Academic doctorates
Doctoral study for people who already lead.
Supervised, research-based doctorates delivered online. Keep your career moving while you build the research record that proves your expertise.
At a glance
- Delivery
- Fully online, study from anywhere
- Supervision
- Mentor-supported research
- Structure
- Modular stages with practical assessment
- Entry
- Admissions committee review
- Award
- Academic doctorate
Who it is for
Built for professionals, not for a campus timetable.
Executives and consultants
Turn years of practice into original research that shapes how your organisation or sector works.
Specialists and practitioners
Engineers, lawyers, clinicians and technologists who want to formalise deep expertise at doctoral level.
Educators and policy leaders
Lead institutions and influence policy with evidence you have gathered and defended yourself.
Choose your doctorate
7 doctoral programmes across 5 faculties.
Each doctorate sits in a faculty with a partner institution. Select one to start an application with it already chosen.
Don't see your field? Ask admissions: supervision is arranged around your research topic.
The doctoral pathway
From first enquiry to final defence.
A clear, supervised route with a named next step at every stage. The typical journey looks like this.
Step 1
Choose and apply
Pick your faculty and doctorate, apply online and receive your reference number by email.
Step 2
Submit your documents
Upload your CV and academic certificates through your private, secure link.
Step 3
Admissions review
Our admissions committee reviews your file and replies with a decision.
Step 4
Supervised research
Develop your proposal and carry out your study in modular stages, with mentor support.
Step 5
Examination and award
Present and defend your work, then join the Apex community of graduates.
The learning experience
Modular, practical and supported.
Modular learning
Structured in manageable units so you can progress alongside your work.
Practical assessments
Real-world projects and practice-based evaluation, aligned with partner standards.
Mentor support
Guidance from experts at every stage of your research.
Clear titles
Academic doctorate or honorary doctorate? They are not the same.
We keep the two strictly separate so that no one, including employers, is ever confused about what a title means.
Honorary doctorates are awarded by our Institutional Board. Submit a nomination.
Doctoral FAQ
Questions we hear most.
Our emphasis is the academic doctorate: supervised, research-based study such as the DBA, PhD in Management, PhD in Cybersecurity, PhD in Forensic Accounting and the Doctor of Education (EdD). It is delivered fully online for working professionals. Browse the programmes on the Doctoral page.
An academic doctorate is earned through admission, supervised research and examination. An honorary doctorate is awarded by our Institutional Board in recognition of exceptional contribution; it is not an academic degree and is not earned through study. We keep the two clearly separate.
No. Study is online and by distance learning, so you can continue to work wherever you are. Our contact office is in Lagos, Nigeria, and visitors are welcome by appointment during office hours.
Duration depends on the programme and your pace. The Academics pages list the range for each faculty. Admissions can give you a realistic timeline once they know your field and background.