Doctoral Research Programme
PhD · 120 ECTS
PhD Research. Contribute. Advance Knowledge.
A research-based doctoral programme for academically qualified candidates and experienced professionals ready to undertake original supervised research within their chosen field.
The La Xenia PhD
Your Research Defines the Programme.
The La Xenia PhD places the development and completion of an original piece of supervised research at the centre of the doctoral journey.
Unlike a traditional taught programme built around a sequence of general business subjects, your own research question, methodology and thesis provide the academic focus.
The first six months establish the methodological foundation for doctoral study. The following 18 months are dedicated to supervised research, thesis development, examination and defence.
Develop an academically rigorous investigation around an approved research question.
Progress through the research and thesis process with structured academic supervision.
Your specialisation develops through the approved research topic rather than a fixed taught specialisation.
Programme Details
Explore the PhD. One Section at a Time.
Select the part of the programme you want to explore.
Programme Structure
A Structured 2-Year Research Journey.
The PhD progresses from structured research preparation into substantive supervised research, thesis completion and final defence.
Research Methodology & Doctoral Preparation
Build the methodological foundation for doctoral research and develop your research interests into a structured PhD proposal.
30 ECTSSupervised Research, Thesis & Defence
Conduct the approved research, develop the thesis and progress towards examination and viva voce.
90 ECTSMonths 1–6
Build Your Research Foundation.
The first phase develops the methodological and academic capabilities needed to progress into independent doctoral research.
Develop your research problem, questions, objectives, scope and intended contribution.
Explore research philosophy and qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method and conceptual approaches.
Critically examine existing research, identify the research gap and develop an appropriate theoretical or conceptual framework.
Develop a coherent research design, sampling strategy and evidence-collection approach.
Prepare for research analysis while addressing ethics, integrity, data protection and responsible research practice.
Bring your research together into a complete PhD proposal for academic review and confirmation.
The Research Journey
From Research Idea to Doctoral Defence.
Research methodology, literature development, research design and doctoral proposal confirmation.
Advanced literature development, theoretical refinement and preparation for substantive research.
Undertake the approved research and build the evidence base required for your thesis.
Analyse evidence and develop findings in relation to your research questions and existing literature.
Integrate your research into a coherent doctoral manuscript.
Complete the thesis, respond to supervisory feedback and prepare for formal submission.
Submit your thesis, undertake the examination process and defend your research through the final viva voce.
Research Specialisation
Your Research Defines Your PhD.
The programme does not rely on traditional taught specialisation subjects. Your field develops through your approved research topic and doctoral thesis.
Research fields and individual topics are subject to academic approval and the availability of appropriate supervision.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your Previous Experience May Be Relevant.
Experienced candidates may already have significant academic, research or professional learning relevant to doctoral research.
Through the La Xenia APEL process, eligible prior learning and experience may be formally assessed against specified components of the research methodology phase.
Evidence may include previous postgraduate research, Master’s research, publications, substantial professional research projects and other documented research experience.
APEL does not replace the doctoral research, thesis or final viva voce. These remain core requirements of the PhD.
100% Online
Doctoral Research Without Relocating.
Undertake doctoral research without putting your professional career on hold.
The PhD combines independent research with structured academic support, allowing candidates to progress through their research journey from wherever they are based.
- Online research methodology activities
- Research and proposal development
- Individual academic supervision
- Documented progress reviews
- Digital research and thesis submission
- Online proposal defence and viva, subject to academic regulations
Admissions
Who Can Apply?
Applicants would normally be expected to hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification.
A recognised Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
An initial doctoral research concept or proposed area of research.
Sufficient English-language proficiency for doctoral research and thesis writing.
Admission is subject to academic eligibility, suitability of the proposed research and availability of appropriate supervision.
Institutional Quality
Accreditations, Certifications & Memberships.
La Xenia International Institute of Switzerland maintains an institutional framework of accreditations, certifications and memberships supporting quality, academic standards and international engagement.
La Xenia is also eduQua certified, Switzerland’s quality label for continuing education institutions.
PhD Admissions
Start with Your Research Idea.
Contact La Xenia to discuss your academic background, proposed area of research and potential eligibility for the PhD.
PhD · 2 Years · 120 ECTS
Turn Your Research Idea Into a Doctoral Contribution.
Speak with La Xenia about your research interests, academic background and the next steps towards beginning your PhD.