Top PhD & Doctorate Online Programs in the UK (2025-2026)
Some of the most respected and recognized universities from the world are from UK, offering opportunity to residents of UK and international students to earn Top PhD online in UK Online without leaving your home country or hometown.
No matter you are an international student looking for distance learning PhD options or a working professional looking for research-based or professional online doctorate program, or want to enroll in fully funded Online PhD program in the UK, we cover it all for you offering you the options online PhD programs in the UK and around the world with flexibility, affordability and credibility with comparisons so you can choose the best programs that match your requirements and career goals.
Why Study a PhD Online in the UK?
- World-Class Reputation – UK universities are well known and rank high in term of credibility, accreditation and affordability of online doctoral and PhD programs globally
- Internationally Friendly – Online PhD and doctorate programs offered by UK universities are easily accessible for international students specially from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
- Part-Time & Flexible – The PhD and doctoral Programs offered by UK universities are more flexible and offer the option of study at your own pace without residency requirements.
- No GRE Requirement – Most UK PhDs do not require GRE or GMAT
- Professional Doctorates Available – DProf, DBA, EdD, and more
- Fully Funded PhD Programs in the UK – Scholarships and assistantships available
Top Online Doctorate Programs in the UK
University of Leicester
- Program: Online Doctor of Social Science (DSocSci)
- Length: 4–6 years (part-time)
- Mode: Fully Online PhD and Doctorate Programs
- Residency: No residency required
- Funding: Limited scholarships available
University of Birmingham
- Program: Online Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Length: 3–6 years
- Mode: 100% Online + optional in-person events
- Funding: Self-funded + scholarships for international students
University of Glasgow
- Program: Online PhD in Education
- Length: ~4–6 years
- Mode: Distance Learning
- Funding: Competitive full and partial scholarships
University of Essex Online
- Program: Online DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)
- Length: 3–6 years
- Mode: Fully Online
- Dissertation: Required
- Highlights: One of the most affordable online DBA UK options
University of Portsmouth
- Program: Professional Doctorate in Business or Criminal Justice (DProf)
- Length: ~4 years
- Format: Distance learning with short campus visits (optional)
Funding: Employer-sponsored or self-funded
Compare Online Doctorate Programs in the UK
| University | Program | Format | Residency Required? | Funding Available | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester | DSocSci | Online | No | Limited | £21,000 |
| Birmingham | EdD | Online | Optional | Partial | £24,000 |
| Glasgow | PhD Education | Distance | No | Yes | £20,000 |
| Essex Online | DBA | Fully Online | No | Limited | £18,000 |
| Portsmouth | DProf Business / CJ | Distance | Optional | Employer-based | £22,000 |
Funding & Scholarships
One of the major factors of popularity of Online PhD and Doctorate Programs in the UK is their affordability and multiple scholarships and funding options:
- Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in UK for International Students
Competitive, but available through individual universities or research councils - University Assistantships – Some part-time PhD positions come with fee waivers
- Employer Sponsorship – Especially common in DProf and DBA programs
- External Scholarships – Check Chevening, Commonwealth, and local government opportunities
Fast, Part-Time & No Residency Options
Looking for the fastest PhD UK or flexible schedule?
- University of Essex Online offers structured online DBA programs that can be completed in just 3 years
- University of Leicester & Glasgow provide distance learning PhDs with no residency required
- University of Portsmouth allows for employer-aligned, accelerated DProf routes
- No GRE & No Dissertation Alternatives available in many practice-based doctorates
Yes — If the university and program you are enrolled are accredited and recognized. It is recommended check the accreditation of Online PhD/Doctorate programs you are going to enroll.
Absolutely — most of the universities in UK are offering online PhD and doctorate programs with flexible schedule.
Yes — This is another important factor for which UK PhDs online Programs are popular as most of these programs do not require the GRE, and many offer no-residency or minimal attendance models.
Yes — many fully funded PhD scholarships in UK are open to non-UK citizens.