Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD — Online from Brussels, Belgium

The Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD, offered in exclusive partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and Robert Kennedy College, empowers you to elevate your research ambitions without leaving Brussels, Belgium. Imagine mastering advanced research methods, sharpening your academic voice, and building a publication-ready portfolio—all from the vibrant capital of Europe.

This is a modern, boundaryless pathway for ambitious professionals who want the stature and discipline of rigorous research training combined with the flexibility of online learning. Your studies emphasize transferable theory and methodology that can be applied across industries and borders, enabling you to pursue impact in the arenas that matter to you.

A British Award with Global Recognition

Earn a British qualification that carries international credibility. A British award signals academic rigor, quality assurance, and scholarly excellence recognized by employers, universities, and research institutes worldwide. It positions you competitively for doctoral-level study, research-intensive roles, and leadership opportunities.

Whether you envision publishing, teaching, consulting, or shaping evidence-based strategies, the global recognition of a British award makes your achievements instantly legible and respected—across Europe and beyond.

Finish in 3–6 Months, 100% Online

Designed for busy professionals, this programme can be completed entirely online in as little as 3–6 months. The streamlined structure keeps you consistently moving forward—from idea to design to deliverables—while maintaining quality and depth.

Instead of stepping away from your career or relocating, you can progress rapidly toward your goals, apply new insights immediately to your work, and emerge with sharpened research capabilities in months, not years.

True Flexibility: No Fixed Live Attendance

Your schedule is unique, and your learning should respect that. There are no requirements to be online at specific times or dates. You set your rhythm—study in the early morning before the city stirs, on a quiet evening after a full day, or over the weekend.

This asynchronous model supports sustained focus and deep work. It enables thoughtful reading, reflective writing, and methodical analysis—hallmarks of strong research—without the constraints of live timetables.

Learn Anywhere—Even Offline

Study wherever you are: at home, at a co-working space, between meetings, or in transit. Our mobile app lets you download study materials and watch lectures offline, so your learning continues seamlessly—even when your connection doesn’t.

For professionals who travel frequently or split their time across locations, this on-the-go accessibility turns waiting time into progress. Your research journey travels with you, ready whenever you are.

Open-Book Assessments for Real-World Thinking

Real research isn’t about memorizing answers—it’s about asking better questions, selecting appropriate methods, and defending your reasoning. That’s why our programme uses open-book assessments instead of traditional question-and-answer exams.

You’ll demonstrate understanding by synthesizing sources, applying methodology correctly, and articulating insight with clarity—all of which mirrors what high-level researchers and leaders do in practice.

Guided by Outstanding Faculty

Learn from seasoned tutors and faculty who have studied at world-renowned institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, EPFL, the University of Basel, and Washington University in St. Louis. Their academic backgrounds and real-world research experience bring both rigor and relevance to your learning.

With supportive guidance and constructive feedback, you’ll refine your ideas, strengthen your design, and develop a compelling research output that reflects your professional identity and aspirations.

A Truly Global Network

Join a diverse community of peers from over 130 countries. This global classroom enriches your learning with fresh perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, and connections that open doors. You’ll exchange ideas with peers from different sectors and regions, gaining insights you simply can’t get in a single-location cohort.

Our alumni have gone on to roles and collaborations with international organisations and leading companies, including the United Nations, Google, ICRC, The World Bank, Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, Tencent, Siemens, Sony.

Invest Wisely with Flexible Payments

Your education should be a strategic investment—manageable and predictable. Programme fees can be paid in up to 18 monthly interest-free instalments, helping you plan financially without compromising your momentum.

This flexibility allows you to stay focused on what matters most: producing high-calibre research work that advances your personal, academic, and professional goals.

How Studying from Brussels, Belgium Can Amplify Your Trajectory

Brussels is a powerhouse of policy, diplomacy, and international cooperation. The advanced research capabilities you develop—question formulation, methodological mastery, evidence-based argumentation—translate directly into roles across European institutions, missions, and think tanks where analytical excellence and persuasive communication are critical.

As a hub for NGOs, advocacy groups, and multinational headquarters, Brussels rewards professionals who can turn complex data into clear recommendations. Your ability to design studies, interpret findings, and communicate impact can set you apart in fields such as sustainability, public health, digital transformation, and corporate responsibility.

With its concentration of innovation ecosystems, finance, and technology firms, Brussels also offers opportunities in strategy, risk, and foresight roles. The programme’s emphasis on rigorous methodology and critical evaluation equips you to lead research-driven initiatives, inform policy and regulatory responses, and contribute to high-stakes decision-making across sectors.

Take the Next Step

Your research journey can begin right where you are—rooted in Brussels, connected to the world, and guided by international academic excellence. If you’re ready to advance with purpose, elevate your expertise, and create work that stands up to scrutiny, your moment is now. Request our course catalogue and discover how this programme can empower your next chapter.