Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Business Research
A Dual-Award Pathway Cultivating Methodological Mastery and Doctoral Readiness
- PROGRAM DETAILS
- Academic Purpose
- Program Structure
- Program Features
- Learning Outcomes
- Admissions
- Tuition
- _
- RELATED PROGRAMS
- PhD in Business Research
- Doctor of Social Science
- MA in Business Research
- _
- APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS
- Online Application
- Admissions Contact
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Business Research represents a rigorous academic pathway within Monarch’s European research framework, designed for scholars who wish to advance their methodological competence and prepare for doctoral-level inquiry. The program emphasizes the independent development of research capability, scholarly reflection, and the critical evaluation of management theory — all essential foundations for advanced academic and professional practice.
Drawing upon the long-standing European tradition of the Lizentiat and Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA), the MPhil integrates Monarch’s distinctive Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.) as an embedded qualification. Rooted in the Swiss academic heritage, the Lic.Res. reflects the historic role of the Lizentiat as a formal certification of research competence and readiness for doctoral study. This dual-award structure affirms both methodological proficiency and conceptual mastery, ensuring that graduates possess the scholarly foundation required for admission to advanced research degrees within Monarch Switzerland or other research-oriented institutions.
Graduates who successfully complete the Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.) are eligible to matriculate directly into the second year of Monarch’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Social Science (DSS) programs, subject to administrative approval. This progression framework maintains academic continuity within Monarch’s integrated research pathway and mirrors the traditional Swiss model of sequential scholarly formation leading to the doctorate.
The MPhil in Business Research stands as a formal recognition of advanced research training and scholarly maturity within Monarch’s European academic tradition. The award affirms the candidate’s ability to design, articulate, and defend original research, marking a pivotal stage in the intellectual progression from professional practice to doctoral scholarship and contribution to the evolving field of management studies.
Academic Purpose & Positioning
The MPhil in Business Research occupies a distinctive position within Monarch’s academic framework as the principal pre-doctoral qualification for advanced scholarly inquiry in management and organizational studies. It serves as both a terminal academic award in its own right and a foundational research degree for progression to the doctorate. The program reinforces Monarch’s mission to cultivate critical thinkers and methodologically grounded researchers capable of producing original, ethically responsible, and socially meaningful scholarship.
At the conceptual level, the MPhil bridges the transition from structured coursework at the master’s level to the independence required in doctoral research. Candidates are guided to move beyond knowledge acquisition toward knowledge creation, developing a critical understanding of research paradigms, philosophical assumptions, and design strategies that underpin qualitative and quantitative inquiry.
Academically, the degree confirms the holder’s mastery of advanced theoretical frameworks and research design competencies. Through the integrated Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.), candidates demonstrate both conceptual and methodological readiness for doctoral study, consistent with the historical European sequence leading from the Lizentiat to the full doctorate.
In this way, the MPhil embodies Monarch’s educational philosophy—where scholarly formation is progressive, reflective, and research-driven—ensuring that each stage of academic advancement is marked by a verifiable level of competence and intellectual maturity.
Program Structure & Progression Pathways
The MPhil in Business Research follows Monarch’s structured four-phase model of research formation, designed to replicate the traditional European path of scholarly progression. Each phase advances the candidate from guided preparation toward independent research, culminating in the formal presentation and defense of the thesis. The program is normally completed within 24 months of part-time study under faculty supervision, depending on the candidate’s pace of research and supervision schedule.
The MPhil is conducted under faculty supervision through Monarch’s asynchronous research framework, enabling professional scholars to integrate academic work with their ongoing responsibilities while maintaining high standards of methodological and conceptual rigor.
Preparatory Phase
Candidates undertake foundational study in research philosophy, methodology, and academic writing. The emphasis is on developing critical understanding of epistemological perspectives, research ethics, and the structure of scholarly argumentation. The outcome of this phase is the readiness to design and articulate an independent research project.
Proposal Phase
Candidates prepare the formal Monarch-styled Research Proposal, outlining the intended inquiry, conceptual framework, and methodological design. The proposal is reviewed by faculty supervisors for academic coherence and feasibility. The outcome of this phase is the approval of the formal Research Proposal. Candidate proceeds to supervised research.
Thesis Phase
Candidates conduct independent research based on the approved proposal. Faculty supervision focuses on methodological discipline, synthesis of findings, and scholarly writing. The completed thesis is submitted for internal evaluation. The outcome of this phase is the submission and approval of the MPhil Thesis and the conferral of the award of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Business Research.
Presentation & Defense Phase
Following written approval of the thesis, candidates present and defend their work before an academic committee. This presentation demonstrates the candidate’s analytical maturity, methodological competence, and ability to engage in scholarly dialogue. The outcome of the phase is the successful presentation and defense of the thesis resulting in the conferral of the award of Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.).
This structure mirrors the continental European academic tradition, where scholarly formation culminates not only in the submission of written work but in its public articulation and defense. The distinction between the submission of the thesis (awarding the MPhil) and the successful defense (awarding the Lic.Res.) ensures that graduates entering doctoral study have already demonstrated the critical and rhetorical competencies essential to doctoral success.
Program Features
The MPhil in Business Research distinguishes itself through a combination of academic depth, structural integrity, and continuity with the European model of scholarly formation. It is a complete research qualification that demonstrates independent thought, methodological precision, and professional relevance. Each feature of the program has been intentionally designed to support Monarch’s mission of producing reflective and capable researchers who can bridge theory and practice within complex organizational contexts.
The program’s defining characteristics include its dual-award framework, mentorship-based supervision model, and the formal defense component — all hallmarks of Monarch’s rigorous approach to academic formation. Collectively, these features affirm the MPhil’s position as a credible, respected, and distinctive pathway within the continuum of European higher education.
| Dual Academic Award | Graduates receive both the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.). The MPhil is conferred upon submission and approval of the thesis, while the Lic.Res. follows the successful presentation and defense of the work before an academic committee, certifying full pre-doctoral readiness (EQF Level 7). |
| Four-Phase Scholarly Structure | The program mirrors Monarch’s doctoral formation model with four progressive phases: Preparatory, Proposal, Thesis, and Presentation/Defense. This ensures consistent academic development and a seamless transition to doctoral-level research. |
| Defense-Oriented Culmination | The requirement of a formal thesis presentation and defense introduces candidates to the protocols of doctoral scholarship, developing skills in scholarly dialogue, critical justification, and academic debate within a structured committee setting. |
| European Academic Heritage | Rooted in the European research tradition of the Lizentiat, Doctorandus, and Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA), the M.Phil. upholds the principle of progressive scholarly certification prior to entry into full doctoral study. |
| Flexible Professional Format | Delivered asynchronously with structured milestones, the program enables working professionals to pursue advanced research while balancing academic and professional commitments, supported by continuous supervision and faculty engagement. |
| Pathway to Doctoral Study | The MPhil serves as a direct articulation route to Monarch’s PhD or DSS programs, with research completed during the MPhil forming a foundation for continued doctoral inquiry. Graduates of the program are able to matriculate directly to the second year of the PhD or DSS programs. |
| Scholarly Mentorship | Each candidate is guided by a supervisory team of faculty researchers and academic mentors who provide ongoing feedback, methodological guidance, and encouragement throughout the research process. |
Together, these features reflect Monarch Switzerland’s philosophy of pre-doctoral research education—one that blends methodological mastery with scholarly curiosity and professional relevance. Candidates completing the MPhil and the accompanying Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.) emerge as disciplined researchers, able to design, articulate, and defend coherent studies grounded in critical analysis and ethical awareness. The dual-award structure affirms Monarch’s commitment to cultivating reflective scholars who bridge theory and practice, demonstrating the intellectual maturity required for doctoral-level inquiry and meaningful contribution to the advancement of management thought.
Learning Outcomes
The MPhil in Business Research equips candidates with the methodological competence, analytical acumen, and ethical grounding required for advanced research and doctoral progression. Building on Monarch’s European academic tradition, the program emphasizes not only technical research proficiency but also the cultivation of intellectual independence, scholarly precision, and reflective inquiry. Graduates emerge as academically trained professionals capable of conducting meaningful research and contributing to the theoretical and applied understanding of management practice.
| Research Competence | Design and conduct independent research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies, demonstrating coherence between philosophical orientation, research design, and data interpretation. |
| Critical Analysis | Critically evaluate and synthesize management and organizational theories, identifying conceptual gaps and developing integrated perspectives that inform contemporary research questions. |
| Scholarly Writing & Communication | Produce academically sound, well-structured research documents that adhere to professional standards of argumentation, citation, and style, suitable for submission to peer-reviewed outlets. |
| Ethical and Reflective Practice | Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities in research design and implementation, reflecting critically on the implications of findings for organizations, stakeholders, and society. |
| Doctoral Readiness | Exhibit the intellectual maturity, methodological sophistication, and academic discipline required for admission to doctoral study, confirmed through the successful presentation and defense of the M.Phil. thesis and awarding of the Licentiate in Research (Lic.Res.). |
Together, these outcomes ensure that graduates of the MPhil in Business Research possess the scholarly capability and confidence to engage with complex managerial issues through rigorous academic investigation. The dual recognition of the MPhil and Lic.Res. certifies both theoretical and methodological mastery, establishing a clear bridge to Monarch’s doctoral programs. In doing so, the program exemplifies Monarch Switzerland’s belief that meaningful research arises from disciplined inquiry, ethical reflection, and a sustained commitment to advancing management thought within an interconnected global context.
Admission & Entry Requirements
Admission to the MPhil in Business Research is open to candidates who demonstrate the academic capacity, intellectual curiosity, and professional maturity necessary for advanced research study. Applicants are expected to hold at least a recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional qualification, reflecting Monarch’s commitment to accessible yet rigorous scholarly formation. The admissions process seeks individuals who value methodological rigor, ethical reflection, and the advancement of management understanding through disciplined inquiry.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in management, business administration, or a related discipline. Candidates from other academic fields demonstrating strong analytical or research potential are equally encouraged to apply.
Professional Experience
Although primarily an academic qualification, the M.Phil. favors candidates with relevant professional or managerial experience that enriches their research perspective and supports the practical application of scholarly inquiry.
Admission Evaluation
Admission decisions are based on academic record, research potential, and professional experience. All applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee, which may request additional documentation to assess readiness for research study.
Successful applicants are formally admitted as MPhil Candidates in Business Research and assigned a faculty supervisor to guide them through the preparatory and proposal phases. Upon enrollment, each candidate enters a structured pathway that integrates academic formation with the personal mentorship characteristic of Monarch Switzerland’s research culture.
Tuition
Tuition for the MPhil in Business Research has been designed to make high-quality research education accessible while maintaining Monarch’s commitment to academic rigor and supervisory excellence. The fee structure reflects the program’s flexible design, accommodating working professionals and international candidates pursuing pre-doctoral formation within the European tradition of research-based learning.
The total tuition for the MPhil in Business Research is €8,000 for the standard 24-month program, payable in quarterly installments of €1,000 per quarter. This tuition covers full academic supervision, research mentoring, access to Monarch’s digital resources, and participation in academic seminars during the study period.
Candidates requiring additional time beyond the standard duration may apply for a formal program extension. Approved extensions are charged at 50% of the standard tuition rate, equivalent to €500 per quarter. Extension approval is granted on an individual basis and must be academically justified through a revised research timeline endorsed by the supervisory team.
