University of the Commonwealth Caribbean Launches First Doctoral Degrees with Ministry of Labour and Social Security Endorsement
Photo 1: From Left: Dr. Audley Darmand, VP, Information & Communication Technology and Operations, UCC; Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP., Minister of Labour and Social Security and Professor Gyles, CD, President of UCC at the recent launch of the UCC Doctoral Programmes.
Kingston, Jamaica, June 2, 2025 — The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) has officially launched its highly anticipated Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Professional Practice (DPP) programmes, solidifying its role as Jamaica’s premier innovation-driven university and strengthening its contribution to national and regional development.
The launch event, held at UCC’s Main Campus in Kingston, was graced by the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP, Minister of Labour and Social Security, who delivered the keynote address and strongly endorsed the initiative.“We have to continue to foster innovation, to empower our people. And again, I want to say, a big, big congratulations to UCC, and a full endorsement from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,” Minister Charles declared. “The reality is, if we are going to equip our people to properly define the solutions that are going to assist this country and push this country, be the
wind beneath our wings, then advanced learning, higher learning is critical. And so we at the Ministry endorse it because we prioritize education and skills development as a means of ensuring Jamaica is globally competitive.”
Minister Charles further emphasized that the new doctoral offerings will play a pivotal role in shaping Jamaica’s labour market and economy by retaining top-tier talent, driving innovation, and boosting productivity across sectors.
UCC’s President, Professor Colin Gyles, CD, highlighted the significance of the launch, noting that it comes on the heels of UCC’s re-accreditation by the UK-based Accreditation Service for International Colleges and Universities (ASIC) and its recognition as a University by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) and the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC).
“Being re-accredited by ASIC and achieving University status recognition from the UCJ are powerful validations of our governance, our commitment to innovation, and our pursuit of world-class academic quality,” said Professor Gyles. “These recognitions reflect the calibre of our faculty, the resilience of our students, and the strength of our strategic vision.” He added, “These doctoral programmes reflect the direction in which UCC is growing — toward deeper research, more advanced scholarship, and broader national relevance. They will serve Jamaica and the Caribbean by cultivating the next generation of leaders in business, governance, health, and professional practice.”
Designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, the DBA and DPP programmes offer flexible, part-time structures ranging from three to seven years. They include structured support workshops, supervisory mentorship, and independent research aimed at producing transformational, real-world outcomes across industries.
This strategic academic expansion is aligned with UCC’s national development focus, as demonstrated by the recent opening of its Morant Bay Campus, praised by Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness as a crucial investment in regional educational access.
With five physical campuses across Jamaica and a robust online learning platform, UCC continues to set the benchmark for accessible, future-ready education.
Applications for the DBA and DPP programmes are now open, with classes scheduled to begin in October 2025. For more information, visit www.ucc.edu.jm or contact the Graduate Recruitment Office at graduaterecruitment@ucc.edu.jm.
Read the Jamaica Information Service article here.
Read Loop News article here.
Read Jamaica Observer article here.
