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Doctor of Philosophy in International Business

I always dreamt of studying at an European University and to undertake a Doctorate level program. The main problem I faced was that I wished to build my career and study at the same time and so I was searching appropriate opportunities for myself. I contacted more then 30 European Universities asking them about distance-learning opportunities, but none of them had proper options and there even was a period of time when I actually thought that it would be impossible for my dream to come true. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found “UGSM–Monarch Business School” in Switzerland. The microclimate of this University is built on a number of factors, such as: every supervisor is approachable and encourages you in everything you do, there is a full assistance while you are studying and if you are experiencing difficulties with the course you are always welcome to ask for help and, be sure, you will definitely get professional advice. Although the study process is challenging and demands a lot of time and dedication, it’s a unique opportunity to learn from leading Professors, who are sharing their experience with you generously and with no hesitation. That is why, choosing “Monarch” and joining the programme is definitely worth it: you’ll get both opportunity for professional development and a unique academic experience and at the same time.”

Anastasiia Lutsenko – D.Phil. International Business

Anastasiia Lutsenko

Program Identifier: DPHILIB
Program Start: Immediate-Rolling Admission

Alternative Programs
Students considering the Doctor of Philosophy in International Business & Relations program should also consider the Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Professional Studies or Doctor of Philosophy in Business Research programs.

Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in International Business & Relations degree, D.Phil.-IB, is the pinnacle degree for international business & relations research studies. The purpose of the D.Phil. is to provide the student with a solid grasp of all aspects of research in international business & relations at the doctoral level. Students pursuing this degree are interested in examining international business & relations problems from a theoretical perspective and are capable of carrying out independent research at a high level. Students entering this program have the intention of becoming professors within academic institutions or using their research skills within business, governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Program Start Dates
Students may start the program immediately upon acceptance.

Study Mode – Residential & International Mode

  • Residential
  • International (Remote-Study)

Explanation of Study Modes Here

All Doctoral programs are 36 months in duration. Enrolled candidates complete the program either in residence or remotely as an international student. All students complete the program using the state of the art Moodle Learning Platform under the supervision of the faculty and their dissertation supervisor. International students fall under the Symposium rule whereby the are expected to complete their residency requirement within scheduled symposiums. Symposiums are offered in Zug, Switzerland and Dubai, UAE. Additional symposium may be required by the administration depending on the performance of the candidate. All candidates are required to be on-campus for the final dissertation defense (viva voce).

Design
The D.Phil-IB is comprised of a research methodology course section taken immediately upon entry to the program. Once completed the student perfects his/her dissertation proposal for submission and acceptance within the first 3 to 6 months. Once accepted the student enters the dissertation phase of the program and works with his/her supervisor to complete the dissertation work. When the final draft of the dissertation has been approved by the student’s supervisor the student then submits the dissertation for evaluation. After the dissertation has been approved the student then presents the work in the form of a viva voce or committee defense required for the D.Phil. degree. The evaluation of this degree is 100% based on the quality of the final dissertation presented to the committee. Students have a limit of 60 months within which they must defend their dissertation in front of the committee.

Review The Comparison of the Various Programs Here

Dissertation
Each candidate is required to complete a dissertation that focuses on a topic of interest within the domain of management theory contributing to new knowledge in the field. Theses are typically between 100,000 and 140,000 words or 250 to 350 pages excluding exhibits, bibliography and appendices and must be in publishable form. The research methodology used within the thesis will be determined by the student as an outcome of the research methodology course.

ECTS & Hours of Study
The D. Phil in Business Research program accounts for 180 credits under the ECTS scheme, European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. The ECTS are split between the Research Methodology course component and the Dissertation preparation stages. Each ECTS represents 25 hours of study. Therefore, the program accounts for 4,500 hours of study. Though the allocated allotment of study hours may vary per student, the program design is based on the following:

View The ECTS-Hours of Study Program Comparison Sheet

Candidacy Phase: (10 Months)

  • Quantitative Research Methodology Module (15 ECTS; 375 hours)
  • Qualitative Research Methodology Module (15 ECTS; 375 hours)
  • Research Proposal Perfecting Module (20 ECTS: 500 hours)

Research Phase: (26 Months)

  • Phase 1: Literature Research and Design  (45 ECTS; 1125 hours)
  • Phase 2: Research & Data Collection  (45 ECTS; 1125 hours)
  • Phase 3: Final Preparation of Thesis (40 ECTS;  1000 hours)
  • Candidate Defends Dissertation in Committee (1 Day Event, Max 2 Hours, Obligatory)

The learning objectives of the program are specifically identified within the Research Methodology Research Proposal Perfecting Modules and pertain to the entire thesis preparation and defense.

Program Available To

  • Graduates from accredited M.Phil. in International Business programs with an average grade of B- or above.
  • Graduates from accredited Master of Commerce, MBA. M.Sc. in Administration programs or similar Master degree that has a substantial thesis component. Student must show an average of B- or above and be able to demonstrate the ability to complete high level academic research.
  • Honors Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Commerce students with first class honors may be granted admission on the prerogative of the Dean on a case-by-case basis.

Doctoral Transfers
DBA, Ph.D. or D.Phil. Candidates from other Universities may be eligible to complete their dissertation work at Monarch given that they meet the eligibility requirements. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis and candidates should contact the administration to inquire. There is a minimum 24 month stay in the program for doctoral transfer students.

Program Tuition
You may find download the tuition fee schemes here.

Tuition Payment Method
Tuition Fees are to be paid by international wire transfer.

Scholarship For Students Originating From Developing Countries
In order to help make available the opportunity to complete higher degrees for students originating from developing countries, as defined by the OECD, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty provides partial scholarships equivalent to 20% of the total standard program tuition. Eligible students must indicate their intention to request such tuition relief upon application to the program. The Dean Scholarship is available under the Distance Learning Option only. Please note that as a private university UGSM-Monarch Business School is not in a position to provide full scholarships as it does not receive support from government agencies.