Member of IACBE, AACSB and ACBSP

Doctor of Business Administration

As you engage in your profession, enrich your industry knowledge by pursuing a doctorate degree from Rushford. This program, guided by scholar-practitioners, unlocks the terminal degree in management education.

Type

Doctorate
Start Date

September 30, 2025
Duration

Upto 36 Months

Rushford Business School

Accreditation: EduQua certified, IACBE member, AACSB member
Immersion: 3 days in Dubai

Introduction to Rushford DBA

Course Snapshot

3
Day immersion in Dubai
7+ Specialisations
to choose from
100%
Online

Add a "Dr." to your name and enhance your professional profile
Dedicated Student Support available
1:1 Thesis supervision
Earn the same degree as awarded on campus
3-day global immersion in Dubai.
Live faculty lectures

Key Highlights

What is this course about?

Program Benefits

Same alumni status as on-campus students
Balanced curriculum of application and research for working professionals
Delivery architecture designed for working professionals
Workshops for dissertation preparation, qualifying exam guidance, and concentration selection.
A pool of International thesis supervisors and subject matter experts

Who Is This Programme For?

Working professionals seeking to transition into the C-suite or for senior management professionals aiming to become domain experts in their chosen field.

Minimum Eligibility

Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of work experience.

Academic/Career Support

Thesis supervisor calls

Student Support

A dedicated program coordinator
24 x 7 Support augmented with chatbot or email at studentsupport@upgrad.com
Centralised WhatsApp channels for queries

About the Program

About the DBA

The program by Rushford is tailored for working professionals, offering a perfect combination of self-paced learning and interactive sessions with the esteemed faculty members, creating an ideal balance for busy individuals.

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Live University Lectures

Rushford's faculty curate live and interactive sessions for it's students that are scheduled considering the global time zones and working hours.

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1:1 Thesis Supervision

Benefit from personalized thesis supervision through one-on-one interactions with experienced academic advisors, who come from diverse professional backgrounds and are based around the globe. Engage in live and interactive sessions with your assigned thesis supervisor, ensuring valuable guidance and support throughout your research journey.

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On-Campus Immersion

Mandatory 3 days immersion in Dubai.

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Syllabus

What will you learn?

Experience a top-tier combination of application-based and research-based modules delivered by renowned faculty members and industry experts.

9+ Specialisations to choose from

1:1 Thesis Supervision

180 ECTS Credits

100% Online Learning

Business Management Track

30 ECTS

Topics

Managerial Skills
Cutting Edge Leadership
Managerial Economics
International Business Environment
Accounting for Financial Reporting
Strategic Management: Integrating the enterprise

Strategic Management: Integrating the enterprise

30 ECTS

Topics

Choose 6 courses from Specialisation track

Research Track

30 ECTS

Topics

Introduction to Academic Research
The Landscape of Literature Review
Research Design
Business Statistics
Designing a Quantitative Research Methodology

Marketing Management

20 ECTS

Doctoral Residency

10 ECTS

Reflection and Minutes of the meeting with the Supervisor

10 ECTS

Report Writing

10 ECTS

Written Dissertation and Oral Defence (25000 words)

40 ECTS

Concentrations

Customize your Learning

Select a specialization that aligns with your interests and career goals

International Business

Topics

Global Strategies
International Business Policy
International Marketing
International Finance
Emerging Market Multinationals
Open Innovation and its Impact on Business and Society

Finance

Topics

Investments
International Banking
Securities Analysis
Personal Financial Planning
Private Equity and VC
Fintech

Healthcare Management

Topics

Global Population Health
Globalisation and Healthcare
Digitisation in Healthcare (e-health)
Econometrics for Healthcare (Data Envelopment Analysis)
Big Data and Machine Learning in Health Economics
Financial Management and Decision making in Healthcare

Human Resource Management

Topics

Leadership Management
Negotiation & Bargaining
Change Management
Managing people
Business Ethics
Talent Management

Marketing

Topics

Marketing Strategy
Global Branding Strategies
Role of A Salesperson
Pricing
Marketing Research
Consumer Behaviour

Supply Chain Management

Topics

Fundamentals of Logistics and Supply Chain
International Logistics
Risk analysis and assessment
Distribution and freight logistics
Supply Chain Modelling and Design
Procurement Management

Data Science

Topics

Foundations Python
Business forecasting and projections
Business Analytics
Business Predictive Analysis
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Mathematics for Machine Learning

Big Data

Topics

Foundations Python
Business forecasting and projections
Business Analytics
Business Predictive Analysis
Big Data Foundation
Applications of Big Data

Sustainability

Topics

Government and Environmental Policy
Economic Analysis of Energy Sector
Business Continuity and Risk Management
Energy and Sustainable Business
Enterprise and Circular Economy
Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation

General Management Track

Topics

Global Strategy
Corporate Social Responsibility
Change Management
Consumer Behaviour
Project Management
Open Innovation and Impact on Business and Society

PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification

About the PWC Directorship and Board Advisory
Program Outcomes
Curriculum

About the PWC Directorship and Board Advisory

The Directorship & Board Advisory Certification is a specialized executive program designed for professionals aiming to transition into board-level roles. Delivered in collaboration with PwC Academy, this immersive program builds strategic thinking, ethical governance fluency, and boardroom confidence through live sessions, real-world simulations, and expert-led masterclasses.

This program, although USD 1,000, is provided at no additional cost to DBA students.
The program comprises of ~20 hrs of live lectures delivered through masterclasses PwC experts. The batch schedule will be informed to the learners well in advance.

Program Outcomes

Practical Board Skills

Develop boardroom fluency, strategic thinking, and key frameworks necessary for effective boardroom preparedness.

Stakeholder Influence

Learn how to manage stakeholder expectations, enhance investor relations, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational vision and values.

Governance & Compliance

Gain deep insights into global corporate governance standards, legal responsibilities, ethical conduct, and risk mitigation strategies.

Curriculum

An Overview of Modern Board

Introduction to Board of Directors & the Modern Boardroom covering roles and responsibilities, duties, obligations, disqualification, powers, legal liabilities, ethical frameworks, officer in default, D&O and other safeguards.

Corporate Governance, Ethics & Regulatory Frameworks

Corporate Governance, Ethics & Regulatory Frameworks covering global and Indian governance standards, best practices, broad participation, taxonomy, transparency, integrity, and ESG foundations.

Finance & Risk for Board Oversight

Strategic finance and risk covering director responsibility statement, understanding financials and red flags, audit committees, internal controls, accounts and related obligation.

Digital, Cyber & M&A Readiness

Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity & M&A Governance covering role of boards in tech, AI and cyber risk, evaluating M&A strategies, regulators outlook.

Independent Directors - Risk and Rewards

This would cover regulatory requirements, enrollment with Independent Director Databank, qualification and disqualifications, code of conduct, related party Transactions & ID's.

Stakeholder Engagement & Investor Relations

This would cover mapping and engaging with stakeholders, effective communication, decision making, key functions, strategic alignment, dynamics of board management, investor expectations, and communication strategies.

Final Project

Board Simulation & Readiness Presentation: Final project

*topics are indicative and could be subject to minor modifications

Outcomes

Transform Your Leadership Journey with Rushford DBA

Board Advisory Certification with PwC Academy: A Seat at the Table

Gain unparalleled readiness for boardroom roles with a first-of-its-kind certification from PwC Academy. This exclusive offering is integrated into the DBA program and provides:

Influential Decision-Making:

Learn to shape an organization's future by influencing key decisions.

Multi-Board Impact:

Drive impact across various industries by preparing to serve on multiple boards.

Leadership Mentorship:

Leverage your experience to guide and mentor current and future leadership.

Enhanced Visibility & Prestige:

Increase your standing and recognition in the business community.

Practical Boardroom Skills:

Master real-world scenarios through simulations, investor cases, and red flag drills.

Expert-Led Training:

Learn directly from PwC and corporate governance experts.

Co-Branded Certification:

Earn a co-branded certificate that signifies your boardroom readiness.

Distinguish yourself by transforming your innovative ideas into protected intellectual property. This exclusive offering provides:

End-to-End Patent Support:

Receive comprehensive guidance from idea validation to filing, all the way until the patent grant is issued.

Faculty-Led Guidance:

Benefit from expert-led support, with faculty guiding you through patent search and application drafting.

Protected Innovation Portfolio:

Build a robust portfolio of protected innovations to enhance your leadership profile.

Industry Connections:

upGrad connects you with leading IP firms like K&K and IP Flair for guidance at every step.

Turn your research into recognized thought leadership and establish academic credibility. This outcome-driven approach includes:

Refined Research for Publishing:

Receive guidance from experienced faculty to refine your research for academic publication.

Strategic Journal Placement:

Discover the most suitable platforms and journals to meaningfully publish your work.

Enhanced Visibility & Credibility:

Build academic visibility and credibility that distinguishes you in leadership roles.

Expert Mentorship:

Get faculty mentorship to refine your work, identify publishing platforms, and broaden your research impact.

Establish your authority and inspire others by becoming a published e-book author. This unique opportunity offers:

Structured E-Book Creation:

Craft your e-book with ongoing faculty feedback and structured support.

Global Publishing Access:

Publish your e-book on leading digital platforms like Amazon with guided support.

Strengthened Personal Brand:

Significantly strengthen your personal brand and influence within your industry and beyond.

Faculty Guidance:

Receive expert faculty guidance to shape your ideas, gain feedback, and successfully publish.

Expand your network and gain invaluable insights by learning alongside an elite group of senior executives. This program offers:

Cross-Industry Collaboration:

Collaborate with senior executives from diverse industries and geographies.

Fortune 500 Perspectives:

Gain unique perspectives from CXOs and VPs at Fortune 500 and other global companies.

Elite Learning Network:

Become part of an exclusive learning network that fosters leadership and growth.

High-Caliber Peer Group:

Interact with a high-caliber peer group, including CXOs, VPs, and Directors from top organizations.

INSTRUCTORS

Whom will you learn from?

6 Instructors

Tufail Syed

Founder and President, Rushford
Founder and President of Rushford Business School and James Lind Institute, driving growth and innovation in business and clinical education across industries for over 15 years.

Founder and President of Rushford Business School and James Lind Institute, driving growth and innovation in business and clinical education across industries for over 15 years.
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LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Kanika Gupta

Chief Academic Officer, Rushford
An academician with nearly 20 years' experience in online education, accreditations, and validations, serving as Dean and Director of a triple-accredited UK-based program.

An academician with nearly 20 years' experience in online education, accreditations, and validations, serving as Dean and Director of a triple-accredited UK-based program.
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LinkedIn Profile

Bradley Joblin

Clinical Development Strategy Advisor
Expert in therapeutic discovery, clinical development strategy, and evidence generation. Passionate about innovative therapies with experience in early and late-phase studies.

Expert in therapeutic discovery, clinical development strategy, and evidence generation. Passionate about innovative therapies with experience in early and late-phase studies.
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LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Ahmad Albattat

Visiting Professor, Rushford Business School
An expert with over 17 years of industry experience and extensive academic roles, his research spans sustainable tourism, disaster management, and strategic hospitality practices, complemented by numerous international publications and editorial contributions.

An expert with over 17 years of industry experience and extensive academic roles, his research spans sustainable tourism, disaster management, and strategic hospitality practices, complemented by numerous international publications and editorial contributions.
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LinkedIn Profile

Prof. Flavio Gazzani

Senior Research Associate
With 22 years' experience in climate change adaptation, energy economics, and urban sustainability, he leads projects funded by Horizon 2020, Norden EU, and ARC in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.

With 22 years' experience in climate change adaptation, energy economics, and urban sustainability, he leads projects funded by Horizon 2020, Norden EU, and ARC in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
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LinkedIn Profile

Micheal Epping

Director, Finance2stayGmbH
With 30+ years in finance and education, Michael Epping has led key initiatives in capital budgeting and startup financing and lectured in finance at top European institutions.

With 30+ years in finance and education, Michael Epping has led key initiatives in capital budgeting and startup financing and lectured in finance at top European institutions.
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LinkedIn Profile

Why experts in their field chose a DBA

A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is a professional degree representing the highest qualification in management. It is a doctorate designed for working professionals who may not be able to pursue a PhD due to time commitments.
It is globally recognized.
Here, professionals combine their business knowledge with analytical skills to design and execute research studies that have real-world impact, with many going on to publish their work in leading journals.

Learner Support and Services

How will upGrad support you?

Access the various career development support services offered by upGrad to help you achieve your professional goals.

Learning Support
Doubt Resolution

Learning Support

Student Support

Dedicated Student Support available.
For urgent queries, use the "Talk to Us" option on the platform.

Doubt Resolution

Q&A Forum

Timely doubt resolution by industry practitioners and peers.
100% expert verified responses to ensure quality learning.

Expert Feedback

Regular live sessions by experts to clarify concept-related doubts.

Class Profile

Who've enrolled for this course?

The program is designed for people from various sectors. The variety of students enriches class discussions and
interactions.

By Industry

Information Technology and Services

39%

Banking and Financial Services

Automobiles

Government Administration

Others

40%

By Work Experience

Freshers 4%

0-2 Years 0%

2-5 Years 9%

5-8 Years 9%

8+ Years 78%

By Highest Qualification

Post Graduation

78%

Graduation

19%

Others

By Degree Type

M.B.A. 45%

B.E./ B.Tech 21%

ME/M.Tech 6%

Other 4%

Others 24%

By Age

34+

71%

30-34

10%

26-30

14%

22-26

Others

By Gender

Male 73%

Female 26%

Program Fees: USD 10,000

Rushford DBA Course Eligibility & Admissions

How to apply for Rushford DBA Program?

There are 3 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed below:

Eligibility

Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of work experience.

Submit Application

The admissions committee will review your application, including all required documentation.

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Shortlisting update

Upon acceptance, an offer letter will be sent to you confirming your admission to the Program.

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Reserve Your Seat

Reserve your spot in the program by paying the block amount.

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Refer someone you know and receive cash reimbursements of up to
!*

*More details under the referral policy under Support Section

Start Referring *T&C Click Here

SUCCESS STORIES

What Our Learners Say

A flexible and accessible learning journey

As a Nurse Administrator and Math Professor with a demanding schedule, pursuing a DBA seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Thankfully, the online platform provided a flexible and accessible solution. The ability to engage in coursework from anywhere, at any time, allowed me to seamlessly integrate my studies into my busy life. The platform's resources, coupled with the support of the online community, empowered me to balance my professional responsibilities while advancing my education. It's a testament to the transformative impact of online learning in making ambitious career goals achievable amidst a hectic lifestyle. Read More

LinkedIn Profile

Jaime A. Leongson

Math Professor/ Nurse Administrator
30 Years of Experience

Upskilling is the best decision most especially when you can combine it with your work and other activities

Drive for improvement and versatility. Quite interesting and making me more hopeful about the journey. It provides alternative to physical classroom learning that is innovative, think they have solid platform for online education supported by solid and scalable technologies, resolving complaints within reasonable time. Read More

Abayomi Bashiru-Kaka

Sports Consultant Delbash Consultancy services
20 Years of Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Eligibility

1. Who is this program for?

Working professionals who are looking for a transition into the C-suite or Senior Management professionals looking to become experts in their domain of choice.

2. What is the minimum eligibility for this program?

Master's Degree (or equivalent) or Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of work experience.

1. What is the refund policy for this program?

Refund Policy:

1. You can claim a refund for the amount paid towards the Program at any time, before the Program Start Date, by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. You can request your Admissions Counsellor to help you in applying and withdrawing for a refund by sending them an email with reasons listed. There shall be no refund applicable once the program has started. This is applicable even for those students who could not complete their payment, and could not be enrolled in the batch opted for. However, the student can avail pre-deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.

2. Student must pay the full fee within seven (7) days of payment of the deposit amount or Batch Start Date, whichever is earlier; otherwise, the admission letter will be rescinded.

3. Request for refund as per point no. 1 of the refund policy must be sent via email in the prescribed refund request form. The refund will be processed within 30 working days of submitting the duly signed refund form, after being duly approved by the Academic Committee.

Refund Policy:

2. Student must pay the full fee within seven (7) days of payment of the deposit amount or Batch Start Date, whichever is earlier; otherwise, the admission letter will be rescinded.

upGrad Learner Support

Monday to Saturday | 24 Hours.

Phone Number

+1 (240) 719- 6120

Email Address

globaladmissions@upgrad.com

*All telephone calls will be recorded for training and quality purposes.
*If we are unavailable to attend to your call, it is deemed that we have your consent to contact you on purpose.

Disclaimer

upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of an educational institution. upGrad does not make any representations regarding the recognition or equivalence of the credits or credentials awarded, unless otherwise expressly stated. If you intend to pursue a post graduate or doctorate degree upon completion of this course or apply for employment which requires specific credits, we advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this degree for your academic and/or professional requirements before enrolling.