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A Path to Scholarly Leadership and Professional Mastery!
In the fast-changing modern-day business world, it is important to achieve career goals with speed and accuracy. The Integrated Doctorate of Business Administration (IDBA) at Westford offers working professionals an accelerated route that will help them master the advanced set of knowledge and skills required by today’s highly dynamic, innovation-driven ecosystem.
As businesses go through interminable challenges of strategy refinement and prototyping new solutions, the role of leaders becomes all the more significant. Our IDBA program is designed to help aspiring leaders blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring they stay relevant and confidently lead through industry transformations.
The Integrated DBA (IDBA) program lets you pursue both an MBA and a DBA, giving you the chance to advance your career while gaining valuable expertise. Upon completion, you’ll earn an MBA (Masters Stage) from the University of Gloucestershire, UK, and a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from UCAM, Spain. This unique program blends advanced research with practical coursework, offering real-world insights into the ever-evolving business landscape.
The IDBA program is structured in two stages. The first stage includes an MBA (Master Stage) equivalent to 180 UK credits from the University of Gloucestershire, UK. The second stage is the Integrated Doctorate of Business Administration, equivalent to 180 ECTS from UCAM, Spain. Through this pathway, learners can earn both a UK MBA and a Spanish DBA in just 40 months.
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Program Structure
Masters of Business Administration (Masters Stage)
Through this program, learners will investigate changing areas of strategy, leadership, and management theory and practice and will be able to confidently apply this knowledge to practical organizational situations. Whether you are an experienced professional or are a specialist and wish to progress into a more senior role, this MBA will allow you to work at a more fundamental level on the issues that matter in business.
This MBA program is delivered in two parts.
Part One: Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy
Module List
Accounting for Next-Generation Leaders
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International Marketing Management
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Operations and Project Management
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Strategic Leadership and HR practices in an organization
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Strategic Management
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Sustainability and Business
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Part Two: MBA (Master Stage) Top-up
Part two of this MBA is the dissertation phase. This consists of two elements: a research methods preparatory set of videos and the dissertation based on individual study. As part of the preparation for the full dissertation, students will be required to produce a detailed research proposal before progressing to the dissertation element of the module.
Learners with over 12 or more years of experience are eligible to receive up to 60 credits exemption towards their MBA
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Upon completion of the MBA, learners are also eligible for module exemption from the DBA Program
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Program Highlights
- Modules: 6
- Credit Value: 120
- Awarded by: Scottish Qualifications Authority
Doctorate of Business Administration
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) at Westford is a distinguished academic program tailored for experienced professionals eager to make a significant impact in business and management fields. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous understanding of research methodologies, preparing learners to tackle complex business challenges through high-level research and critical analysis. Additionally, the hands-on approach of this program enables learners to bridge the gap between theory and practice making a direct impact on their work environment.
The DBA is structured in two stages with the first stage consisting of five taught modules progressing to stage two, focused on conducting full-fledged primary research under the supervision of a mentor.
Stage One: Learning Stage
Module List
Research Methodology and Methods
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Research Issues within Contemporary Management
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Interim Research Project (Pilot Study)
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Designing a research proposal
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Developing as a Researcher (Individual Reflection)
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Upon completing Stage One, learners are eligible for an MPhil. In Management from UCAM.
Program Highlights
- Modules: 5
- Credit Value: 60 ECTS
Stage two: Research Stage
Stage Two, of the DBA program, is focused on conducting full-fledged primary research (Practice Based Thesis) under the supervision of a mentor. The two years of stage two are used to produce a detailed thesis, meeting the expectations of research required at a doctoral level.
DBA Concentration Areas
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Management
- Strategic management
- Risk Management
- Project Management
- Accounting & Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Organizational Development and Change Management
- Travel and Tourism
- Family Business
- International Business
- Educational Management
- Production Management
- Virtual Leadership
- Transformational Leadership
- Succession Planning
- Leading Innovation & Change
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethical Leadership
- Equity and Inclusion
- Upskilling and Reskilling
- Cross-cultural leadership
- Servant Leadership
- Public Administration and Change
- Judgment and Decision-Making
- Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Blockchain Technology
- Cyber Security
- FinTech / Decentralized Finance
- Digital Marketing
- SMEs – Role, impact, challenges in sustaining etc.
- Entrepreneurship Eco Hubs
- Start-ups – Growth, impact, financing challenges
- Incubators & accelerators
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Women Entrepreneurs – Challenges and Opportunities
- Market Research
- Innovation Culture
- Business Ideation
- Incremental & Disruptive Innovation
- Creativity and Innovation
- Franchising and Micro-business
- Grassroots Entrepreneurship
- Triple Bottom Line
- Sustainability Reporting
- Green Finance and Sustainable Investments
- Corporate Ethics
- Eco – Certifications and Third-Party endorsements
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Ethical Sourcing
- Green Marketing or Greenwashing
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Waste Management
- Fairtrade
- Sustainable Production and Consumption
- Circular Economy
- Stakeholder Management
- Future of Renewable Energy – in production and consumption
- Risk Management – Operational and Reputational associated with ethics and compliance
- Creating Shared Value
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Industry 5.0
- Energy Finance
Program Highlights
- Credit Value: : 120 ECTS
- 1: 1 Research Supervision
Why Choose the IDBA at Westford?
Earn a UK MBA and a Spanish DBA in 40 Months
Receive exemptions of 60 UK Credits from the MBA Program. Also, based on the completion of part one of the program, receive module exemption towards the IDBA.
The program allows learners to earn three prestigious qualifications—a Master's and a Doctorate—within a single, streamlined curriculum.
Students can tailor their study plans to align with their professional goals and areas of interest.
By integrating two degrees into one, participants save time while acquiring comprehensive expertise
The IDBA combines theoretical frameworks with real-world business applications, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse disciplines.
Certificates you will receive with the IDBA
- Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
- Masters of Business Administration, University of Gloucestershire
- Masters of Philosophy, UCAM (Optional)
- Doctorate of Business Administration, UCAM
- Certified Business Research Professional, CMI
- Certified Manager Programme, CMI
What our Students Say
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From Those Who Are Experiencing It.
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About Scottish Qualifications Authority
The Scottish Qualifications Authority – SQA, sponsored by the Scottish Government’s Learning Directorate, has two primary roles: accreditation and qualifications. It accredits credentials other than degrees and approves and guarantees quality to notify bodies that intend to admit individuals for such qualifications. The awarding body, on the other hand, refers to the development and implementation, validation, evaluation, qualifications, and ensuring that they are up to date and that certificates are issued to candidates. Under these functions, the SQA provides a variety of services for companies and training providers, from training courses and central approvals to personalized awards, credit scores, and licensing services.
Why SQA?
- SQA Qualifications are recognised worldwide.
- Qualifications provide clear educational and employment progression pathways and are supported by the industry.
- Provides vocational skills specific to occupations or sectors.
- Each SQA qualification is benchmarked against qualifications on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
About The University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire is a public university situated in Gloucestershire with total three campuses in total. The university is situated in two locations with two campuses in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester which is Francis Close Hall, The Park, and Oxstalls, respectively. The university gained its status in the year 2001, before which its roots can be traced back to the 19th century when two distinct strands of educational provisions in Gloucestershire merged to form the University of Gloucestershire, UK. The university is ranked in the top 100 universities of the UK in Guardian’s League Table 2021. Offering a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees, learners can choose to study subjects such as accounting and law, business management, computing, journalist, fine art, humanities, biology, geography, social science, education, and sports. Gloucestershire also offers two-year “fast-track” courses in subjects such as law and business, which allows learners to enter the workplace or further training faster and at a lower cost. At Gloucestershire, you will explore what is important to you and be supported to reach your postgraduate goals. The university deliver programs that meet your needs, no matter what you want to achieve from further study.
Why GLOS?
- 71st in the Guardian University Guide 2022
- Unleash your leadership skills with the help of professional mentors and a multi-cultural cohort.
- The university has also been awarded 14 National Teaching Fellowships and have a strong portfolio of lecturers with industry experience.
About Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
Why UCAM?
- UCAM is accredited by ANECA (National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Spain)
- UCAM has around 200 renowned international strategic partners, including leading colleges and universities in the world, such as UC Berkeley, Stanford, NTU, NUS and Università Degli Studi di Bologna.
- UCAM has been awarded an overall score of 4 stars in the QS Stars Rating and obtains the highest rating (5 stars) in the categories of teaching, internationalisation, social responsibility, and inclusiveness.
- UCAM was ranked tenth by Times Higher Education (THE) Times Higher Education (THE) in quality of teaching and student general assessment.
About Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) works with business and education to inspire people to become skilled, confident, and successful managers and leaders. Chartered Management Institute is the only chartered professional body dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. Over 100,000 managers use CMI’s unique services daily. Organizations like Jaguar, Land Rover, Royal Bank of Scotland, Fujitsu, Allianz, Silverstone, Royal Air Force, London South Bank and Royal College of Physicians use Chartered Management Institute certifications for certifying their professionals.
Why Choose CMI?
- CMI Promotes the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.
- It is the ultimate management accolade backed by a unique royal charter.
- Provides practical insight for both today’s leaders and the next generation.
- Currently has 100k active learners and boasts 12000+ Chartered managers.
I'm Interested in This Program
Speak to Our Admissions Officer to Know More
By providing your contact details, one of our academic advisors will contact you soon.