PhD in Economics
Understand the ideas that shape economies.
Contribute new perspectives to the debate.
Explore economic theory, the history of economic thought and the institutions that shape prosperity. Develop an original scholarly contribution through sustained inquiry, critical interpretation and individual faculty supervision.
Program Facts
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics at Monarch Switzerland is a fully online, part-time doctoral programme offered through Monarch Global Research Institute, with a standard duration of 36 months. Designed for experienced professionals and aspiring researchers, it enables doctoral study alongside a career without the need to relocate.
- Institution
- Monarch Switzerland
- Department
- Monarch Global Research Institute
- Award
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics
- Study Mode
- Fully Online
- Standard Duration
- 36 Months
- Study Format
- Part-Time
- Designed For
- Experienced Professionals and Aspiring Researchers
- Residency
- No Relocation Required
- Language
- English
- Institution Location
- Switzerland
This doctoral program may be completed fully online, including the doctoral defence. No relocation is required. Candidates may select an in-person doctoral defence when offered by Monarch.
An extended-duration pathway is available. Completion depends on research progress and fulfilment of the programme’s academic requirements.
Look beyond the model.
Examine the thinking behind it.
Economics is also a way of understanding society: how value is defined, resources are allocated and choices shape collective welfare.
Monarch’s PhD in Economics places economic theory, historical analysis, philosophical inquiry and ethical reflection at the centre of doctoral study. Candidates examine how economic ideas emerge, evolve and influence institutions, public policy and social development.
The programme supports the candidate as a reflective scholar and public thinker. Its purpose is an original contribution to knowledge—not simply the application of an established model. Research connects conceptual rigour with the human consequences of economic reasoning.
A research doctorate with a distinct focus.
This is a theoretically and interpretively oriented PhD, rather than a programme centred solely on technical modelling. Methods are selected to fit the research question; historical, comparative, institutional and other appropriate approaches may be used with faculty approval.
Develop an independent economic voice.
Critically engage with theory
Examine classical, institutional, behavioural and heterodox traditions, and assess the assumptions underpinning economic arguments.
Interpret institutions and policy
Evaluate how governance, political economy and institutional structures influence economic outcomes, equity and long-term welfare.
Design rigorous inquiry
Develop a coherent research question, conceptual framework and methodology suited to a defensible doctoral investigation.
Examine ethical consequences
Analyse the social, environmental and moral dimensions of economic decisions, including sustainability and economic justice.
Make an original contribution
Synthesise evidence and theory into a dissertation that advances understanding within a clearly defined research domain.
Communicate scholarly insight
Strengthen academic writing, reasoned argument and the ability to contribute to research, policy discussion and public understanding.
Bring a question that deserves deeper examination.
Potential domains include the following. The final topic, scope and research design are refined with faculty supervision and depend on academic approval and supervisory fit.
Development and institutions
Examine the ideas and institutional arrangements shaping development, inclusive growth and economic transformation.
Public policy and political economy
Explore how economic reasoning informs policy, governance, resource allocation and public choices.
Economic thought and history
Investigate the evolution of economic concepts and the philosophical foundations of competing schools of thought.
Labour and social change
Study the relationship between work, institutions, distribution and changing social or economic conditions.
Monetary and financial systems
Interrogate the conceptual and institutional foundations of money, finance and economic stability.
Innovation and global economic relations
Explore economic change, innovation and the relationships linking national economies within a wider political economy.
From a significant question to an original contribution.
Structured supervision and academic review guide each stage. Progress depends on meeting the academic requirements of each milestone.
Build foundations
Develop research skills, academic writing and an understanding of the philosophy and history informing economic inquiry.
Shape the proposal
Refine the question, review the literature and establish the intended contribution and methodology. Proposal approval precedes the research phase.
Examine the evidence
Critically analyse economic texts, historical sources, policy documents or other appropriate evidence. Interviews may inform the inquiry where relevant.
Develop the dissertation
Bring theoretical insights and findings into a coherent manuscript demonstrating originality, methodological discipline and critical argument.
Present the contribution
Defend the dissertation before the academic committee, explaining its reasoning, findings and contribution to economic thought.
For those who want to deepen economic understanding.
Academics and educators
Researchers and lecturers seeking deeper engagement with economic theory, scholarly writing and independent inquiry.
Policy professionals
Advisers and analysts interested in the conceptual, ethical and institutional dimensions of economic policy.
Reflective professionals
Candidates with relevant preparation who want to examine economic ideas and their implications for organisations and society.
Serious scholarship alongside professional life.
Primarily remote, asynchronous study is supported by individual faculty supervision and access to Monarch’s research community. Optional workshops in Switzerland offer additional opportunities for scholarly exchange. Standard and extended pathways allow different study paces while retaining academic requirements.
Economic inquiry with development in view.
Dr. Emile Kemayou
PhD in Economics
Dr. Kemayou brought extensive experience in government, international development and multilateral policy institutions to his doctoral inquiry. His research examined economic dynamics in low-income and fragile-state environments, connecting economic analysis with policy interpretation and development outcomes across African contexts.
His story illustrates how professional experience can inform a substantive research question about institutions, stability and inclusive growth.
Recognise achievement. Preserve academic standards.
Master-in-passing
Candidates who successfully complete all doctoral requirements receive the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Business Research in passing upon conferral of the PhD.
Master-in-exit
Candidates concluding their studies before completion of the PhD may qualify for the M.Phil. in Business Research as a terminal award by submitting a completed five-chapter master’s dissertation and meeting the applicable academic requirements.
Academic preparation. Research potential. Supervisory fit.
Applicants normally hold a recognised master’s degree in economics, political economy or a related field, with a sound grounding in economic thought and the capacity for independent, critical research.
- A bachelor’s degree in economics with high academic achievement may be considered on the Dean’s recommendation where preparation is sufficient for doctoral study.
- Prior research, teaching or policy-analysis experience is advantageous, but is not required.
- The Academic Board reviews applications for readiness and alignment between proposed research interests and supervisory expertise.
- Admissions are rolling, with programme starts on the first day of each month, subject to admission.
Choose a pace that fits your commitments.
Standard pathway
The 36-month pathway offers the standard programme duration, with tuition assessed quarterly during active registration.
Extended pathway
The 60-month pathway spreads the same total scheduled tuition over a longer period, with lower periodic payments.
Monthly payment arrangements and continuation provisions are subject to Monarch’s current tuition policy. Additional time beyond the chosen pathway is governed by the continuation policy. Confirm current fees and conditions before applying.
What economic question will you take further?
Bring your experience, your intellectual curiosity and your commitment to rigorous inquiry. Begin a conversation about your place in economic scholarship.