The University College of Management Studies (UCOMS) evolved out of the Institute of Management Studies(IMS), a Tutorial College which prepared students for professional qualifications (certificates) in Marketing (Chartered Institute of Marketing - CIM), Accounting (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - ACCA) and Purchasing and Supply (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply - CIPS). Students have since 1978 been taking United Kingdom external examinations in these professions.

The Institute has had accreditation from the National Accreditation Board in the country for its programmes.These are heavily subscribed.

With that rich experience in professional education, it was not too difficult to convert its courses into degree programmes which have been approved by the National Accreditation Board (NAB).

The College is now running two (2) parallel programmes: the professional and degree programmes; students can register in either of the programmes. The College is also offering non-tertiary programmes.

These are the Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) and Inter Link, an Examination Body of the United Kingdom for students with lower qualifications.