Imperial College of Business Studies has partnered with the University of the West of Scotland to introduce Sri Lanka's first British Doctor of Business Administration programme, offering senior professionals and business leaders internationally recognised doctoral qualification without requiring overseas study.
Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have jointly launched Sri Lanka's inaugural British Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme, marking a significant development in the country's higher education landscape. The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two institutions, with UWS conferring the doctoral qualification while ICBS manages programme delivery within Sri Lanka.
The DBA is aimed at experienced professionals across multiple sectors, including senior business executives, entrepreneurs, academics, and public sector officials. According to the institutions, the curriculum integrates rigorous research methodologies with practical business applications, enabling participants to develop solutions for organisational challenges and contribute to policy development. By offering this programme locally, professionals can access internationally benchmarked academic standards without pursuing studies abroad.
According to Pravinth Rajaratnam, Director of Academic Affairs at ICBS, the initiative reflects the institution's commitment to fostering research-driven leadership that generates tangible benefits for businesses, industries, and society broadly. ICBS, founded in 1985, operates through partnerships with international educational institutions and emphasises critical thinking, practical knowledge, and ethical leadership in its offerings. The college positions this DBA launch as part of its broader mission to expand access to world-class doctoral education and strengthen the pipeline of research-oriented business leaders within Sri Lanka.
