FAQs
- What is the difference between the International Executive Doctorate (DBA) and the Cranfield PhD?
- What is the difference between an MBA and an Executive Doctorate (DBA)?
- How should I position my Research Outline?
- How can I match my research ideas with SOM faculty?
- What is the added value of The Cranfield Executive Doctorate (DBA)?
- What benefits can be demonstrated to the organisation?
- How many international students are there on the Executive Doctorate (DBA)?
- What is the average age of Executive Doctorate (DBA) students at Cranfield?
- How heavy is the workload?
- How are Executive Doctorate (DBA) students assessed?
- Where do students stay during the taught weeks?
- Do you have more than one Executive Doctorate (DBA) intake per year?
- If you get behind on the programme, can you transfer to another year?
- What are the additional costs of taking the Executive Doctorate (DBA)?
- Is sponsorship available?
- I do not have an MBA. Would you consider my application?
- What is the closing date for applications?
- Can I speak to a current student?
- Is the programme available on a distance learning or on-line basis?
- How many weeks do I have to attend at Cranfield?
- What is the structure of the attendance weeks?
- What should I expect at the Assessment Day?
- Are GMAT, TOEFL, ILETS required?
- I cannot come to Cranfield or Tilburg for an interview, is there an alternative?
- What is involved at the Cranfield DBA viva voce?
- What is involved at the Tilburg PhD defence?
- Who is the owner of the research outputs?
What is the difference between the International Executive Doctorate (DBA) and the Cranfield PhD?
Both Cranfield School of Management and Tilburg School of Economics and Management have long-established PhD programmes, which will continue to be offered. The essential difference between the PhD and the International Executive Doctorate is the content and purpose of the degrees, which are linked to career aspirations. The Cranfield PhD is aimed at professional researchers and is delivered in both part-time and full-time formats to accommodate those entering or transitioning into academic careers.
The International Executive Doctorate is directed at researching professionals located anywhere in the world and is delivered in a structured, part-time format to permit doctoral study while maintaining careers. The Executive Doctorate student makes a contribution to knowledge in the context of practice: contribution to practice is a specific requirement of the degree and is emphasised throughout the programme. The Cranfield International Executive Doctorate is also differentiated by it's series of three thematic projects rather than a single, focused field of research.
top
What is the difference between an MBA and an Executive Doctorate?
This is the difference between a Master’s-level qualification and a doctoral-level qualification. At Master’s level the knowledge needed is already established; the examiners are assessing a students ability to absorb this knowledge. For example on an MBA course the knowledge needed to be covered in finance, marketing and HR is already well-defined, and the students work can be compared in terms of their ability to understand and apply this existing knowledge.
In the case of a doctorate the student must demonstrate that he or she has created new knowledge. We do not teach management subjects on the Executive Doctorate as our students already hold an MBA (or equivalent) and also have a significant level of managerial experience so they already know a great deal about management.
top
How should I position my Research Outline?
The guidelines for the Research Outline are clearly explained in our Application Process, however, as this is the first piece of written work a potential supervisor will see from you it is important for you to demonstrate you have looked carefully into the issue you wish to explore by outlining what you have read which informs your understanding, that you have uncovered an interesting gap in the literature and you have given thought as to how you will go about investigating that gap. This important document is the first stepping-stone to your doctorate and will form the foundation at interview and your first presentation to your supervisor and your cohort during Week 1 of the programme. See Research Outline for full details.
top
How can I match my research ideas with School of Management faculty?
Unlike on the PhD Programme, where faculty interests drive the research, the Executive Doctorate candidate brings their own management issue to Cranfield and a match of interests is investigated. For more information regarding current research strengths within the School of Management, see Research Opportunities. Also the Cranfield Knowledge Interchange provides an easy route to relevant and respected management information resources. Once you have narrowed down your search and find faculty names with whom you would like to discuss your ideas, Alison Wilkerson would be happy to set up conversations with appropriate academics which would assist you in developing your Research Outline.
top
What is the added value of the International Executive Doctorate?
Our International Executive Doctorate is a flagship programme and the School supports it with leading faculty contributing to both teaching and supervision. As the issues addressed by Executive Doctorate students are real organisational problems, they tend to be cross-functional, requiring inputs from a number of faculty with differing expertise. A panel structure which is normally three members of faculty is used on the Executive Doctorate rather than a single supervisor, to ensure that candidates are receiving the most relevant support.
Furthermore the structured nature of the Executive Doctorate provides a clear set of milestones, which enable the candidates to evaluate their progress and ensures that they are maximising their potential.
What particularly distinguishes the Executive Doctorate is our own well-known strength of a combination of academic rigour with a closeness to practical business issues. Perhaps less well-known is the level of individual attention given to each participant in the programme through a series of structured panels and individual guidance. Taken together, they provide participants with an enviable and possibly unique experience in the world of business education.
The programme also has the added value of a dedicated administrative team headed by a Programme Manager, Alison Wilkerson, who provide support to all Executive Doctorate researchers from initial enquiry through to final viva voce examination. Whenever you need that vital piece of information or advice, they will respond directly by email or telephone.
The strength of support from other students in the Cohort is invaluable. A Cohort Leader from our academic community takes specific interest in the students’ interests, in addition to the Course Director, dedicated Programme Manager and administrative team, supervisor(s) and research training tutors. Excellent support is also available from the Cranfield and Tilburg University Libraries, which are essential for international students.
top
What benefits can be demonstrated to the organisation?
The structure of our Executive Doctorate means your organisation will benefit from your research at all stages throughout the doctorate - the practical bias provides the sponsoring company with valuable, effective insights. The research and outputs from each project feed directly back to the organisation. See How your organisation will benefit.
top
How many international students are there on the programme?
Currently 66% of our Executive Doctorate students are international.
top
What is the average age of Executive Doctorate students at Cranfield?
The average age of our Executive Doctorate students is 46.
top
How heavy is the workload?
This is an individual matter and fluctuates during the process of the programme, but in general as well as attending the residential taught weeks, students should expect to allocate 15-20 hours per week to their Executive Doctorate projects. As a general rule the heaviest loading is in the first and last twelve months of the Executive Doctorate.
top
How are International Executive Doctorate students assessed?
During Year 1, students are required to complete four assessment papers, the fourth of which is presented to their supervisory panels. In Years 2-4, three Project Reports are reviewed by the supervisory panels and finally, also in Year 4, the thesis is externally examined at viva voce. The awards of Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy depend wholly on the final examination of the submitted thesis and viva voce. All of the prior assessments have to be successfully completed, but do not form part of the final assessment.
top
Where do students stay during the taught weeks?
Cranfield Management Development Centre offer discounted rates to Executive Doctorate students. Alternative accommodation is also available from Mitchell Hall. Both campus accommodations are directly opposite the School of Management.TiasNimbas offers discounted rates to students for several excellent locations in Tilburg.
top
Do you have more than one International Executive Doctorate intake per year?
No. The Cranfield Executive Doctorate programme has an annual intake which commences each year at the end of September. Unfortunately there is no opportunity to start the programme at any other time during the year.
top
If you get behind on the programme, can you transfer to another year?
Yes. In exceptional circumstances students are able to suspend their studies. The flexible structure of the Executive Doctorate allows us to integrate students into an appropriate year so they are all working at the same pace as their cohort colleagues.
top
What are the additional costs of taking the International Executive Doctorate?
All travel and accommodation costs are from the student’s own account. Included in the fees are software, access to library databases, tea, coffee and light refreshments throughout the day, plus a substantial hot and cold buffet lunch and a course dinner during the residential weeks at Cranfield or Tilburg. All students are expected to have an appropriate laptop computer equipped with internet access. Students would expect to spend approximately £300 on textbooks.
top
Is sponsorship available?
There are currently no sponsorships or funding opportunities available for the Cranfield Executive Doctorate. In the majority of cases, students are sponsored by their own organisations. In exceptional cases, applicants working for non-profit organisations may be granted a discount of fees.
top
I do not have an MBA. Would you consider my application?
Applicants with an equivalent Master’s-level qualification with significant management content will be considered. Applicants with alternative qualifications and extensive managerial experience may also be considered, but would be registered for six years.The degree can, however, be completed within the normal four-year period if the candidate keeps pace with the formal structure of the programme.
top
What is the closing date for applications?
Applications can be received throughout the year. It is recommended that candidates submit a Research Outline in the first instance, in order to investigate a match of interests with our faculty. Should a match be found, academic conversations are set up to discuss the research issue in more depth and to assist in developing the Research Outline. This process can take 6-8 weeks to complete.
If you apply very late in the summer it can prove impossible to get supervisors agreed, proposals developed and the interview process completed in time for the September start date, which is disappointing. Although we try to take as many good applicants as we can, we do have a finite capacity.
top
Can I speak to a current student?
Yes - contact Alison Wilkerson and she will put you in touch with students who are happy to be contacted by prospective Executive Doctorates. Alternatively, you may email students direct via the Executive Doctorate Biographies page .
top
Is the programme available on a distance learning basis?
No - candidates are required to attend Cranfield or Tilburg 5 times a year in Year 1 and twice a year in Years 2-4. See Programme Content and Structure. There is an online Portal for all taught materials and communicating with other research students, however students are required to attend Cranfield or Tilburg for the taught sessions. Students are able to communicate with their supervisors via web-based audio-visual systems, i.e. Skype, Adobe Connect, WebEx.
top
How many weeks do I have to attend Cranfield?
The International Executive Doctorate is structured into eleven weekly modules over four years, all of which must be attended. Dates for all modules are known well in advance. Also see: Structure at a Glance; Year 1. Attendances are 5 x 5-days per week in Year 1 and 2 x 5-days per week in Years 2-4. Students are encouraged to use the whole week for DBA studies.
top
What is the structure of the attendance weeks?
For each week timings are 0900hrs Monday to 1530hrs Friday. Year 1 consists of taught sessions. Years 2-4 consists of taught sessions, Supervisory Panel Meetings and Writing Retreats. Attendance is required each week.
top
What should I expect at the Assessment Day?
Candidates are asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation outlining their business issue. An interview panel of three Executive Doctorate faculty discuss the issue with the candidate and make an assessment. Additionally, each applicant undertakes the admission tests, comprising: Critical Thinking and Numerical Reasoning tests and a critique of a Journal Article. Details of the tests are sent prior to interview. The overall evaluation is made on the strength/depth of the Research Outline and our ability to provide appropriate supervision; the candidate's demonstrated aptitude at interview and the test results. The total process takes approximately half a day. Outcomes are advised within seven days. See Assessment Day.
top
Are GMAT, TOEFL, ILETS required?
GMAT is not required - All candidates take the Executive Doctorate admission tests. For English Language standards see How to Apply.
top
I cannot come to Cranfield or Tilburg for an interview, is there an alternative?
Video conferencing facilities are available if there is absolutely no possibility of coming to Cranfield or Tilburg for an interview. The admission tests can also be arranged via the British Council or a local University. It is preferred, however, to interview at Cranfield School of Management or TiasNimbas Business School.
What is involved at the Cranfield DBA viva voce?
The DBA viva voce is the final, oral examination when students are required to present their work before a panel of examiners. The panel comprises an internal examiner, and an external examiner who are selected as specialists in the student's research area. The student's supervisor attends and the panel is chaired by a member of faculty. The student is awarded the degree of DBA on passing the viva or on completion of any required corrections/revisions to the satisfaction of the examiner(s). Successful candidates are conferred at Cranfield's annual Graduation ceremony in June and may then use the title 'Dr'.
What is involved at the Tilburg PhD defence?
The Tilburg PhD defence is the individual, final, oral examination when students are required to present their work before a panel of examiners. This PhD committee comprises of the supervisor and several external examiners who have been selected as specialists in the student’s research area. The defence consists of an hour-question round. Once the questions are answered satisfactorily the students is awarded the PhD degree from Tilburg.
Who is the owner of the research outputs?
The copyright and other intellectual property rights in relation to the thesis and other work prepared and submitted by the student during the course of their studies, is assigned to the Universities, who will allow unrestricted access once the work has been examined and found to be satisfactory. Publication of the work of students shall be encouraged; permission to publish must be obtained from the Supervisor(s) or Course Director concerned, and shall not be unreasonably withheld.