MA in Business Research
Turn professional experience
into research-informed practice.
A supervised applied research degree connecting management challenges with rigorous inquiry, an embedded Licentiate in Research and a pathway towards applied doctoral study.
Program Facts
The Master of Arts (MA) in Business Research at Monarch Switzerland is a fully online, part-time research master’s programme offered through Monarch Business School, with a standard duration of 24 months. Designed for professionals and aspiring researchers, it enables advanced research study alongside a career without the need to relocate.
- Institution
- Monarch Switzerland
- Department
- Monarch Business School
- Award
- Master of Arts (MA) in Business Research
- Study Mode
- Fully Online
- Standard Duration
- 24 Months
- Study Format
- Part-Time
- Designed For
- Professionals and Aspiring Researchers
- Residency
- No Relocation Required
- Language
- English
- Institution Location
- Switzerland
An extended-duration pathway is available. Completion depends on research progress and fulfilment of the programme’s academic requirements.
Connect managerial experience
with disciplined inquiry.
The Master of Arts (MA) in Business Research develops the methodological grounding, analytical capability and reflective judgement needed for research-informed professional practice.
Candidates learn to translate organisational challenges into structured research questions, interpret evidence and connect theoretical insight with managerial application. Supervised inquiry strengthens the capacity to design, conduct and communicate ethically grounded research within professional settings.
A stand-alone research qualification.
A foundation for applied doctoral study.
The MA sits at the intersection of academic inquiry and professional application. It supports managers, professionals and aspiring researchers in developing confidence in research design, scholarly writing and evidence-based reasoning.
The embedded Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.) recognises successful presentation and defence of the thesis. Monarch’s approach draws on European traditions of progressive research formation, including the Lizentiat and Diplôme d’Études Approfondies.
Build evidence-informed insight
for organisational practice.
Applied research design
Translate practical management challenges into clear research questions and coherent studies linking academic rigour with professional relevance.
Analytical reasoning
Critically examine organisational issues, evaluate evidence and develop reasoned insights for leadership, strategy and improvement.
Organisational interpretation
Use qualitative and interpretive perspectives to connect lived experience with reflective analysis and managerial understanding.
Research communication
Produce clear, well-documented research reports, briefs and arguments for academic and professional audiences.
Ethical inquiry
Respect participants, confidentiality and organisational contexts, while reflecting on the implications of findings for stakeholders.
Research-informed practice
Apply research insights to managerial decision-making, organisational learning and reflective professional development.
Doctoral preparation
Develop the conceptual and methodological readiness to frame applied research problems and engage constructively with supervisors.
Four stages from a practical question
to defended research.
Faculty supervision and structured milestones guide the development of an applied master’s-level study. Progress depends on meeting the academic requirements of each stage.
Build foundations
Study research philosophy, management theory and applied research design. Develop a clear understanding of organisational context and problem formulation.
Design the inquiry
Prepare the formal research proposal, defining objectives, methods and ethical considerations. Faculty approval precedes supervised research.
Develop the thesis
Conduct the approved study, analyse evidence and integrate findings with management theory and practice. Submission and approval of the thesis lead to the MA award, subject to requirements.
Present your findings
Following written thesis approval, present and defend the work before an academic committee. Successful defence leads to the Licentiate in Research.
Applied scholarship.
Defended research competence.
Master of Arts (MA)
The MA in Business Research is conferred upon successful submission and approval of the thesis, recognising methodological competence, analytical reasoning and applied research capability.
Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.)
The embedded Lic.Res. follows successful presentation and defence of the thesis before an academic committee, demonstrating the ability to explain and justify the research and its practical implications.
A pathway to applied doctoral study.
Graduates who successfully complete the Lic.Res. are eligible to enter Year 2 of Monarch’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Leadership (DOL), subject to administrative approval.
The MA may also be completed as a stand-alone professional research qualification. Admission or recognition at other institutions is subject to their own requirements.
Practical relevance.
Scholarly discipline.
Applied orientation
Transform managerial and organisational problems into structured studies that connect theory with professional practice.
Individual mentorship
Faculty supervision offers methodological guidance, feedback and support for ethical, coherent research.
Flexible professional format
Study remotely and asynchronously with structured milestones, balancing independent research and professional commitments.
Research interests
Bring a relevant organisational or management question. Topic, scope and methods are refined with faculty for master’s-level study and supervisory fit.
Defence experience
Build confidence in presenting findings, justifying methodological choices and engaging in academic dialogue.
Research community
Participate in Monarch’s research culture, with optional access to periodic doctoral workshops in Switzerland.
No relocation is required. Study is fully remote, while optional workshops provide additional opportunities for scholarly exchange and research support.
Professional perspective.
Analytical potential. Research curiosity.
Applicants normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in business, management or a related field. Candidates from other disciplines with strong analytical or problem-solving capability are also considered.
- Professional experience is not mandatory, although relevant managerial or professional backgrounds are valued.
- The Admissions Committee reviews academic qualifications, research potential and experience, and may request an interview or supplementary documentation.
- Successful applicants enter as MA Candidates in Business Research and are assigned faculty supervision.
- Admissions are rolling, with programme starts on the first day of each month, subject to admission.
Who should apply?
Managers and professionals seeking stronger research capability, graduates preparing for applied doctoral study, consultants, analysts and educators, and those developing evidence-based approaches to organisational practice.
Choose a pace that fits your commitments.
Standard pathway
The standard duration is 24 months of part-time study, with progress dependent on research development and academic requirements.
Extended pathway
The 48-month pathway offers a longer schedule for candidates balancing research with professional and personal responsibilities.
Duration is not a guarantee of completion or a tuition cap. Current tuition, payment and continuation arrangements apply during active registration. Confirm the applicable conditions with Admissions before enrolling.
What question will shape
your scholarly journey?
Build the research skills, intellectual confidence and methodological foundations to take your inquiry further.