Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD — Online from Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Imagine advancing your career and elevating your thinking to a doctoral level without pressing pause on your life in Auckland. The Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD, delivered in exclusive partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and Robert Kennedy College, empowers you to pursue rigorous, internationally relevant scholarship entirely online—while you thrive at home in Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa). Designed for ambitious professionals, this programme transforms curiosity into impact and turns real-world challenges into research-led solutions you can put to work immediately.

Whether you lead teams, launch ventures, influence policy, or shape strategy, this programme gives you the advanced research toolkit to ask better questions, uncover actionable insights, and communicate findings with authority. With a flexible, digital-first learning experience and guidance from world-class academics, you’ll build a body of work that travels well—respected across industries and borders, and aligned with where you are today and where you want to go next.

Benefit: A British award recognised around the world

Achieve a credential that opens doors in global business, research, and public service. The Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD awards a British degree known for its academic rigour and internationally recognised standards, strengthening your credibility in multinational organisations and cross-border projects.

From Auckland to the wider Asia–Pacific and beyond, a British award signals quality, independence of thought, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making. It’s a powerful addition to your profile whether you’re seeking a new role, board responsibilities, or a platform for thought leadership.

Benefit: 100% online — complete in as little as 3–6 months

Progress with pace and purpose. The programme is structured to let focused professionals complete their studies in as little as 3–6 months, without compromising academic depth. You’ll move through a clear pathway that supports momentum while allowing you to go deep on the questions that matter to your practice.

The accelerated timeline is ideal for professionals aiming to demonstrate advanced capability on an ambitious schedule—aligning your learning milestones with upcoming projects, promotions, or strategic career pivots.

Benefit: No fixed class times — learn on your schedule

Life doesn’t stop for set lecture times. With no requirement to be online at specific times or dates, you can study when you’re at your best—early mornings, late evenings, or weekends. This flexibility supports consistent progress without compromising your professional or personal commitments.

Asynchronous learning means you control the pace: revisit lectures, pause, reflect, and apply concepts at the moment of need. Your study routine adapts to your life in Auckland—never the other way around.

Benefit: Study anywhere — mobile app with offline access

Stay productive wherever you are. Our mobile app lets you download study materials and watch lectures offline—perfect for commutes, travel, or focused time in your favourite Auckland workspace. Your learning environment goes with you.

Whether you’re between meetings in the CBD, on a domestic flight, or taking a quiet moment by the harbour, the programme’s digital campus is always within reach—so your momentum never slips.

Benefit: Open books assessments — designed for real-life application

Instead of classical question/answer exams, the programme uses open books assessments that mirror professional reality. You’ll apply frameworks, literature, and data to solve complex, multi-layered problems—demonstrating the depth of your thinking, not just recall.

This approach fosters critical analysis, synthesis, and argumentation—the skills leaders rely on to make evidence-based decisions and drive change. Your submissions become a portfolio of work you can confidently discuss with employers, clients, and stakeholders.

Benefit: Learn with faculty from world-renowned universities

Be mentored by scholars and practitioners who bring elite academic pedigree and real-world insight. Our tutors/faculty have graduated from institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, EPFL, the University of Basel, and Washington University in St. Louis—bringing diverse methodologies and a global perspective to your research journey.

Through constructive feedback and personalised guidance, you’ll sharpen your research design, elevate your writing, and hone your academic voice—supported by experts who understand both scholarly excellence and practical impact.

Benefit: Join a global peer community with alumni at leading organisations

Study alongside professionals from over 130 countries and expand your network across industries and sectors. Our alumni community includes individuals working for international organisations like ANZ, AIA, United Nations, Google, ICRC, The World Bank, Microsoft, Intel, Samsung, Tencent, Siemens, Sony.

This diversity challenges your assumptions, enriches discussion, and exposes you to fresh approaches. It’s a collaborative environment where professional experience and academic inquiry meet—helping you build relationships that extend well beyond graduation.

Benefit: Flexible fees — pay in up to 18 monthly interest-free instalments

Plan your investment with confidence. Our fees can be paid in up to 18 monthly interest-free instalments, helping you balance professional development with your financial goals.

This simple, transparent approach allows you to commit to high-impact learning now—aligning payments with your cash flow and career timeline.

What this means for your career in Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Auckland is a dynamic hub for finance, insurance, logistics, and professional services—industries that value advanced analytical thinking and evidence-based leadership. The Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD equips you to design and execute research that informs strategic decisions, supports risk assessment, and strengthens governance. Whether you’re exploring fintech innovation, customer analytics, or operational resilience, you’ll be able to frame the right questions, interrogate data, and communicate insights with clarity and influence.

In the city’s vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem—spanning software, medtech, manufacturing, and growth-stage ventures—your research capabilities become a competitive advantage. From product-market fit and user behaviour to clinical validation and R&D pathways, you’ll learn to translate complex challenges into structured inquiry and actionable outcomes. The programme’s emphasis on applied research means your work can directly inform product roadmaps, partnerships, and investment decisions.

Auckland’s ongoing infrastructure development and sustainability ambitions create demand for leaders who can evaluate policy, measure impact, and build the case for change. With advanced research skills in methodology, literature synthesis, and stakeholder analysis, you’ll be prepared to contribute to initiatives in urban mobility, supply chains, climate adaptation, and digital transformation—bridging the gap between ideas and implementation.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to accelerate your research capability, broaden your professional influence, and earn a globally respected British award—without leaving Auckland—this is your moment. Learn more about modules, entry requirements, and start dates.

Request our course catalogue today and discover how the Executive Diploma in Advanced Research / PhD can help you shape what’s next.