About Us

Our Transition to a Not-For-Profit Organisation

Doctoral College UK (DCUK) is formally transitioning from a private company limited by shares to a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, that will be operating as DCUK.

This change marks an important step in our ongoing evolution — from a privately held education provider to a mission-driven, community-focused academic organisation built on principles of integrity, inclusivity, and public benefit.

Why make this change

Our decision to become a not-for-profit organisation is guided by three key values

1. Mission Alignment

We believe that every resource should serve learning and research. By becoming a not-for-profit entity, all surpluses are reinvested directly into doctoral education, research support, and academic development, ensuring our work benefits scholars and communities — not shareholders.

2. Reputation and Trust

Transparency and integrity are central to who we are. This governance model strengthens our credibility with partner universities, regulators, and learners, aligning DCUK with the standards of established higher education institutions and learned academies.

3. Sustainability and Governance

The new structure ensures long-term independence and accountability, while opening pathways for philanthropic partnerships and research funding that support our mission to make doctoral study more accessible and sustainable worldwide.

Looking Ahead

DCUK will remain committed to advancing high-quality doctoral education, fostering global collaboration, and nurturing research that makes a positive difference in society.

DCUK represents a strong purpose — to serve scholars, support innovation, and uphold excellence in doctoral learning.

Our History

Doctoral College UK is a UK Government registered private college (Company Number: 12468903) and UK Government registered learning provider (UKPRN: 10093318) with a workforce of doctoral staff and a student base of learners studying for a Doctoral Qualifications and students studying for Post Graduate Qualifications. We started building our higher education position firstly by becoming a British Council trained agent, and then becoming a British Government UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) registered centre. Stanley Oliver Global Consultants merged with Doctoral College UK when they were incorporated in 2020 to create a heritage dating back to 1996. From this initial foundation which is built upon a heritage of 27 years plus global recognition and UK accreditation, we used our international network of partners to begin working with UK Universities as agents to recruit students to study in UK. Research at Doctoral College UK started in in 2021 in subject areas including business & management, accountancy & finance in addition to teaching & learning in higher education including academic leadership and management learning. In 2024 the subject areas expanded and started including computing & IT and 2025 now sees sustainable technologies & advanced engineering creating a wide variety research subject areas being studied. Our research qualifications include PhD, PGDip in Applied Research, PGCert in Research Skills, PGDip in Management Practice and MBA with all current research being project based and predominantly focused on applied areas of interest. Opportunities to study as a Work-Based Online Student is becoming very popular with Career Focused Professional Practitioners and Campus Based face to face learning is a still a popular route for masters qualified professionals seeking doctoral study.

Our Vision

To be a globally recognised leader in doctoral and postgraduate education, driving innovation, excellence, and positive change across industries and societies. We envision a world where advanced knowledge empowers individuals to lead with impact, solve real-world challenges, and shape the future of their professions.

Our Mission

At Doctoral College UK, our mission is to empower professionals and scholars around the world through accessible, high-quality doctoral and postgraduate education. We are committed to delivering applied, research-led learning that supports global advancement inbusiness, education, technology, and leadership. Our mission is to bridge academic knowledge with practical industry experience through flexible study models and expert supervision—ensuring every learner achieves their full potential.

Our Values

Excellence in Learning and Research

We strive for the highest standards in academic delivery and inquiry, producing research that is both rigorous and relevant.

Collaboration and Community

We foster strong academic and industry partnerships, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and shared innovation.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Our programmes are designed to be inclusive, affordable, and adaptable—meeting the diverse needs of global learners and professionals.

Applied Impact

We focus on research that delivers real-world results—improving practice, influencing policy, and creating positive societal outcomes.

Integrity and Transparency

We operate with honesty, clarity, and ethical responsibility, building trust with every learner, partner, and stakeholder.

Lifelong Empowerment

We equip our learners not just with qualifications, but with the confidence, skills, and mindset to lead, innovate, and grow throughout their careers.

Partners

Key UK Team Members

Our Adjunct Faculty Team Members

Our International Team Members

Newcastle upon Tyne

Manchester

London

Campuses in the UK

Study in UK and meet staff at a DCUK Campuses:

Study Online and visit your nearest campus for supervisor, library and admin support at a UK campus.
Library study also available Online.
Hot-Desk at a UK campus if your desire is to be desk orientated.
Work 20 hours per week during term time and full time when College closed (For example - college holidays).
Mandatory Frequent Meetings Face to Face Annual Progression Meetings.
Regular online supervision meetings.

Our Collaborations

Doctoral College UK (DCUK) works in close collaboration with universities, employers, and education partners to design and deliver innovative, practice-based doctoral pathways that are academically robust and professionally relevant. Its collaborations typically focus on doctoral programme design, supervision capacity, PhD recruitment, and structured progression models that support early-stage doctoral candidates through to successful completion. Through co-development, articulation, and partnership arrangements, DCUK helps partners strengthen doctoral quality, expand research capacity, and improve retention and completion outcomes, while maintaining alignment with institutional governance and quality assurance requirements.

DCUK is well placed in UK

DCUK with heir campuses in London, Manchester and Newcastle is strategically well-placed due to
the 3 cities strong reputations as a global hubs for education, research, and innovation.
Each of these 3 cities is home to world-renowned universities and research centres, that fosters a rich academic environment that attracts top talent, scholars, and industry partnerships.
Each city has a strong economy, thriving financial sector, and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem provide ample opportunities for collaboration, internships, and employment for students and graduates.
Additionally, these 3 cities have historic and cultural appeal that enhances student experience and international recruitment potential, while its excellent transport links ensure connectivity to the UK and beyond.