Sept 2025 Entry
2 years (Full-time)
3 years (Part-time)
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Medium of Instruction: English
PolyU DBA is a mixed-mode programme. Students may pursue their DBA studies with either a full-time study load (taking 9 credits or more in a semester) or a part-time study load (less than 9 credits in a semester).
Students who wish to extend their studies beyond normal duration should submit an application to the Faculty of Business for consideration.
Note to Applicants
We have a quota for admissions. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
What's New
Programme Aims
This programme aims to educate senior executives to be the “scholar-leaders”, who are able to apply research findings in solving the real-world management problems. It has been designed to integrate academic study and management practice in a way which will form a significant part of an individual’s business career.
On completion of the Programme, students will be able to advance their knowledge, skills and intellectual abilities as defined in the broad learning outcomes which are underpinned by specific learning objectives below:
General Business Knowledge
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Broaden, update and deepen students’ knowledge of business administration in general with an appreciation of digital transformation in the business world
Specialist Knowledge
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Acquire an in-depth knowledge of a specialist area including some basic understanding of the impacts from digital technology
Applied Research
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Sharpen students' ability to conduct original applied research and ethical awareness in business administration
Characteristics
Accreditations
AACSB
The Faculty of Business was accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in 2010 in recognition of our business education.
EQUIS
The Faculty of Business was accredited by EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) in 2007 in recognition of our programmes, research and associated activities.
International Collaboration
To enhance the international dimension and academic vigour of PolyU DBA, collaborations have been established with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, U.K.
IMD has been ranked sixth in the world for open and custom programmes in the 2023 Financial Times Executive Education ranking.
LSE has been ranked third in Europe, and sixth in the world, in social and management subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Technological Element in the Curriculum
To help students embrace technological changes and digital transformation, five topics, namely artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, data science and entrepreneurship, have been embedded in the programme across a wide range of subjects.
Our curriculum is aimed at fostering awareness about the impact of technology innovations in addition to enabling students to handle data and adopt technology to tackle business and organisational issues while enhancing management and leadership.
Special Features
- Earn a professional doctorate
- Transform your knowledge and experience into a practice-based academic framework
- Trust our experience: the PolyU DBA has been running for 27 years. The first professional doctorate in business administration launched in Hong Kong, it has the largest DBA alumni community in Hong Kong, and on the Chinese mainland
- Choose your preferred study mode: two-year full-time or three-year part-time
- Gain an understanding of the impacts of digital technology and develop an appreciation of digital transformation to strengthen leadership and performance
Programme Structure
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To be eligible for the Doctor of Business Administration award, students are required to meet all requirements of the University and the programme. The programme requirement is as follows:
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25 credits of Coursework:
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1 credit of Academic Integrity and Ethics
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1 Compulsory, 2 Core and 5 Elective Subjects (3 credits each)
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3 credits of Residentials: Residential 1 (1 credit) and Residential 2 (2 credits)
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24 credits of Thesis: Thesis I (8 credits) and Thesis II (16 credits)
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There is a possible exit award of Master of Science in Management Research Studies (MSc in MRS) for students who have completed 25 credits of Coursework subjects, 3 credits of two compulsory Residentials, and passed the 8 credits of Thesis I (thesis proposal presentation) (a total of 36 credits).
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All taught subjects are at an advanced level, and students are assumed to have prior knowledge of each subject area.
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The curriculum includes technological contents such as data analytics tools, digital technology and the business world, the impact of technology and AI on leadership, and qualitative and experimental designs in relation to AI and entrepreneurship research.
Coursework Subjects (25 credits)
Academic Integrity and Ethics (1 credit)
- Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business
Compulsory Subject (3 credits)
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Business Research Analysis & Design
Core Subjects (3 credits each)^ (any two)
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Econometrics Methods
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Qualitative Research & Experimental Design
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Statistical Analysis for Management Research
Elective Subjects (3 credits each)^ (any five)
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Advanced Business Strategy
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Advanced Financial Management
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Advanced Topics in Economics for Business Decision
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Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting & Corporate Disclosures
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Current Issues in Organisational Behaviour
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Frontier of Leadership Research
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Incentives & Monitoring in Accounting
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Independent Studies in Business
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International Collaborations Experience
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Services Marketing Management
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Strategic Management of Information & Organisation in Digital Economy
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Strategic Marketing
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Strategic Quality Management
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Strategic Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Remarks:
^ 1. Normally, each subject will be offered once during the 2-year or 3-year study. However, subject to factors such as staff availability, student enrolment, programme resources and so on, not all subjects will be offered during the 2-year or 3-year study. And, registration is subject to the availability of quota.
2. Programme structure and the subject details (e.g. subject description form, offering pattern, class timetable etc.) are subject to review and change from time to time.
DBA Residentials (3 credits)
Attendance at the 2 DBA Residentials is compulsory.
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DBA Residential 1 is a mandatory orientation workshop scheduled for the beginning of the programme in August/September.
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DBA Residential 2 is a research workshop held normally after students have completed all the required subjects. The main purpose of the workshop is to give students an opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing their theses.
DBA Thesis (24 credits)
Students must pass the Compulsory Subject, 2 Core Subjects and at least 3 Elective Subjects before beginning their theses. They need to integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine a topic of interest in the field of business or management. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights to the practice of management.
Latest information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/tpg-landing/tpg/dba/programme#timeline.
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Programme Director
Prof. Brian Kei
BEng, DBA
Deputy Programme Director
Prof. Man Kwong Leung
BA, MSocSc, PhD
(Medium of Instruction: English)
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A Master's degree, preferably in a business-related area; AND
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Substantial managerial experience (at least 8 years) at a senior level.
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Candidates in senior management positions possessing a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are not a native speaker of English, and do not possess a Bachelor’s or Master's degree or equivalent qualification which is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for admission interviews.
General Enquiries:
Tel: (852) 3400 3234 / (852) 3400 3373
Email: fbdban@polyu.edu.hk
Academic Enquiries:
Prof. Brian Kei, Programme Director
Tel: (852) 3400 3313
Email: cw-brian.kei@polyu.edu.hk
Prof. Man Kwong Leung, Deputy Programme Director
Tel: (852) 2766 7125
Email: man-kwong.leung@polyu.edu.hk
Class Schedule
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Most classes are scheduled on weekends, subject to the final arrangement of the programme.
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HK$1,096,500 per programme (HK$21,500 per credit) for local and non-local students
Tuition fees will not be charged for the 1-credit "Academic Integrity and Ethics in Business".
Students taking the elective subject "International Collaborations Experience" will pay the course fee directly to the offering institution and bear themselves the costs of travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, etc. The DBA programme will not charge the credit fee for taking the "International Collaborations Experience" subject.
I was privileged to pursue my DBA study at PolyU. It was an unforgettable experience. Part of that unforgettable experience was the strong bond I formed with my supervisors, faculty, and other colleagues. Their enthusiastic help and support helped form all of us into a tight circle. My experience of conducting fruitful research has inspired me to become a persistent and determined person. The skills and knowledge that I have acquired have transformed me into a thoughtful and dynamic leader in my own field. There’s no doubt that my DBA journey has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
The PolyU DBA has widened my academic horizon through in depth learning about highly relevant topics. It’s also enriched my professional and personal life through interactions with peers from a variety of backgrounds.
The PolyU DBA was a challenging, but happy and ultimately unforgettable journey for me. I grew into a new person, as I expected, and met wise professors and delightful classmates who were experts in their own industries.
The PolyU DBA develops “scholar-leaders”. I enjoyed the learning journey of creating practical knowledge and applying it to cope with the ever-changing business landscape. I was inspired by the outstanding faculty, alumni, and fellow students from all kinds of academic backgrounds and industries. It was so much more than a doctorate programme—it has enriched my life.
Required
Required
Optional
Candidates are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:
- Proof of employment (at least 8 years)
- Your academic qualifications (such as graduation certificates, transcripts of studies, etc,) that are not in English should be accompanied by an official certified English- translation
Provision of additional documents may be required if deemed necessary.
An incomplete application cannot be processed promptly and will reduce your chance of admission. Please complete all relevant fields on the application form and enclose all necessary documents.
