Have you just completed your bachelors? That’s enough to tell you that your next academic degree choice can’t be daunting. Now you have tonnes of options for Master to choose from. However, if you want a more exceptional and research-based degree to study, like DBA and MRes degrees in the UK, we’ve got you covered.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive information and processes about DBA and MRes degrees, allowing you to select the degree that best suits your needs.
Before we dive in, let’s understand the differences between a DBA and an MRes degree. Now, let’s start our journey into the realm of advanced education.
MRes degree
The Masters by Research (MRes) degree is a flexible research training study that aims to give graduates the skills they need to start a career in research, the public or private sector, healthcare, or education. The degree aims to provide high-quality postgraduate training in research methods and practice, along with useful transferable skills that will give you a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge in your area of expertise:
- Life Sciences
- Sport and Exercise
- Health
Key features:
- Completely a research-based Masters degree
- Excellent career opportunities
- Course module 60%-70% research-based
- The highest-paying jobs after your degree
- Available in January and September, both intake
- Comparatively affordable tuition fees
- Easy application process for a postgraduate degree
- After MRes, you can apply directly for a PhD.
DBA degree
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is an innovative alternative to the traditional PhD. The goal of this course is to give professionals the tools they need to use applied research, grow into powerful corporate leaders, and earn a recognised credential.
Key features:
- Comparatively easy application process
- Opportunity to work closely with professors
- Less competition than other postgraduate degrees
- Completely a professional doctorate degree
- Variety of fields (subjects)
- Equivalent of a PhD degree
- Comparatively affordable tuition fees
- Flexible entry requirements
- Advance career opportunities
- Medical professionals can apply (not doctors).
- Opportunity to apply after bachelor degree
What are the key differences between the DBA and MRes degrees in the UK?
Understanding the core differences between MRes and DBAs can help you find out your best options. While both are postgraduate degrees, their approaches, modules, and career opportunities are different from each other’s. Let’s check the differences:
| Aspects | MRes | DBA |
| What is it? | MRes is more focused on developing very sharp and deep academic research skills through a postgraduate degree. It will prepare you for your further academic work, such as a PhD, or any roles in the industries that require strong research capabilities. | A DBA is a degree that addresses practical business issues through applied research. The degree aims to equip professionals with advanced problem-solving and strategic leadership skills. |
| For whom? | The students who have recently passed their bachelor degree or very early career professionals with academic research aspirations. | Senior professionals, business leaders, or an experienced executive. |
| Focussing what? | Academic research aims to develop new theories. | Business-driven practical research to solve real-world problems. |
| How long? | 1 year (full time) | 2-6 years |
| What’s the outcome? | Research master’s degree | Professional doctorate |
| What are the career paths? | PhD studies Research roles Economist Editorial Historian Journalism Market researcher Psychologist Researcher Research analyst | Professor Logistics analyst Entrepreneurial development manager Business consultant Business analyst, information systems manager Human resources director Economist Chief executive officer |
| What are the entry requirements? | Bachelor degree with relevant subject 2.1 Research experience preferred | MBA or equivalent Professional professional experience |
| Need IELTS? | IELTS: 6.5/7.0 (not less than 6.0) | 6.5/7.0 (not less than 6.0) |
| Post-study work available? | 2 years | 3 years |
| Accepted study gaps? | Yes, short study gaps. | Yes, study gap accepted. |
| What about tuition fees? | £10,000 to £25,000 per year | £12,000 to £35,000 per year |
Who should choose DBA?
If you are a professional already established in your career and want to more develop your leadership capabilities, then DBA is ideal for you. If you will tackle business problems, introduce innovative solutions in your industry, be able to work with international masterminds, or hold a senior role in management or consulting worldwide, then DBA can give you all of these you wanted.
While studying, you can do your part-time studies or work. Even if you have moved your family with you during your degree, you can apply in the UK.
Who should choose MRes?
The MRes degree is a great fit for those who are interested in delving deeper into academic research. If you aim to pursue a PhD or establish a career in academic or industrial research, the MRes is designed to give you the research methodology and theoretical foundation required for more advanced studies.
Though MRes is a shorter degree, which makes it ideal for recent graduates who want to explore research without committing to a full doctoral degree initially.
Final words for you
Ultimately, the choice between a DBA or MRes comes down to your personal and professional goals. If you are aiming to advance your career in business and want to focus on practical research that has directly industry applications, the DBA is likely the better choice.
Understanding your career goals and the focus of each degree, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your ambitions.
FAQs
Can I switch from an MRes to a DBA to academia?
Yes, you can. MRes is often designed as a precursor to a PhD, while DBA can lead to academic roles, especially in business schools.
Which is more beneficial to study MRes or DBA?
Both are beneficial for students, but you have to understand and do an eligibility check first.
What is the typical duration of a DBA and MRes in the UK?
DBA takes 2 to 6 years, and MRes usually take 1-2 years.
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