The Brunel University of London strategiacally partnered with Ahlia University in 2005 to offer the PhD without Residence Programme in Management and the PhD in Information Technology and Computing studies. This programme is designed for high-potential individuals and emerging leaders who aim to contribute to society, policy, and industry.
After three years of this structured and closely guided programme, talents move from advanced learners to independent researchers capable of influencing strategy, transformation, governance, innovation systems, and evidence-based decision making.
The programme’s intended learning outcomes (LOs) are mapped to Bahrain’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 10, ensuring the production of original, publishable research and the development of advanced academic and professional skills:
LO1: The creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication.
LO2: A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice.
LO3: The general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust project design in the light of unforeseen problems.
LO4: A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
This PhD programme starts in either January, or October or April..
It’s a three-year full-time research focused programme that dos not require taught credit-bearing courses or written exams. Instead, PhD candidates are expected to carry out research work for around 44 weeks each academic year, which will lead to a full thesis.
Learning modality is flexible and offers both face-to-face and online supervision meetings with the two members of academic staff specialised in the chosen area.
Final assessment is based on your submitted thesis and its oral defence in a viva voce. This will be held at Brunel University of London in the UK and will be conducted under Brunel University of London regulations.
3-Year Programme
Flexible Study Modality
UK-Awarded Degree
Brunel’s Facilities & Resources
University of London’s Network
The Oldest TNE PhD in the GCC
If you are considering applying, you are likely already familiar with the academic standing and professional advantage this UK-awarded doctorate offers, positioning you within decision-making circles.
This section provides the structured information you need to proceed, including entry requirements, required documentation, application steps, fees, and an overview of the three-year doctoral journey.
First, choose a research area and potential supervisor, and get in touch with them informally for advice prior to applying.
Then, reach out to the Postgraduate Research Programmes Office for assistance and detailed guidance before submission (scroll down for contacts).
Please note you will need to apply at least 3 months prior to your preferred enrolment date.
Once you have all the listed information and required documents, complete the online application form for international applicants. Please visit: Brunel PhD Without Residence
The full annual tuition fee is paid at the beginning of each of the three academic years of PhD study.
The annual fees are set and annually reviewed by Brunel University London and can be found here: annual PhD fees.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to a small annual increase.
Any sponsorship arrangements must be announced prior to enrolment.
Fees are payable to Ahlia University prior to enrolment in full.
A well-structured research proposal is a key component of your PhD application. It should clearly define the area and the structure of your research, detailing the research problem, objectives, methodology, and the expected contribution of the study to the relevant field of knowledge.
Research proposal should normally be in the range of 1,500 to 2,500 words.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully develop their proposal prior to submission, as it forms the foundation for discussions with potential supervisors and the doctoral research pathway. Detailed guidance on preparing your research proposal can be found in the Programme Handbook, available in the Downloads section of this page.
You can see your three-year PhD path visualised and track your progress step by step.
Or check Brunel’s website for the Research Degree Progress Structure to find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study.
PhD in Information Technology and Computing
PhD in Management
Brunel Academic Calendar
Flexible & Hybrid
October, January or April
3 Years
£24,795 full-time*
In this section you will find links to resources and information about your rights and duties for ensuring the successful completion of your PhD. Please take time to visit the links provided in this section and read the documents they host and follow any suggested instructions.
Please also note that some of the information provided are continuously updated, so make sure you visit the links from time to time.
The programme is governed by Brunel University of London Senate Regulation 5 and Code of Practice for Research Degrees. Under the Policy & Regulation you will also find additional useful information about being a Brunel University of London Research Student. Student and university handbooks also contains valuable general information.
The BREO Application link provides information about gaining ethical approval for your research where required and information about Brunel Library Services can be found in the Library Information & Support link.
Use the links below to access key Brunel resources related to research degrees—covering academic regulations, researcher development, library services, thesis submission guidance, and support procedures (all links open in a new tab):
Visit this link for the current annual tuition fees and yearly updates.
Students are encouraged to check it before the start of each academic year:
Brunel University of London PhD WR – Annual Fee
Use the links below to access Brunel’s core systems – central platforms for student administration, teaching and learning, software access, and internal communications: (all links open in a new tab):
Use the links below to access key Ahlia University facilities and services relevant to PhD students:
For your convenience, the key academic dates for the Brunel PhD programme are available as a downloadable .ics calendar file. You can import this file into your personal calendar application (Apple iCal, Google Calendar, Outlook, or other compatible systems) and we recommend saving it as a separate calendar named Brunel 25/26. This allows you to switch the calendar on or off when needed and easily replace it with the updated version for the next academic year.
HOW TO DO IT: download the .ics file from this link and open it on your device. On computers and iPhones it will normally prompt you to add it directly to your calendar; on Android or Google Calendar you can import the file through the calendar settings or you will be offered an automatic integration.
Student Representatives are current doctoral candidates who act as the formal link between PhD students and the programme leadership. They represent student perspectives at different stages of the doctoral journey, raise collective concerns, and help ensure that academic standards, supervision quality, and student experience remain aligned with Brunel University of London regulations.
You can find the biographies and contact details of the current Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Student Representatives in the cards below.
The portal houses other information to ensure that your supervisory decisions are based on Brunel’s rules and regulations. This is in addition to information about events and arising opportunities
Hear from our notable alumni as they share their experiences in the Brunel PhD Programme in Bahrain, on how the degree shaped their professional paths and contributed to Bahrain’s development:
No — the programme is a ‘traditional’ degree, offered as part of the longstanding TNE partnership with Ahlia University. The programme utilises hybrid delivery modalities, whereby some elements (such as supervision meeting) may be delivered remotely/local-partner based, whereas other elements (such as research training workshops and the annual symposium) require in-person attendance.
No — the award is the same UK doctoral degree from Brunel University of London and is identical to the one obtained by students studying on campus in London.
Yes — the programme is licensed and accredited by the higher education council of Bahrain and aligned to the Bahraini national qualifications framework at level 10.
In addition, the programme is governed by Brunel’s Senate Regulation 5 and Code of Practice, and the degree is awarded by Brunel University of London, a recognised UK awarding body.
A masters degree is normally required in line with Bahraini regulations, as set out by the higher education council.
Exceptions may be made on a case-by- case basis for candidates with significant occupational experience and based on approval by the higher education council of Bahrain at the recommendation of the admissions team in Brunel.
Yes, it is normally possible to defer the start date by a few months. These matters are regulated under Brunel’s research-degree policies (e.g., registration status, abeyance) and are subject to approval.
As a research-based degree programme with no taught component, this is not possible.
Brunel’s Senate Reg 5 and Code of Practice deal with candidature, registration and submission — they do not facilitate credit transfers in the way taught programmes do, however, transfer for students who commenced their research at another institution may be possible.
You may request abeyance or an extension to candidature under the Code of Practice / Senate Reg 5 if legitimate grounds exist, but this is an exception rather than standard.
Fee payment is a requirement of registration. You must formally communicate this and liaise with the Ahlia PhD (WR) office for your case.
Based on your case, you will be advised in writing of possible payment schedules, due dates, and consequences of continued delinquency.
You are strongly encouraged to publish and the programme will offer numerous opportunities and avenues for doing so.
Keep in mind the doctoral degree criteria under Senate Reg 5 state that a PhD involves “creation and interpretation of new knowledge … of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the frontier of the discipline, and merit publication.”
The regulations emphasise progress reviews, supervisory meetings and attendance at required training schools/symposia; failure to adequately engage may lead to transfer to another award or withdrawal.
Yes — while the “without residence” model is off- campus, students are welcome to visit Brunel whenever they wish throughout the course and the viva is normally held at Brunel.
Yes — Brunel’s Code of Practice covers changes to supervisory teams — such changes must go through formal process and be approved by the University.
As the awarding body is Brunel University of London, graduation would be under Brunel’s ceremonies (location depending on Brunel’s arrangements).
The “without residence” mode does not alter the awarding institution.
No — research degrees (MPhil/PhD) at Brunel are awarded without classification (i.e., not “Merit” or “Distinction” as with taught programmes).
Yes — as a Brunel University graduate you would be eligible to join Brunel’s alumni network and associated opportunities (as with other Brunel alumni).
Additionally, Ahlia University operates a local chapter in collaboration with Brunel.
For specific enquiries, please contact the relevant representative.
For prospective candidates and applicants:
For enrolled candidates:
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