1. What is Doctoral Advanced Studies?

Doctoral Advanced Studies represent advanced, practice-oriented education at doctoral level within the Swiss system of Further Education and Continuing Education. They constitute the highest professional capability standard in the Swiss Advanced Studies framework, building on and extending the progression of CAS – DAS – MAS, and stand clearly apart from traditional research-based PhD programmes.

Designed for senior experts and top-level executives, Doctoral Advanced Studies focus on the highest level of practical, executive, and strategic capability required in complex global environments.

2. Swiss ENIC and Doctoral Advanced Studies

Doctoral Advanced Studies are not assessed by Swiss ENIC, regardless of whether they are delivered by public or private institutions in Switzerland. This does not reflect any limitation in quality or value, but rather the professional, non-academic nature of these programmes, for which no standardised national or international comparison criteria exist within the ENIC framework.

Accordingly, the absence of ENIC assessment does not diminish their professional standing, as Doctoral Advanced Studies operate outside traditional academic degree structures.

3. The SwissUK™ distinction

Within the SwissUK™ model, Doctoral Advanced Studies are delivered through an integrated pathway that combines:

• a doctoral-level, practice-oriented competency development programme designed by SIMI Swiss, and
• a Level 8 (Doctoral Level) qualification aligned with the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

This approach allows doctoral-level professional competence to be clearly referenced internationally, without altering the legal nature of the Swiss programme or misrepresenting it as an academic doctorate.

4. Professional recognition and legal clarity

In Switzerland, doctoral-level competency development falls under advanced training and continuing professional education and is commonly offered as a professional alternative to academic doctorates. These programmes formally recognise doctoral-level professional competence and are highly valued in executive and corporate environments, while not constituting an academic doctoral degree and not conferring the title of Doctor (Dr.) under Swiss or UK law.

The programme awards two qualifications:

• Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice – awarded by OTHM (United Kingdom)
• Doctoral Advanced Studies (DRAS) in Major – awarded by SIMI Swiss (Switzerland)

These two qualifications are fully integrated, creating maximum strength and value for graduates upon completion.

Yes.

• The OTHM qualification is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government), ensuring national standards of quality, transparency, and compliance in the United Kingdom.
• SIMI Swiss is an international higher education institute operating under the Swiss Private HEI model, registered and governed in the Canton of Zug. It is responsible for the academic value of its Private Degree programmes in accordance with Swiss law.

Yes.

• The OTHM qualification is part of the RQF and regulated by Ofqual, and it is recognised at the Doctorate Level within the UK education system.

References:

• Official UK Government recognition assessment: HERE
• Recognition of equivalency to a Doctorate’s degree in the UK and across Europe: HERE

The UK Qualification Reference Statement issued by an authorised representative of the UK Department for Education is the highest-level document confirming the status of a graduate’s qualification, serving to authenticate and recognise:

• Verification that the qualification is recognised in the United Kingdom.
• Recognition of the qualification’s level and position within the UK national qualification frameworks, including all three frameworks:
  • The Regulated Qualifications Framework of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (RQF)
  • The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
  • The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW)

Example: A qualification recognised by the UK Department for Education with the notation UK Framework Levels – RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8 means that the qualification is classified at the DOCTORATE’S level across the entire United Kingdom and holds academic validity in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Confirmation that the awarding institution is recognised by the UK Government.
• Confirmation of the entry requirements for obtaining the qualification.
• Confirmation of the assessment and examination procedures.
• Confirmation of the graduate’s competency and employability.
• Confirmation of progression opportunities for further study within the UK National Education System after completing the qualification.

Yes.

The SwissUK degree awarded by SIMI is recognised for employment in Switzerland without any additional procedures, as positions within the Business and Management group fall under non-regulated occupations that do not require a professional licence.

Doctoral Advanced Studies is a professionally oriented programme at Level 8 (Doctoral Level) within Switzerland’s Further Education & Continuing Education system. It represents the highest level within the Swiss Advanced Studies pathway (CAS – DAS – MAS) and reflects the highest level of professional competency in application-oriented higher education.

The Governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications, effective from 01/01/2025. Under this agreement, professional qualifications issued in either country may be submitted for recognition when applying for a professional licence in the other country, including professions that fall under the professionally regulated category—those requiring a licence to practise.

As a result, qualifications within the SwissUK™ education system—particularly programmes awarded by Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible to be submitted as part of the initial application for recognition or for obtaining a new professional licence in Switzerland, in accordance with the mechanisms defined in the agreement.

References:

• Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the UK Government: HERE
• Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement on Professional Qualifications from the Swiss Government: HERE
• List of approximately 200 regulated professions requiring a professional licence under the Swiss–UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (qualifications within the SwissUK™ system—including those from Ofqual Awarding Bodies—are eligible for initial assessment according to the agreement): HERE

UK ENIC benchmarks RQF Level 8 at Band 14, which is equivalent to a Master’s Level. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), RQF Level 8 is aligned with EQF Level 8. See more details HERE

Yes. It may be evaluated as equivalent to Postgraduate level, depending on the individual application, through:

• CICIC (Canada)
• WES (USA/Canada)

The final outcome depends on the purpose of the evaluation and the independent assessment conducted by these agencies. See more details HERE

Yes.

The qualification integrates the competency standards for the Senior leader – Occupational Code OCC0480 under the UK occupational framework. See more details HERE

According to labor market data from the United Kingdom, the average annual salary for the Business and administration group (which includes manager roles aligned with this programme) is £84,240 per year. See more details HERE

Yes.

According to the Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules (effective 2025), the minimum qualification level for the Skilled Worker Visa has been raised to RQF Level 6.

A qualification at RQF Level 8 exceeds the mandatory academic requirement.

• See more details HERE

Yes.

As the programme is positioned at Level 8 (doctorate-level) but does not require a traditional doctoral thesis, learners may progress directly to the final stage of doctoral study at public universities in the United Kingdom or Europe, should they wish to pursue a Doctorate / PhD.

Common progression pathways include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) across relevant specialisations;
• PhD in fields such as Business, Management, International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and related disciplines.

Reference: Recognition of RQF/EQF Level 8 as a Doctoral Level under international education standards. See more details: HERE

All qualification recognitions, top-ups, or transfers under the Swiss and UK education systems are subject to the specific policies of the receiving institution or relevant authority — verification should be conducted in advance where applicable.

Yes.

• SIMI Swiss provides consular legalization services for its qualifications. See more HERE.
• OTHM offers an online qualification verification system via QR Code. See more HERE.
• The UK Department for Education confirms that OTHM qualifications (including those bearing the SIMI name) are officially recognised by the UK Government and mapped to RQF Level 8 / SCQF Level 12 / CQFW Level 8 (Doctorate Level)

Information relating to the programme, the qualification, its accreditation status, and any associated recognition frameworks is derived from official publications issued by the UK Government, statutory regulatory authorities, and other competent bodies. All information is accurate as of the date of publication; however, it may be amended, revised, or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, pursuant to updates in applicable policies, regulations, or statutory instruments.

Although recognition, cross-recognition, and equivalency frameworks are established on transparent, objective, and verifiable criteria, each country, ministry, governmental department, professional body, or receiving institution retains sole discretion and full adjudicatory authority to determine whether a qualification is recognised, accepted, or deemed equivalent under its internal regulations and legal jurisdiction. Accordingly, learners bear full responsibility for verifying recognition requirements directly with the relevant authority or institution before relying on the qualification for any legal, academic, or professional purpose.

In accordance with principles of transparency and jurisdictional compliance, SIMI Swiss, UKeU®, OTHM, and all related parties do not make any commitment or representation regarding qualification recognition, equivalency, immigration status, or professional licensing in any country, ministry, department, or regulatory body.

This information is provided to ensure accuracy and transparency in public communication, consistent with international standards and best practices in academic disclosure.