Liverpool can be described as an exceptional city rich in culture and history, but it is increasingly recognised as an essential centre of higher education and academic research. With some of the UK’s top universities, the city offers everything from flexible, high-quality courses to Online Phd Courses.
The rise of digital education has enabled many institutions to provide online access to doctoral-level programmes, allowing working professionals, international students, and lifelong learners to engage with the best research available worldwide from anywhere in the world.
In this blog, we will share the trendy Online Phd courses in Liverpool, starting from establishments like Dunster Business School and Florida Institute of Science & Management that cater to global students. We will then follow up with a list of the best universities in Liverpool to secure an online doctoral programme.
How to Choose the Right Online PhD Course
Many Quality Institutions provide Online Phd courses in Liverpool with excellent assistance and tools for PhD candidates, including remote supervision and educational resources.
For anyone looking to get a doctoral degree while balancing personal or professional commitments, selecting the right course comes down to weighing several key factors:
Key Points
1. University Reputation and Ranking
The institution’s reputation significantly influences a PhD’s academic value. Opt for universities with strong global rankings, respected faculty, and a proven track record in advanced research.
2. Course Structure and Flexibility
Some online PhD programmes are entirely virtual, while others use a hybrid approach with occasional on-campus sessions. Choose a model that fits your lifestyle and career trajectory.
3. Research Facilities and Academic Support
Access to digital libraries, software tools, online laboratories, and dedicated academic advisors is crucial for doctoral success, especially in a virtual setting.
4. Course Duration and Commitment
While traditional PhD Courses typically last 3–5 years, online options often offer part-time, self-paced formats. Ensure the timeline aligns with your professional responsibilities and personal goals.
Top 10 Universities Offering Online PhD Courses in Liverpool
Below are the leading institutions offering top-tier Online PhD programmes, beginning with globally accessible options and moving into Liverpool’s premier universities.
1. Dunster Business School (DBS)
Dunster Business School is a pioneer in delivering flexible and research-intensive online PhD courses. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, DBS caters to scholars from various backgrounds — from management and humanities to finance and technology.
Top Online PhD Courses at DBS:
- Online PhD in Arts (D.A.)
- Online PhD in Commerce (D.Com)
- Online PhD in Education (Ed. D.)
- Online PhD in Psychology
- Online PhD in Science
- Online PhD in Computer Science
Whether aiming to contribute to academic knowledge or gain a competitive edge in your professional sector, DBS provides expert faculty guidance and customized research opportunities for global learners.
2. Florida Institute of Science and Management (FISM)
Though based internationally, FISM is renowned among UK-based students, especially professionals seeking high-calibre Online PhD courses in science, psychology, aviation, and management.
Top Online PhD Courses at FISM:
- Online PhD in Behaviour Analysis
- Online PhD in Aviation
- Online PhD in Science
- Online PhD in Operations Research
- Online PhD in Industrial Psychology
- Online PhD in Human-Centred Design
FISM’s virtual learning ecosystem is highly interactive and research-intensive, tailored to meet the demands of scholars working across time zones and industries.
3. University of Liverpool
A member of the elite Russell Group, the University of Liverpool offers a robust catalogue of online PhD and doctorate programmes across various disciplines.
Top Online PhD Courses at the University of Liverpool:
- Online PhD in Management
- Online PhD in Education
- Online PhD in Public Health
- Online PhD in Computer Science
- Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Online Doctorate in Psychology
The university is committed to global research excellence, and its online PhD students enjoy unrestricted access to academic resources, support staff, and digital libraries.
4. Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
LJMU is a contemporary, research-inclined university that offers a range of Online PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes.
Top Online PhD Courses at LJMU:
- Online PhD in Sports Science
- Online PhD in Engineering and Technology
- Online PhD in Business and Management
- Online PhD in Health Sciences
- Online Doctorate in Education (EdD)
Known for its practical and innovative research environment, LJMU supports distance learners with flexible timelines and supervisor support.
5. Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool Hope University, which emphasis ethics, creativity, and social justice, is particularly suited to students who want to base their research in community settings.
Top Online PhD Courses at Liverpool Hope:
- Online PhD in Education
- Online PhD in Theology and Religious Studies
- Online PhD in English Literature
- Online PhD in Social Work
Its strong emphasis on personalized supervision and socially relevant research makes it a standout choice for humanistic disciplines.
6. Edge Hill University
Edge Hill University offers research-led doctoral programmes with online options tailored for part-time and remote learners.
Top Online PhD Courses at Edge Hill:
- Online PhD in Education Policy
- Online PhD in Media and Communication
- PhD in Health and Social Care online
- Doctorate in Education Leadership Online
Edge Hill already had a strong digital learning infrastructure, making it simple for doctoral students to connect with mentors and colleagues through remote seminars, forums and workshops.
7. The Open University
Although not Liverpool-based, The Open University offers UK-wide remote PhD programmes and often partners with local institutions and libraries in Liverpool for regional support.
Top Online PhD Courses at The Open University:
- Online PhD in Environmental Studies
- Online PhD in Data Science
- Online PhD in Law and Criminology
- Online PhD in Literature and Language
OU students benefit from a self-paced curriculum, experienced supervision, and virtual collaboration tools, which support them throughout their academic journey.
8. University of Chester
With a campus outside Liverpool, the University of Chester has flexible online doctoral programmes for its local and international students.
Top Online PhD Courses at Chester:
- Online PhD in Business and Marketing
- Online PhD in Cybersecurity
- Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Online PhD in Education and Pedagogy
Even for remote study, Chester encourages doctoral candidates to publish research papers and attend international conferences.
9. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)
LSTM is a world-renowned center for research on tropical medicine and offers online and hybrid PhD routes for health professionals.
Top Online PhD Courses at LSTM:
- Online PhD in Global Health
- Online PhD in Infectious Disease Modelling
- Online PhD in Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
These specialized doctoral programmes combine rigorous research with real-world impact, which is especially valuable for public health professionals and international researchers.
10. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
While not in Liverpool proper, UCLan’s proximity and online doctoral programmes make it a viable option for those in the region.
Top Online PhD Courses at UCLan
- Online PhD in International Business
- Online PhD in Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Online PhD in Criminal Justice
- Online PhD in Digital Media
UCLan’s flexible schedules, supportive doctoral training units, and focus on industry relevance attract professionals seeking meaningful academic contributions.
Benefits of Pursuing an Online PhD in Liverpool
If you live in a city famous for academic rigors and innovative research, like Liverpool, undertaking an online PhD can be an excellent opportunity. Some of the primary advantages include:
1. Flexibility
It is widely known that distance learning allows you to study online at a convenient time, making it much easier for you to manage your studies and career as a working professional. Through the Internet, students can now study from a distance, gain access to resources for academic work, conduct research, and engage with the faculty.
2. Global Network
The students get to interact with other scholars, mentors, and faculty across the world. Thus, online studying introduces them to a diverse and rich academic life.
3. Access to World-Class Resources
Although online PhD candidates may not be physically present on campus, they can still access the university’s digital infrastructure, including online journals, e-books, and research databases.
4. Career Advancement
A PhD from a reputable institution in Liverpool prepares you to undertake research, teaching, and leadership roles in academia or industry.
Employers appreciate the initiative and discipline that an online doctoral degree requires.
Conclusion
Liverpool has become a leading hub for flexible, internationally relevant, and academically robust Online Phd courses. Working professionals, academics, or international students can easily access varied doctoral programmes online from the city without compromising quality or academic integrity.
Your PhD journey can start wherever you are—online and empowered—from establishments as prestigious as the University of Liverpool to innovative global education institutes like Dunster Business School and many more like FISM.
