commercial Banker
• Department Director
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Controller
• Financial Manager
• General Manager
• Global Business Manager
• Hospital Manager
• Information Technology Manager
• Information System Manager
• Investment Banker
• Logistics Manager

Entry requirements

To enrol in the Master of Business Administration course, applicants must have one of the following:

An appropriate Honours Degree or equivalent qualification OR; A relevant Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent qualification OR; A professional Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 8 (480 credits)

In addition to this, the applicant must also: Be 25 years of age or older and; Have at least three years of working experience

In keeping with the national imperatives of widening access and in line with REGENT’s mission, a maximum of 10% of the cohort may be admitted via the alternate admissions route of RPL.

How to apply

Ready to apply for the Master of Business Administration?

Need more information about the course?

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Business Administration is a prestigious and internationally sought-after degree that focuses on developing the skills needed for a career in senior management or leadership across all industries. The programme covers a wide range of business-related topics in order to prepare the MBA student for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the workplace. Related Post: Whats an MBA?

While many Fortune 500 executives have an MBA, it should be noted that the programme is both challenging and intensive. The results, on the other hand, are undeniably worthwhile, as the qualification serves as a competitive differentiator in the workplace, with many ambitious graduates achieving personal and professional recognition and success. Related Post: Who should do an MBA

This programme is delivered via supported distance learning with a knowledgeable academic team assisting students throughout the programme. REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL’s distance learning programmes have proven ideal for those professionals who are required to work long hours or who travel extensively for work. Distance learning allows you to maintain your personal life and full-time work schedule while studying.

Applicants are required to submit the following: 1. Completed Application and Registration documents 2. Certified copies of all educational qualifications and academic transcripts 3. Curriculum Vitae 4. Certified copy of an identity document or passport 5. Letter of company sponsorship (if applicable) 6. 2 Passport sized photographs 7. A portfolio of evidence (RPL candidates) 8. A letter of motivation (RPL candidates) 9. A letter of recommendation (RPL candidates)

Click here to Apply

Related Post: Who should do an MBA?

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MANCOSA serves as an innovation hub for executive education, undergraduate and postgraduate management programmes to meet the requirements of professionals in both the private and public sectors.

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Introducing the Online MBA and STEM-Designated MBA in Management Sciences

The Drucker School of Management is excited to announce the launch of two transformative MBA programs: the Online MBA and the STEM-designated Full-Time MBA in Management Sciences.

These programs will equip the next generation of leaders with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business landscape. With a focus on positive social change and a deep understanding of technology, these programs uphold Drucker’s signature human-centric approach.

Online MBA The Online MBA program offers a flexible learning model tailored for working professionals who seek career advancement without having to sacrifice their personal commitments. This program embodies the Drucker School’s mission to cultivate leaders who prioritize human-centric values within organizations.

Leveraging a blend of live, interactive sessions and online coursework, the Online MBA program is built on a liberal arts foundation. With a heavy emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and Peter Drucker’s commitment to societal impact, students will be prepared to lead in today’s diverse and dynamic professional environments.

Full-Time MBA in Management Sciences The MBA in Management Sciences is a full-time, STEM-designated program crafted for ambitious early-career professionals—no prior work experience is required for admission. This program integrates Peter Drucker’s humanistic management philosophy with analytical skills and technological insights, preparing students to address organizational challenges driven by rapid technological advancements.

Through a transdisciplinary approach and access to the resources across the Claremont Colleges, students will learn to create sustainable solutions, uphold social responsibility, and drive positive social change.

Whether you are a working professional or an early-career individual, the Drucker School is committed to helping you succeed. We invite you to explore our programs to find the right fit for your career aspirations. If you already have your MBA, consider the Drucker Executive PhD and build on your accomplishments.

Apply now to join us in shaping the future of business and society.

MBA Dissertation (60 credits) MBA

If you want to take your degree to the next level, this course is for you. Our expert dissertation supervisors will help you top-up your degree to a postgraduate honours. You'll graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the business world. 

This course is for students who want to top-up their postgraduate degree to a full honour masters. There is only one module - the Research Project, worth 60 credits. 

If you haven't started a postgraduate course, take a look at our full-time  Master of Business Administration (MBA) . Employers often look for candidates with MBAs for senior management roles, which means topping-up to an MBA can help your career prospects.

With this course, you'll complete your degree with the help of our expert dissertation supervisors. 

Download the  programme specification  to learn more about the Master of Business Administration (Dissertation only) course.

• Our Business and Management courses are 8th in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024).
• MBA graduates can get the CMI L7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
• We're a top 50 UK University (Guardian University Guide 2024).

Course structure

The aim of this course is to complete your MBA dissertation. There is only one module - the MBA Project, or dissertation. Your academic supervisor will help you choose a research topic based on your interests and career goals.]

The course runs for only six months, much shorter than the full . You'll do personal research and independent working with the guidance of your tutor. You'll have access to our Library,  and  team for support.

You'll only be marked on the dissertation.

Required modules:

• MBA Project (60 Credits)

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on [email protected] or 0191 515 3154.

• A professional diploma or
• A postgraduate diploma
• Voluntary work
• Internships
• Project management

Accreditation of prior learning (APL)

• Previous learning
• Work experience

Fees and finance

2023/24 fees.

The annual, full-time, fee for this course is:

• £5,000 if you are from the UK (including EU students with settled or pre-settled status resident in the UK)
• £6,750 if you are an EU or international student.

2024/25 fees

• £5,650 if you are from the UK (including EU students with settled or pre-settled status resident in the UK)

From August 2021, EU students who are resident in the EU or elsewhere outside the UK will be charged international fees. Find out more information on how Brexit will impact EU, EAA and Swiss citizens studying in the UK.

Please note :  Fees may be subject to change in the next academic year.

For more information on fees and funding, visit our Scholarships  pages.

Find out more about paying tuition fees, methods of payment, or read about the scholarships and discounts that might be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

The MBA is a chance to use your experience as a manager to develop professionally. When you graduate, you'll have better salary, promotion, employability and flexibility options. 

MBA graduates work in roles like Chief Technology Officer, Financial Manager and Management Consultant, with salaries starting at around £30,000. 

Our students have gone on to work in the global financial sector, oil and car industries and high-level management roles in international companies.

Guest speakers

Learning from experts is a great way to build your network of contacts. You'll benefit from our links with global business leaders and guest lectures.

Past speakers have included Divine Chocolate's Head of Sales and Marketing and the CEO of Sunderland Football Club.

Programme support

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals. Our personal tutors help you decide what you want to do with your career and keep you on track during your studies. You'll develop your study skills, including learning to critically analyse information and write clearly to get your point across.

University of Sunderland in London is a friendly, social place to study, with our graduates forming life-long networks and friendships.

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Join Oreoluwa Fasanya, a driven individual from Nigeria, as he takes you on an inspiring journey. Oreoluwa pursued his education in Human Resources Management at the University of Sunderland in London. Experience the excitement and opportunities he encountered while studying in this vibrant city in London.

Oreoluwa Fasanya case study

Shaping Future Marketers: Nazal Noushad's Journey at the University of Sunderland in London

Join Nazal Noushad, a driven individual from Dubai, as he takes you on an inspiring journey from Dubai to the lively city of London. Nazal pursued his Master's in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing, at the University of Sunderland in London. Experience the excitement and opportunities he encountered while studying in this vibrant city.

Nazal Noushad, MBA (Marketing) student's case study

Related courses

Contact Student Recruitment to learn more about studying at the University of Sunderland in London:

020 7531 7333

[email protected]

Download the  programme specification for more information on our Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses. 

Page last updated: 05 March 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.