PhD in Leadership
A Doctoral Program in Leadership, Governance, and Organizational Inquiry
- MASTER PROGRAMS
- MPhil in Business Research
- MA in Business Research
- Executive MBA
- ADMISSIONS
- Online Application
- Admissions Contact
- DOWNLOADS
- Study Pathways
- Tuition Policy
The PhD in Leadership at Monarch Switzerland is situated within the PhD in Business Research framework and is designed for candidates who wish to engage in advanced research into leadership that is both theoretically grounded and relevant to complex organizational and societal contexts. It provides a structured academic environment in which leadership can be examined through interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives, allowing candidates to explore the human, ethical, and strategic dimensions of leadership across diverse settings.
The PhD in Leadership emphasizes conceptual development, theoretical engagement, and scholarly contribution. The PhD in Leadership is oriented toward advancing knowledge through rigorous academic inquiry, positioning candidates to contribute meaningfully to leadership theory, governance frameworks, and organizational understanding.
The program is grounded in the European research-degree tradition, emphasizing supervised inquiry, methodological rigor, and the production of original scholarly work. Candidates are expected to engage critically with leadership as a field of study, examining how leadership is constructed, interpreted, and enacted within institutional, cultural, and global contexts.
Through this process, candidates develop the capacity to analyze leadership not only as a practice, but as a complex and evolving phenomenon shaped by ethical considerations, cognitive processes, and systemic influences. The objective is to produce research that contributes both to academic discourse and to a deeper understanding of leadership in contemporary organizations and societies.
What You Will Archieve
| Mastery of Leadership Research Methods | Develop advanced qualitative and interpretive research competencies applied to leadership studies, including phenomenology, lived-experience inquiry, and reflective analysis aligned with European doctoral traditions. |
| Original Contribution to Leadership Theory | Produce a defensible and innovative theoretical contribution that advances understanding of leadership, governance, and organizational dynamics. |
| Advanced Academic Writing | Develop high-level academic writing skills enabling the production of coherent, analytically rigorous, and publication-ready scholarly work. |
| Leadership Theory–Practice Reflection | Learn to critically reflect on leadership practice through theoretical frameworks, strengthening the explanatory power and relevance of your research. |
| Critical Leadership Inquiry | Develop the ability to examine leadership, ethics, and organizational behavior through multiple interpretive frameworks and interdisciplinary perspectives. |
| Scholarly Identity in Leadership Research | Build an academic identity through engagement with Monarch’s global research community and opportunities for participation in the Monarch Research Paper Series (MRPS). |
| Independent Research Leadership | Cultivate the independence, reflective leadership capacity, and intellectual confidence necessary for long-term scholarly contribution within leadership and governance domains. |
Program Structure of the PhD in Leadership
The PhD in Leadership at Monarch Switzerland follows a structured and progressive research pathway designed to support candidates from initial concept development through to the completion of a doctoral dissertation. The program is grounded in the European research-degree tradition and emphasizes supervised inquiry, methodological rigor, and the production of original scholarly work.
The doctoral journey is organized into a sequence of clearly defined stages, each building upon the previous to ensure the development of intellectual depth, analytical capability, and research independence. The sequence of phases aligns with the research competencies articulated in the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) for advanced study, supporting the development of high-level analytical skills, independent inquiry, and scholarly contribution.
Preparatory Phase
The Preparatory Phase establishes the foundation for doctoral study, equipping candidates with the skills and conceptual grounding required for independent research. During this stage, candidates complete a series of Research Skills Courses that cover research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, academic writing, critical thinking and the philosophy of science. These courses are designed to build both methodological competence and critical awareness, preparing candidates to engage thoughtfully with academic literature and theoretical frameworks.
Research Foundations & Skills Development
The program begins with a period of research foundations and skills development, during which candidates establish a strong grounding in research methodology, academic writing, and conceptual inquiry. Particular emphasis is placed on qualitative and interpretive approaches, including phenomenology and lived-experience research, in alignment with Monarch’s research philosophy. During this phase, candidates begin to explore leadership as a field of inquiry, identifying areas of interest and engaging with relevant theoretical frameworks that will inform the direction of their research.
Research Proposal Development & Approval
Candidates then progress to the formulation of a formal research proposal structured in accordance with Monarch’s research model. This stage requires the articulation of a clearly defined research problem situated within the domain of leadership, supported by an appropriate theoretical and conceptual foundation. Candidates are expected to demonstrate methodological coherence and to clearly articulate the assumptions, limitations, and delimitations that frame their inquiry. The proposal undergoes formal academic review and must be approved before candidates advance to the dissertation phase.
Supervised Doctoral Research
Following proposal approval, candidates undertake supervised doctoral research under faculty guidance. This phase is characterized by sustained engagement with leadership theory and interdisciplinary perspectives, alongside the iterative development of the dissertation. Candidates progressively refine their analytical arguments and theoretical positioning while demonstrating increasing independence in their research. Regular academic dialogue with supervisors ensures that the research remains focused, coherent, and aligned with doctoral-level expectations.
Dissertation Development
The dissertation phase represents the culmination of the doctoral journey. Candidates develop a comprehensive research manuscript that reflects conceptual clarity, methodological rigor, and a clearly articulated scholarly contribution to the field of leadership. The work is refined through successive drafts and critical feedback, ensuring alignment with Monarch’s academic standards and the expectations of the European research tradition.
Final Review & Academic Contribution
Upon completion, the dissertation undergoes formal evaluation as part of the final review process. Candidates are encouraged to position their work within the broader academic community, including opportunities for publication, contribution to the Monarch Research Paper Series, and presentation within academic and professional forums. This final stage marks the transition from doctoral candidate to independent researcher, capable of contributing meaningfully to leadership scholarship and intellectual discourse.
The structured progression of the PhD in Leadership ensures that each candidate develops the full range of scholarly, methodological, and analytical competencies expected of a doctoral researcher within the field of leadership studies. By the conclusion of the program, candidates demonstrate mastery of independent inquiry, critical reflection, and theoretical analysis, contributing original insights to the understanding of leadership, governance, and organizational dynamics. In doing so, they embody Monarch Switzerland’s commitment to advancing ethical, reflective, and research-driven approaches to leadership and scholarly excellence.
Request Information
Have questions about this doctoral program? Our Admissions Office is available to assist.
Program Delivery & Admissions
- Delivery Mode: Online / Hybrid
- Format: Flexible / Asynchronous
- Admissions: Rolling Admissions
- Start Date: 1st of Each Month
- Pace: Standard & Extended Paths
- On-Site Workshops: Optional
- Location: Switzerland
Academic Foundations of the PhD in Leadership
The PhD in Leadership at Monarch is grounded in rigorous scholarly inquiry into leadership, governance, and organizational dynamics, emphasizing original contribution, methodological integrity, and reflective engagement with complex human, organizational and institutional phenomena.
| • | Milestone-based doctoral framework supporting independent scholarly inquiry |
| • | Requirement for original theoretical or conceptual contribution to leadership and governance |
| • | Integrated M.Phil. dual-degree pathway |
| • | Close and continuous faculty supervision throughout the research process |
| • | Emphasis on ethical, responsible, and reflective leadership scholarship |
| • | Participation in Monarch’s global research and scholarly community. |
Flexible Doctoral Structure for Professional Scholars
Monarch’s doctoral programs are intentionally designed for working professionals, combining academic rigor with a flexible, hybrid study structure that supports sustained progress and successful completion.
| • | Designed specifically for working professionals balancing full-time responsibilities |
| • | Hybrid doctoral modality: primarily remote study with optional on-campus scholarly workshops |
| • | Rolling admission with no fixed start dates |
| • | Milestone-based progression rather than semester lockstep |
| • | Ongoing remote access to academic supervision and research platforms |
| • | Extended duration (part-time) pathways with reduced periodic tuition |
| • | Continuation periods @50% fees available when additional time is required. |
Open Research Domains
| • | Monarch welcomes doctoral research across all professional and academic domains. Candidates are not limited to predefined topics or subject lists. |
| • | Your research interest whether emerging, interdisciplinary, or highly specialised will be developed, refined, and academically aligned during the Research Proposal phase. |
| • | Faculty mentorship ensures that your chosen domain supports both doctoral-level rigor and professional relevance, enabling a high-impact applied or theoretical contribution. |
Program Features
The PhD in Leadership at Monarch Switzerland is designed to provide both intellectual depth and conceptual clarity within the field of leadership studies. The program’s features reflect Monarch’s commitment to individualized mentorship, academic rigor, and scholarly excellence within a flexible structure that supports working professionals. Each element of the program reinforces the development of independent research capability, ethical awareness, and global perspective expected of doctoral scholars engaged in leadership inquiry. As distinct from the Doctor of Leadership (DOL), which emphasizes applied practice, the PhD in Leadership is oriented toward theoretical development and scholarly contribution.
| Scholarly Focus | The PhD emphasizes original contribution to knowledge through advanced theoretical development and critical reflection on leadership, governance, and organizational dynamics. |
| Faculty Supervision | Candidates work under the close supervision of experienced researchers and senior academics, ensuring methodological depth and scholarly rigor throughout the research journey. |
| Flexible Structure | The milestone-based format accommodates working professionals, allowing candidates to progress at a manageable pace while maintaining professional commitments. |
| Research Phase | During the research phase, candidates engage in sustained inquiry and critical reflection that connects leadership theory to broader organizational and societal contexts. While grounded in theoretical development, the program promotes active engagement with contemporary leadership challenges through academic publication, conference participation, and dialogue with scholars and practitioners. This approach ensures that doctoral research remains both intellectually rigorous and contextually relevant, reflecting Monarch’s emphasis on responsible scholarship and reflective inquiry. |
| Global Research Access | Candidates gain access to Monarch’s international scholarly community, digital research resources, and doctoral mentorship network supporting global academic engagement. |
Together, these features embody Monarch Switzerland’s philosophy of doctoral education, one that unites scholarly independence with intellectual discipline and ethical purpose. Candidates emerge not only as researchers capable of producing original contributions to leadership scholarship, but as reflective thinkers equipped to critically engage with leadership, governance, and organizational challenges within complex global contexts.
Master-in-Passing
The PhD in Leadership at Monarch Switzerland incorporates a flexible and academically rigorous framework that recognizes both progression and completion through the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Business 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 Business 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.
Program Research Philosophy
The Monarch PhD in Leadership emphasizes independent scholarly inquiry grounded in the European tradition of critical reflection, theoretical contribution, and ethical engagement. Candidates are encouraged to examine leadership as a complex human, organizational, and societal phenomenon, seeking understanding that extends beyond technique or managerial application.
Doctoral research at Monarch values intellectual autonomy, methodological rigor, and interpretive depth. Each candidate is supported in developing a distinctive voice as a reflective scholar, one capable of advancing contemporary leadership thought through reasoned, ethical, and original insight.
Admission & Entry Requirements
Admission to the PhD in Leadership is selective and based on academic preparation, professional experience, and demonstrated research potential. Applicants must normally hold a recognized master’s degree or equivalent qualification and demonstrate the capacity for independent, critical inquiry. Prior research or publication experience is advantageous but not required.
Experienced professionals and leaders holding a bachelor’s degree, particularly where complemented by recognized professional leadership certifications or executive development programs, may also be considered for admission upon the recommendation of the Dean. In such cases, the candidate’s professional achievements, leadership experience, and record of responsibility must demonstrate sufficient equivalence for doctoral-level study.
Applications are reviewed by the Academic Board to ensure alignment between proposed research areas in leadership and Monarch’s supervisory expertise. Candidates are expected to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, maturity, and a clear sense of purpose in pursuing advanced scholarly inquiry within the field of leadership.
Tuition for the PhD in Leadership
All doctoral programs at Monarch Switzerland follow a milestone-based structure designed to support the research, writing, and analytical demands of advanced scholarly inquiry. Tuition is assessed on a quarterly basis for the duration of the candidate’s active registration, ensuring uninterrupted access to supervisory guidance, academic resources, and institutional support throughout the research process.
Extended Duration (Part-Time) Study with Reduced Periodic Tuition
Candidates may elect to pursue the PhD in Leadership through an extended duration (part-time) study pathway, which results in reduced monthly or quarterly tuition payments compared to the standard full-time study timeline, as total program tuition is distributed over a longer period. This option is designed for candidates balancing doctoral research with professional responsibilities, while maintaining full academic standing, identical supervision standards, and the same degree outcomes as the standard pathway.
Under the standard full-time study timeline (36 months), tuition is payable at €3,250 per quarter, with an optional monthly payment arrangement of €1,083 to support financial planning. Candidates electing the extended duration (part-time) pathway (60 months) benefit from a proportionally lower tuition structure, with quarterly payments of €1,950 or a monthly equivalent of €650, while retaining uninterrupted access to supervisory and institutional services.
Continuation Periods With Reduced Fees
Candidates who require additional time beyond the standard (36 months) or extended (60 months) study timelines may continue their registration under Monarch’s continuation policy, assessed annually at 50% of the regular tuition rate. This framework preserves academic standing and uninterrupted access to supervisors, research platforms, and administrative services while allowing candidates the necessary time to complete their dissertation responsibly and at an achievable pace.
Detailed information regarding billing cycles, payment procedures, and administrative policies is provided in the official Application and Information Package, available upon request.
The global tuition table for all programs may be viewed here.
Who Should Apply
The Monarch PhD in Leadership welcomes reflective professionals and academics who wish to deepen their understanding of leadership as a scholarly field and contribute to its ongoing theoretical and conceptual development. Graduates emerge as thought leaders and researchers prepared to influence leadership thinking across academic, organizational, and societal contexts.
| • | Senior leaders and executives seeking intellectual renewal and deeper reflection on leadership practice |
| • | Academics pursuing advanced research and publication in leadership and organizational studies |
| • | Consultants, coaches, and advisors seeking to deepen their work through scholarly inquiry and critical reflection |
| • | Professionals currently holding leadership roles within business organizations, NGOs, IGOs, think tanks, consulting firms, and public or institutional environments |
| • | Military officers and leadership professionals operating in complex command and organizational structures |
| • | Scholars committed to ethical, reflective, and human-centered approaches to leadership research. |
Doctoral Graduate Profiles
Dr. Louise Delaney – Ireland
PhD in Business Research – Doctor of Leadership
Dr. Louise Delaney entered the doctoral program with more than twenty years of senior management experience in the multinational technology sector in Ireland. Her background includes leading high-performance sales, operations, and innovation teams within major U.S. technology subsidiaries—experience that provided a strong foundation for a research inquiry focused on leadership culture as a mediating factor influencing innovation in complex, fast-moving environments. Her dissertation, “Leadership Culture as an Antecedent to Innovation: A Qualitative Study of American Multinational Technology Subsidiaries in Ireland (2020–2024)”, employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to examine the lived experiences of leaders navigating innovation expectations under shifting organisational and global conditions.
The study integrated both primary and secondary data and articulated a multi-layered framework of structural, cultural, and adaptive enablers that support innovation capacity within U.S. technology subsidiaries operating in Ireland. Dr. Delaney’s research provides subsidiary leaders with a diagnostic tool to assess innovation readiness, offering clear guidance on how leadership culture can either catalyse or constrain innovation performance—insights that are increasingly vital as Ireland continues to position itself as a strategic hub for technology inward investment.
Drawing on her doctoral findings, Dr. Delaney now advises multinational subsidiary organisations on cultivating innovation cultures in the post-pandemic era, focusing on lived-experience data gathered directly from leaders in the field. Her work helps strengthen subsidiary thought-leadership and future-proof leadership practices amid height.