Henley Business School, a leading global institution with campuses in the UK, Africa and Europe, has opened applications for its brand-new Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) programme in South Africa.

This new development is the latest milestone in the school’s rapid rise to prominence in the country. The DBA, which is only one of 11 in the world to be triple- accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB, offers candidates the opportunity to engage in rigorous research while benefiting from local support and resources.

Jon Foster-Pedley, dean and director of Henley Africa, said he was delighted that the business school had received its accreditation to proceed with the launch. ‘This DBA programme is the last rung in our famous ‘ladder of learning’ that provides relevant and impactful business and management education from undergraduate right through to Masters and now PhD-level,’ he said.

‘The move is in response to the growing demand from our MBA graduates who are eager to continue studying with us. By leveraging technological advancement and local expertise, we are able to provide an affordable and accessible pathway for doctoral studies right here in South Africa.’

The Henley Africa DBA is a professional part-time doctoral degree with an Africa-centred, internationally relevant scope and a global reputation. It comprises two linked stages of study carried out over a maximum of six years. To be considered for the DBA, applicants are required to hold a master’s degree and have at least five years of relevant middle to senior business management experience. This degree will be conferred by Henley UK, ensuring that students receive a qualification that is globally recognised.

Henley first launched its DBA in the UK in 1992 and now has graduates from more than 39 countries around the world.

Prof Danie Petzer, Head of Research and DBA programme director at Henley Africa said the programme bridges the gap between the African business context and academia, where students can make valuable contributions to knowledge and practice that benefit, influence, and build businesses and societies on the continent.

‘The DBA is distinguished by its focus on generation-pioneering research and valuable insights relevant to modern business dynamics. It is designed to enhance executive and professional practice through rigorous research that addresses real-world business challenges.’

Petzer explained that the DBA is structured to provide comprehensive support to candidates including access to experienced supervisors throughout their research journey. ‘This mentorship is crucial for developing original research that can impact both theory and practice in business. The programme aims to elevate African research on a global scale and encourages candidates to explore relevant topics that can drive change on the continent.’

Henley Business School Africa has been building its research capabilities in recent years and now has five established research centres, three of which are aligned with sister centres in the UK: the John Madjeski Centre for Reputation Africa, The Henley Centre for Leadership Africa, the Dunning Africa Centre, the Henley Africa Centre for Emerging Market Consumer Studies, and Henley Explore: Immersive Cases and Experiences. The school also collaborates with more than 40 academics and researchers across 13 institutions in Africa and the global south.

Recent research topics include ESG adoption and strategic integration, a motivational approach to curbing employee theft, export performance in the agricultural industry, emerging technologies and immersive learning, technology and land ownership challenges, climate action and African business schools, the artificial intelligence footprint in Africa, and project artistry in executive education.

For more information about the DBA programme or to apply, please visit https://www.henleysa.ac.za/events