Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD — Study Online from Qatar

Advance your expertise without pausing your life in Qatar. The Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD empowers you to grow as a researcher and leader through an exclusive partnership between University of Gloucestershire and Robert Kennedy College—delivering a rigorous, global learning experience designed for ambitious professionals.

Whether you are aiming to elevate your influence in industry, transition toward research leadership, or lay the foundation for doctoral studies, this programme blends academic depth with exceptional flexibility. Study on your schedule, from your current location, while benefiting from international standards of scholarship and a truly global network.

Earn a British degree that is recognised internationally

Stand out with a prestigious British award that signals academic excellence and global credibility. Upon successful completion, you gain a British degree that is respected by employers, institutions, and professional communities around the world—clear evidence of your mastery of advanced research design, critical inquiry, and scholarly communication.

For professionals in dynamic, internationally connected markets, this recognition opens doors across borders. Your credential travels with you, enabling mobility across sectors and geographies—supporting career advancement, consulting opportunities, and further doctoral study where international standards matter.

Accelerate your path: 100% online and completable in as little as 3–6 months

Move from intention to impact quickly. Designed for high-achieving professionals, the Executive Diploma stage can be completed 100% online in as little as 3–6 months, enabling you to upskill rapidly while maintaining momentum in your career. Every module is streamlined for applied relevance without compromising academic rigor.

Whether you are preparing for doctoral research or strengthening your evidence-based leadership, this accelerated pathway helps you achieve tangible outcomes on a timeline that aligns with your ambitions.

No fixed lecture times: learn on your schedule

Your time is valuable. The programme does not require online presence at specific times and dates, giving you the freedom to engage with lectures, readings, and assignments when it suits you. Study early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or after work—without sacrificing professional or family commitments.

This asynchronous model is ideal for busy professionals and entrepreneurs. You structure your learning rhythm to match your productivity and priorities, while still benefiting from guided academic support and clear milestones.

Truly mobile learning: study anywhere, even on the move

Whether you are at home in Doha, between meetings in Lusail, or travelling internationally, your studies travel with you. Our mobile app allows you to download study materials and watch lectures offline—so you can keep learning even without a stable internet connection.

With a fully cloud-enabled experience, your progress syncs seamlessly across devices. Turn transit time into learning time, and maintain continuity no matter where work or life takes you.

Open-book assessments that reward real-world thinking

Instead of traditional question/answer exams, the programme uses open-book assessments that mirror the realities of professional research and decision-making. You will synthesize evidence, structure arguments, and apply theory to authentic problems—precisely the skills that matter in advanced roles.

This approach develops intellectual independence, methodological rigour, and the ability to communicate persuasive, evidence-based insights—core competencies for leadership and doctoral-level inquiry.

Learn from faculty with world-class pedigrees

Guidance matters. You will learn from tutors and faculty who have graduated from world-renowned universities, including Oxford, Harvard, EPFL, University of Basel, and Washington University in St. Louis. Their academic pedigree is matched by a practical orientation toward helping professionals translate research into impact.

Expect mentorship that is personal, constructive, and anchored in international best practice—supporting you to refine your research questions, strengthen your methods, and deliver high-quality scholarly work.

Join a truly global community

Our student body spans over 130 countries, with alumni contributing to leading organisations such as the United Nations, Google, ICRC, The World Bank, Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, Tencent, Siemens, and Sony. Your cohort becomes a powerful professional network—diverse in geography, sector, and perspective.

Collaborate across borders, gain fresh insights, and build relationships that endure beyond graduation. The global exchange of ideas enriches every discussion, sharpening your thinking and broadening your horizons.

Flexible finances: manageable instalments

Invest in your future on terms that work for you. Programme fees can be paid in up to 18 monthly interest-free instalments, helping you balance professional development with financial planning.

This flexible approach supports accessible, high-quality learning—so you can focus on performance and progress without compromising your commitments.

Why this programme matters in Qatar

Energy and sustainability leadership: Qatar’s pivotal role in global LNG, energy systems, and sustainability strategies creates demand for professionals who can drive evidence-based decisions. With advanced research skills, you can investigate complex questions in energy transition, carbon management, operational efficiency, or technology adoption—delivering insights that inform strategy for enterprises and institutions across the country.

Finance, governance, and innovation: With the growth of the Qatar Financial Centre and a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship and digital transformation, there is a premium on rigorous inquiry into risk, regulation, corporate governance, and fintech innovation. Your training in research design and analytics equips you to lead projects that test new models, evaluate policy impact, and shape best practice within Qatar’s finance and corporate sectors.

Smart infrastructure, logistics, and urban development: Qatar’s ongoing investments in smart cities, mobility, aviation, and ports create opportunities to apply research methods to real-world challenges—from service design and customer experience to data-driven operations and sustainability. The programme empowers you to conduct meaningful studies that inform decision-making across government, transport, real estate, and infrastructure development.

Your next step

Your journey to advanced scholarship and global impact can start today—without relocating, without interrupting your career, and with the flexibility to study from Qatar on your terms. Build the research capabilities that set leaders apart and open the door to doctoral progression.

Request our course catalogue to explore modules, timelines, and the learning experience in detail, and discover how this exclusive University of Gloucestershire and Robert Kennedy College partnership can help you achieve your ambitions.