Our Students Say...

Yvonne Sonsino

I have worked in the consulting industry for about 20 years, moving out to Abu Dhabi in 2008. My preferred method of study has always been part-time or distance learning because I have always been busy working.

I chose Durham because the University has a great reputation and always gets a good ranking. The city of Durham is fantastic too; I can't think of anywhere better to spend a few weeks each year to attend lectures and residential courses.

The DBA programme is not available in many universities, but Durham's had been going for a few years so it was nice to know it was tried and tested. The faculty fitted my intended programme of study too, with many years of relevant experience to call upon. I liked the fact that the first part of the programme prepared you for the research phase with confidence that you knew where to start and who to turn to for help.

The DBA course really helps you develop as a researcher; it stretches you into areas you would not consider studying if you just opted for a PhD, and introduces you to research methods to test out for yourself before you waste time going down the wrong route! It's a good structure, and a tried and tested approach for success.

I absolutely loved the DBA programme. It was really interesting and pitched at just the right level. You are expected to do plenty of thinking for yourself but at the same time the support is at hand should you require it. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful and genuinely want you to succeed.

I would recommend the programme at Durham to anyone who is prepared to put in the effort.

John Sparrowhawk

I have worked in academia since 1996 at a number of universities.

After working in the City as a Lloyds Broker, I read Social and Political Studies, and then a Masters in Leisure Management at the University of Sheffield. I have worked in academia since 1996; as a lecturer in Jinan, China; as a senior lecturer with responsibility for academic links and student recruitment in London; then as academic leader and undergraduate scheme director; prior to joining the University of East London, where I currently manage an academic department. I was Principal Lecturer responsible for student affairs at the University of Northumbria.

I was tempted by Durham's very strong reputation in the field, but also I liked the structure of the DBA programme, which would allow me to balance a very busy job with the challenge of a doctorate.

I hope to develop my academic career. I have published several papers in academic journals, but the DBA provides me with the legitimacy to develop beyond my current role.

So far, it has been tough but very rewarding. I have also very much enjoyed working with colleagues from very different professions from all around the world.

Pieter Smith

I have worked in the financial services industry for most of my career. I decided to enrol for a doctoral degree for a variety of reasons, principally to enhance my career development and analytical skills. I considered a number of UK universities, but decided on Durham because of its excellent reputation.

The structure of the DBA programme exposed me to a range of new subject areas that forced me to consider my particular research topic from different angles. The international nature of the student body provided a great deal of diversity and resulted in fascinating discussions, both inside and outside lectures.

The research phase of the DBA requires more individual effort and motivation, but I found plenty of support and guidance from my supervisors.

The Durham DBA was a thoroughly rewarding experience and I have noticed an enhancement in my professional standing and reputation.

Christopher Avington

2005 Cohort

I enrolled for the DBA having completed an MBA at Durham.

I found the MBA experience at Durham exhilarating. The quality of teaching, the quality of the facilities and the quality of research were outstanding. In addition, the international reputation of Durham University Business School meant that the standard of qualification would be universally recognised. My decision to continue my research interests at Durham were wholly influenced by my MBA experience. My DBA experience is proving equally outstanding.

I was also attracted to the DBA programme because of its emphasis on the contribution to practice as well as knowledge within the relevant field of research. In addition, I passionately believe in the principle of life-long learning and the opportunities at Durham are enabling me to research a subject which up until now would not have been possible.

I am hoping to develop my research interests and research abilities and take them to the next level as part of the DBA programme, and when I graduate I plan to use the results of my research in a practical context.

Sara Macedo

2004 cohort

In 2003 I completed a Distance Learning MBA with Durham University Business School whilst living in the United Arab Emirates. The experience I had with Durham, living overseas, and coping with only e-connection with tutors provided me with an insight into the self-discipline and methods of communication necessary for communication with supervisors and tutors. I had discussed the merits of the Durham program with friends on other MBA distance learning courses, and found that I had the most consistent support from the ‘home’ university. This level of comfort provided me with the encouragement and reassurance that the DBA program would provide the same level of e-support.

The academic benefits of the DBA are obvious: peer recognition and other social forms of acknowledgment. However, my own sense of achievement in the completion of each module as it passes, and the slow but growing ability to step back and see the whole picture whilst understanding each ‘brush stroke’ or ‘connective tissue’ of my idea is of greater value to me.