Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations Theory

A Doctoral Program Dedicated to Advancing International Relations Theory

The PhD in International Relations Theory at Monarch Switzerland is a research doctorate dedicated to the rigorous examination, advancement, and refinement of the theoretical foundations underlying global political and economic interaction. The program is rooted explicitly in theory-building, conceptual analysis, and the intellectual traditions that shape scholarly understanding of the international system.

The program invites candidates to engage with international relations as a human and social science, investigating not simply what states, institutions, or actors do, but why they act as they do, how global structures acquire meaning, and how ideas, norms, identities, and power dynamics are produced, interpreted, and contested. Candidates critically examine the major traditions of international relations theory—realism, liberalism, constructivism, the English School, post-colonial approaches, critical theory, feminist IR, and emerging perspectives—while also developing the capacity to contribute new conceptual insight to these debates.

By foregrounding theoretical development, the PhD in International Relations Theory positions itself squarely within the intellectual heritage of political philosophy, sociology, international political economy, and historical inquiry. This orientation sets a unique tone for the Monarch program and ensures that candidates cultivate a scholarly identity focused on explanation, interpretation, and conceptual innovation.

The program is particularly suited to experienced professionals and scholars—such as management strategists, diplomats, analysts, NGO and IGO practitioners, military officers, political economists, and academics—who wish to move beyond descriptive or operational accounts of world affairs and instead explore the deeper intellectual architecture of international life. Through rigorous supervision, theoretical immersion, and structured milestones, candidates develop the capacity to articulate original, reflective, and critically engaged contributions to international relations theory.

Program Structure

The doctoral journey follows a clearly defined structure that reflects the intellectual progression of advanced theoretical inquiry in international relations. Each phase builds upon the last, guiding the candidate from broad theoretical orientation to the development, articulation, and defense of an original contribution to international relations theory. The structure integrates academic rigor, reflective analysis, and supervisory guidance while supporting candidates in developing an independent scholarly identity.

 

Preparatory Phase

The Preparatory Phase establishes the intellectual foundation required for advanced doctoral work in international relations theory. During this stage, candidates immerse themselves in the major traditions of international relations—including realism, liberalism, constructivism, the English School, critical theory, post-colonial perspectives, feminist IR, and emerging contributions—while strengthening their understanding of IR as a human and social science. Through directed reading, reflective study, and supervisory discussion, candidates learn to identify theoretical gaps, conceptual tensions, and unresolved problems within the discipline. This phase equips candidates with the interpretive and analytical competence necessary to refine their initial interests and transition confidently toward proposal development.

Proposal Phase

Building on the conceptual grounding achieved in the Preparatory Phase, candidates enter the Proposal Phase, where they begin shaping the architectural structure of their contemplated research. With guidance from a supervising professor, they define the theoretical problem they intend to address, clarify the concepts and traditions that will frame their analysis, and articulate the assumptions, scope, and limitations of their approach. The Proposal Phase culminates in the submission and approval of the formal Research Proposal by the Academic Committee. Approval signifies that the candidate has demonstrated sufficient theoretical maturity and that the project is viable, coherent, and aligned with the standards of doctoral-level scholarship.

Research Phase

The Research Phase marks the transition from planning to sustained theoretical inquiry. Unlike empirical or policy-oriented programs, this phase is characterized by deep engagement with conceptual debates, philosophical positions, and interpretive analysis central to international relations theory. Candidates refine their understanding of the traditions relevant to their work, confront competing arguments, and explore the philosophical, sociological, or historical foundations that underpin their field of inquiry. Throughout this stage, supervisory dialogue helps ensure that the unfolding theoretical argument remains coherent, rigorous, and grounded within the broader landscape of IR scholarship. The Research Phase concludes once the core structure of the candidate’s theoretical contribution has taken shape.

Dissertation Phase

The Dissertation Phase represents the synthesis of the doctoral process. Drawing together the insights developed during the research phase, candidates work to produce a complete, coherent, and original doctoral manuscript. This involves integrating the theoretical framework, conceptual analysis, and interpretive arguments into a structured narrative that reflects scholarly depth and intellectual independence. The dissertation must demonstrate a clear and persuasive argument, situate the candidate’s contribution within established debates in international relations theory, and articulate its relevance to global political and economic understanding. The supervisory process during this phase supports the refinement of the manuscript and ensures that the final text reflects the highest academic standards.

Presentation Stage

The final stage of the program culminates in the Viva Voce, the formal oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before the Academic Committee. At this stage, candidates must demonstrate their ability to present and defend their theoretical arguments, methodological reasoning, and scholarly significance within the context of established international relations literature. To support this process, candidates participate in the Presentation Preparation Module, which helps them refine their scholarly communication skills, anticipate academic critique, and articulate the broader implications of their theoretical contribution. Successful completion of the Viva Voce marks the conferral of the doctoral degree.

This structured progression ensures that each candidate develops the full range of theoretical, analytical, and interpretive competencies expected of a scholar in international relations theory. By the conclusion of the program, candidates will have produced an original, conceptually rigorous contribution to the field and demonstrated the reflective depth and critical sophistication that define advanced scholarly inquiry at Monarch Switzerland.

Key Program Features

•Milestone-based scholarly framework supporting structured theoretical development.
•Strong emphasis on conceptual, philosophical, and theoretical inquiry in international relations.
•Integrated dual-degree pathway culminating in the M.Phil. in Research.
•Close faculty supervision from senior scholars in international relations and political theory.
•Designed to accommodate working professionals, diplomats, military officers, analysts, and scholar-practitioners.
•Interdisciplinary orientation drawing on philosophy, political economy, sociology, and historical inquiry.
•Access to Monarch’s international scholarly community and global research platforms.

Program Features

The PhD in International Relations Theory at Monarch Switzerland is designed to cultivate deep conceptual insight, rigorous analytical reasoning, and a mature scholarly identity. The program’s features reflect Monarch’s commitment to individualized mentorship, theoretical excellence, and reflective inquiry within a flexible structure that supports working professionals. Each element reinforces the development of original theoretical contribution, intellectual autonomy, and the global awareness expected of scholars working within the field of international relations theory.

Scholarly FocusThe PhD emphasizes original theoretical contribution through advanced conceptual development and critical reflection on the ideas, structures, and interpretive frameworks that shape international relations. Candidates engage deeply with the foundational assumptions and evolving debates within IR theory.
Faculty SupervisionCandidates work under the close supervision of experienced scholars in international relations theory and related disciplines. Faculty guidance ensures conceptual rigor, coherence of argumentation, and the development of an independent scholarly voice throughout the research journey.
Flexible StructureThe milestone-based format accommodates working professionals, enabling candidates to progress steadily while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. The structure ensures clarity, predictability, and academic integrity across all stages of doctoral development.
Research PhaseDuring the research phase, candidates engage in sustained theoretical inquiry that refines and advances their conceptual contribution to international relations theory. The emphasis lies on interpretive analysis, comparative theoretical evaluation, and engagement with philosophical, sociological, and historical foundations that inform IR scholarship. The approach ensures that doctoral work remains intellectually rigorous, reflective, and grounded in the discipline’s core theoretical traditions.
Dual-Degree FrameworkThe program follows Monarch’s integrated degree structure, recognizing progression and completion through the
Master-in-Passing (M.Phil.) in Research and
Master-in-Exit (M.Phil.) pathways. These qualifications acknowledge mastery of theoretical reasoning, conceptual analysis, and scholarly synthesis achieved during doctoral study.
Global Research AccessCandidates gain access to Monarch’s international scholarly community, digital research platforms, global IR theory resources, and doctoral mentorship networks that support international academic engagement and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Together, these features embody Monarch Switzerland’s philosophy of doctoral education—one that unites independent theoretical inquiry with intellectual discipline and ethical purpose. Candidates emerge not only as scholars capable of producing original conceptual contributions, but as reflective thinkers prepared to influence academic debate and the broader understanding of global political and economic interaction.

Master-in-Passing

The PhD in International Relations Theory at Monarch 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, progression, and academic integrity within advanced management research.

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 framing, 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 wish conclude their studies prior to the completion of the PhD program for personal, professional, or research-related reasons may qualify for the M.Phil. as a terminal award by submitting a completed five-chapter master’s thesis. The M.Phil. in this form does not require an original contribution to knowledge, distinguishing it clearly from the doctoral award. Rather, it represents a complete and academically defensible qualification that affirms the candidate’s ability to conduct structured research and engage critically with management scholarship at a high level.

Through both the Master-in-Passing and Master-in-Exit pathways, Monarch Switzerland ensures that every candidate’s academic effort culminates in a meaningful qualification. This dual structure reflects Monarch’s commitment to combining scholarly excellence with human understanding, recognizing the diverse ways in which individuals contribute to the advancement of management knowledge.

Doctoral Research Philosophy

The PhD in International Relations Theory at Monarch Switzerland is grounded in the European tradition of critical reflection and conceptual scholarship. Research is understood as a sustained engagement with the ideas, assumptions, and interpretive frameworks that shape global political and economic life.

Candidates are encouraged to explore international relations as a human and social science,
seeking meaning in structures of power, identity, and discourse. Doctoral work in this program values intellectual autonomy, theoretical rigor, and interpretive depth.

Each candidate is supported in developing a distinctive scholarly voice capable of engaging realism, liberalism, constructivism, critical and post-colonial approaches,
and emerging perspectives in a reflective and responsible manner. The aim is to form scholars who can contribute original theoretical insight to international relations,
enriching both academic debate and the wider understanding of global order and change.

Admission & Entry Requirements

The PhD in International Relations Theory at Monarch Switzerland welcomes applicants who demonstrate strong intellectual capacity, rigorous academic preparation, and a commitment to theoretical inquiry within the social sciences. Admission to the program is selective and reflects Monarch’s expectation that doctoral candidates bring both scholarly readiness and a genuine interest in advancing the theoretical foundations of international relations.

Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, International Political Economy, Political Philosophy, Sociology, History, Security Studies, or a closely related field. Candidates whose prior degrees are not explicitly in International Relations may still be considered if they can demonstrate significant academic or professional engagement with theoretical, analytical, or conceptual work relevant to the discipline.

Successful applicants typically exhibit strong academic writing skills, the ability to engage with abstract and conceptual material, and the maturity required for independent theoretical research. Applicants should be prepared to articulate their broad area of interest within international relations theory while recognizing that formal proposal development occurs within the program under faculty supervision.

Professional experience in diplomacy, academia, policy analysis, NGOs and IGOs, military, political economy, or related strategic fields is considered an asset, although not strictly required. 

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.

Who Should Apply

• Experienced professionals seeking to deepen their scholarly orientation in international relations through conceptual and theoretical development.
• Diplomats, policy advisors, and strategic analysts who wish to engage with the deeper intellectual frameworks that shape global politics and world order.
• Military officers, security specialists, and geopolitical strategists seeking to reinterpret international relations through reflective, theory-driven inquiry.
• Professionals in NGOs, IGOs, humanitarian organizations, and global governance institutions aiming to contribute intellectual insight to international policy discourse.
• Academics and researchers who want to refine their theoretical foundations and develop original conceptual frameworks that advance IR scholarship.
• Individuals motivated to move beyond descriptive or operational accounts of world affairs and engage with the philosophical, historical, and sociological foundations of international relations.