Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics

A Dual-Degree Doctorate Exploring Economic Theory, History, and Society

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics at Monarch Business School Switzerland is a research doctorate devoted to the study of economic theory, philosophy, and the evolution of economic thought. It is designed for candidates who seek to explore the conceptual foundations of economic systems and to examine how ideas about value, exchange, and development shape the organization of societies and institutions.

Monarch’s approach to doctoral study in economics emphasizes interpretive reasoning, historical context, and ethical reflection. The program invites candidates to investigate how economic theories emerge, evolve, and influence decision-making at both the policy and organizational levels. The emphasis of the program lies on theoretical synthesis and the exploration of economic ideas as instruments of human and social understanding.

Throughout the program, candidates are encouraged to engage with economics as a form of social commentary—using its frameworks to illuminate the advantages, trade-offs, and unintended consequences of economic systems and policies. Many of history’s most influential economists have occupied this role: scholars who bridge the gap between theory and public discourse, articulating how economic reasoning affects justice, sustainability, and human welfare. The Monarch PhD in Economics seeks to nurture this same tradition of economist as interpreter and public thinker. Grounded in the institution’s ethos of responsible scholarship and reflective inquiry, the program develops candidates capable of contributing to the ongoing conversation about the purpose and impact of economic activity.

Program Structure

The PhD in Economics at Monarch Business School Switzerland follows a clearly articulated structure designed to integrate theoretical depth, interpretive analysis, and ethical reflection. Each phase builds upon the previous, guiding the candidate from conceptual exploration to the synthesis and defense of an original doctoral dissertation. The progression emphasizes critical thinking, disciplined argumentation, and mastery of the philosophical and historical dimensions of economic thought.

This structured, mentor-guided approach strengthens methodological precision and interpretive coherence, ensuring that candidates develop the capacity to analyze, critique, and reframe established theories within the broader social and moral context of economics. Faculty supervision and institutional review accompany each milestone, safeguarding academic rigor while supporting the candidate’s intellectual independence.

The following phases outline the academic framework of the Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, detailing the pathway from initial preparation to the completion and oral defense of the doctoral manuscript before the Review Committee.

Preparatory Phase

The Preparatory Phase provides candidates with the conceptual and methodological grounding required for advanced research in economics. During this stage, candidates complete core Research Skills modules that address the philosophy of social science, qualitative and interpretive research design, academic writing, and the history of economic thought. The objective is to cultivate a broad understanding of epistemological traditions and critical reasoning approaches that inform theoretical economics.

Proposal Phase

Building upon this foundation, candidates enter the Proposal Phase, where they define their doctoral research question and theoretical framework. Under faculty supervision, candidates refine the scope, structure, and academic coherence of their proposed study. The proposal must demonstrate mastery of existing literature, identify conceptual gaps, and articulate the intended theoretical and ethical contributions to the field. Approval of the proposal marks formal entry into the doctoral research phase.

Research Phase

The Research Phase constitutes the central stage of doctoral inquiry. Candidates critically examine primary and secondary sources, including foundational economic texts, historical policy documents, and comparative frameworks across schools of thought. Inquiry may involve conceptual modeling, policy interpretation, or theoretical synthesis rather than empirical data collection.

To maintain relevance and intellectual grounding, candidates may also conduct interviews with economists, policymakers, or thought leaders whose insights illuminate the practical implications or contemporary resonance of the theoretical work. These engagements ensure that the doctoral research remains connected to the lived realities of economic practice while preserving its conceptual rigor.

Throughout this stage, candidates deepen their analytical and interpretive skills, testing ideas through scholarly dialogue, critical reflection, and peer-reviewed feedback. The process fosters intellectual maturity and ensures that each doctoral manuscript bridges the reflective and applied dimensions of economic understanding.

Dissertation Phase

The Dissertation Phase represents the culmination of the candidate’s research journey. Findings and theoretical insights are synthesized into a doctoral dissertation that advances understanding of economic reasoning, ethics, and policy interpretation. The work must evidence originality of thought, methodological discipline, and conceptual innovation—linking economic ideas to the broader human and social context.

Defense Stage

The program concludes with the candidate’s oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before the Academic Committee. This presentation synthesizes the research narrative, findings, and theoretical implications, evidencing scholarly depth, intellectual independence, and the contribution of new perspectives to the field of economic thought. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of economic theory, coherence of argumentation, and the relevance of their findings to contemporary policy and social discourse.

The structured progression of the PhD in Economics ensures that each candidate develops the full range of scholarly and analytical competencies expected of a research economist. By the conclusion of the program, candidates demonstrate mastery in theoretical reasoning, critical interpretation, and ethical reflection—skills essential to understanding and articulating the deeper forces shaping economic and social systems. Each graduate embodies Monarch’s vision of the economist as an interpreter of society: a reflective scholar capable of bridging economic theory and human experience to advance responsible thought, sustainable development, and public understanding.

Program Features

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics at Monarch Business School Switzerland is designed to cultivate scholars capable of deep theoretical reasoning, historical interpretation, and ethical reflection. The program’s features reflect Monarch’s commitment to academic rigor, individualized mentorship, and interdisciplinary engagement within the field of economic thought.

Structured for advanced researchers and reflective practitioners alike, the PhD encourages candidates to explore economics as both a theoretical discipline and a lens through which to interpret social and institutional change. Each element of the program strengthens the candidate’s ability to integrate conceptual analysis, philosophical insight, and practical understanding of the moral and societal dimensions of economic systems.

Theoretical and Historical Focus The PhD in Economics emphasizes original contribution to knowledge through the study of economic theory, philosophy, and the evolution of economic thought. Candidates explore the conceptual, historical, and ethical foundations of economic systems to understand how ideas about value, exchange, and policy have shaped modern societies.
Faculty Supervision Candidates are guided by experienced faculty and research supervisors who specialize in economic philosophy, history of economic thought, and social theory. Mentorship emphasizes critical reasoning, interpretive rigor, and responsible academic inquiry throughout the doctoral journey.
Flexible Structure The milestone-based format accommodates both academic and professional researchers, allowing candidates to progress at a manageable pace while engaging deeply with economic theory, history, and applied interpretation.
Research Phase During the research phase, candidates engage in sustained inquiry that connects economic theory to social and institutional realities. While grounded in theoretical development, the program promotes active engagement with contemporary issues through academic publication, conference participation, and dialogue with leading economists and policy thinkers. This ensures that doctoral research remains both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant.
Dual-Degree Framework The program incorporates Monarch’s integrated degree structure, recognizing progression and completion through the Master-in-Passing (M.Phil.) in Economics and Master-in-Exit (M.Phil.) pathways, affirming mastery of theoretical synthesis and critical interpretation within the economic and social sciences.
Global Research Access Candidates gain access to Monarch’s international research community, academic resources, and scholarly networks supporting global engagement in the study of economic thought and policy. The collaborative environment fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue and the exchange of ideas across cultures and institutions.

Together, these features embody Monarch’s vision of the economist as a reflective scholar and public thinker—one who unites theoretical insight, historical awareness, and ethical reasoning to illuminate the human dimensions of economic life. Graduates emerge prepared to contribute meaningfully to academic, policy, and societal discourse on the role of economics in shaping the future.

Master-in-Passing

The PhD in Economics at Monarch Business School Switzerland incorporates a flexible and academically rigorous framework that recognizes both progression and completion through the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Research. The M.Phil. serves as an integral element of the doctoral journey, reflecting Monarch’s commitment to accessibility, academic excellence, and intellectual integrity within the social and economic sciences.

Master-in-Passing (Default Award)

Candidates who successfully complete all doctoral requirements are automatically granted the M.Phil. in Research in passing upon conferral of the PhD. This recognizes mastery of research design, theoretical synthesis, and analytical competence achieved throughout the doctoral program, and affirms the integrated nature of Monarch’s dual-degree structure.

Master-in-Exit (Terminal Award)

Candidates who choose to conclude their studies prior to completing the PhD program may qualify for the M.Phil. in Research as a terminal award by submitting a completed five-chapter master’s dissertation. The M.Phil. in this form does not require an original contribution to knowledge but represents a complete and academically defensible qualification that affirms the candidate’s capacity for structured research, critical reasoning, and interpretive analysis at a high scholarly standard.

Through both the Master-in-Passing and Master-in-Exit pathways, Monarch Business School Switzerland ensures that every candidate’s academic effort culminates in a meaningful qualification. This dual structure reflects Monarch’s philosophy of doctoral education—uniting scholarly independence with ethical reflection and the advancement of knowledge for public understanding and responsible leadership.

Admission & Entry Requirements

Admission to the PhD in Economics at Monarch Business School Switzerland is based on academic preparation, intellectual maturity, and demonstrated research potential. Applicants are expected to possess a solid grounding in economics or a closely related discipline, reflecting the program’s focus on theoretical and conceptual inquiry.

Candidates must normally hold a recognized master’s degree in economics, political economy, or a related field, and demonstrate the capacity for independent, critical, and reflective research. Prior experience in research, teaching, or policy analysis is advantageous but not required.

Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in economics with a record of high academic achievement may also be considered for admission upon the recommendation of the Dean, where their preparation is deemed sufficient for doctoral-level study in theoretical economics and economic thought.

Applications are reviewed by the Academic Board to ensure alignment between each candidate’s proposed research topic and Monarch’s supervisory expertise. Successful applicants are expected to exhibit intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and a clear commitment to advancing understanding of economic ideas and their influence on society and policy.

Tuition

All doctoral programs at Monarch Switzerland follow a milestone-based structure designed to accommodate the research and writing demands of advanced professional and academic inquiry. Tuition is assessed on a quarterly basis for the duration of the candidate’s active registration in the program.

The quarterly tuition fee is €3,250, payable at the beginning of each academic quarter. Candidates may alternatively request a monthly payment schedule to facilitate financial planning and continuity of study. This approach ensures ongoing access to supervisory guidance, academic resources, and institutional services throughout the research process.

Candidates who require additional time beyond the standard 36-month duration may continue their registration on an annual extension basis at 50% of the regular tuition rate. This continuation rate applies for all subsequent 12-month periods, allowing candidates to complete their research and dissertation at their own pace while maintaining full academic standing.

Detailed information regarding tuition fees, administrative charges, and payment procedures is provided within the Application and Information Package, available upon request.