Doctorate in Business Administration

Programme Structure

The Doctorate in Business Administration is a part-time programme structured over three years. It blends immersive residential sessions in Milan and Rome with distance learning courses and applied research, maintaining academic rigour while allowing you to continue your professional career. 

Each year builds progressively on the last, moving from foundational research methodology through to independent research execution and a final viva examination. 

• YEAR 1 – Understanding the scientific method and approach

  The first year lays the groundwork for the DBA journey, focusing on research methodologies, Knowledge Analysis and Capitalization, and the development of a research proposal.

  Residential Days – On Campus

  • KICK-OFF EVENT (Milan)
  • INSPIRING WORKSHOP (Rome)

  
  

  Courses – Distance Learning

  • KNOWLEDGE ANALYSIS AND CAPITALIZATION* 
  • RESEARCH METHODS 1

  
  

  *(Students who begin intake in May, will take Knowledge Analysis & Capitalization from December to February). 

  Research Progress

  Development of research objectives and refinement of research questions, guided by faculty supervisors.

• YEAR 2 – Practicing the scientific method and approach

  Building upon the first year, the second year enhances methodological rigor and introduces global business perspectives through an international study tour.

  Residential Days – On Campus

  • PROGRESS WORKSHOP (Milan)

  
  

  Courses – Distance Learning

  • RESEARCH METHODS 2
  • RESEARCH REPORTING & COMMUNICATION 1

  
  

  Research Progress

  Refinement of research proposal and execution of research plan, with continuous faculty mentorship.

• YEAR 3 – Research executive and final viva

  The final year is dedicated to executing the research plan, communicating findings, and preparing for the DBA viva examination.

  Courses – Distance Learning

  • RESEARCH REPORTING & COMMUNICATION 2
  • ELECTIVES

  
  

  Research Progress & Final Evaluation

  Execution of research projects and preparation of a publishable final report.  

DBA for companies

The Doctorate in Business Administration at POLIMI Graduate School of Management delivers measurable benefits for the organisations that support their professionals through the programme. From applied research to access to the Politecnico di Milano ecosystem, the DBA creates value that extends well beyond the individual. 

• Innovation

  A DBA candidate brings fresh analytical rigour and a research-driven mindset to your organisation. The programme is designed to accelerate professional growth, equipping your employee with the skills to lead change and address complex challenges with the creative confidence developed across academic and corporate environments. 

• Return on Investment

  Your employee will put what they learn into practice from day one, becoming a driver of change and innovation within your organisation. You also have the opportunity to define the focus of their final research project, allowing your company to benefit directly from its highly practical, consultancy-grade output. Throughout this phase, the candidate is supervised by a POLIMI GSoM Faculty member, Politecnico di Milano professor or external consultant, drawing on expertise from across the university's departments. 

• Be part of the Politecnico ecosystem

  Sponsoring a DBA candidate gives your organisation direct access to Politecnico di Milano's innovation ecosystem. Advances in areas such as Industry 4.0, IoT and autonomous mobility translate into significant savings on the costs typically associated with acquiring specialist managerial expertise externally. 

• Financial opportunities

  POLIMI GSoM programmes are VAT exempt pursuant to Art. 10 DPR 633/1972, as Politecnico di Milano is a public body and formally recognises the courses. 

  Fees follow a structured schedule based on programme duration, and can be adapted to your corporate requirements. If your organisation participates in Interprofessional Funds such as Fondimpresa and Fondirigenti, you can sponsor employees through your Learning Account or open tenders. POLIMI GSoM works with all major multisector funds and provides a dedicated team to help identify available funding opportunities. 

  Discounted terms are available for multiple enrolments. Sponsored employees benefit from flexible, customised payment plans.