PhD in Economics, part-time.
In this discipline, leadership experience is not a detour but raw material. The key is to turn an observation from practice into a research question that stands up to the current state of research, and to secure the data to support it.
Depending on the faculty, the doctoral degree in economics is awarded as Dr. rer. pol., Dr. rer. oec., Dr. sc. oec. or as a PhD. For working professionals, the research topic usually arises from their own professional practice, for example in strategy, management accounting, human resources or organisation. A sound theoretical framework and access to data – which must be clarified in writing before the project begins – are crucial.
How a sound topic emerges
Good topics arise when you observe something that the literature has not yet explained: a management problem, a causal relationship that looks different in theory than it does in a company, or a tool whose benefits no one has reliably measured.
The step from observation to research question is the most difficult. ‘How can we improve our succession planning?’ only becomes a doctoral thesis when it develops into a general question about conditions, effects or mechanisms. The key tests: Would the answer be of interest to someone who does not know your organisation? And can it be substantiated with a reasonable amount of effort?
Typical fields for part-time theses include organisation and leadership, controlling and management, human resources, the digitalisation of business models, sustainability reporting and behaviour in markets.
What the methodology requires
In the field of economics, the theoretical framework underpins the work. It determines which variables are relevant and how you interpret the results. If you collect data without a framework, you produce data without interpretation, and this is precisely what stands out during the assessment.
Quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods – anything is possible. The choice depends on the research question, not on personal preference. Check early on which methods are standard at your target faculty: a department with a strong quantitative focus will evaluate an interview study differently from an institute for organisational research.
Those working quantitatively should clarify their identification strategy and approach to dealing with bias at an early stage. A design that claims causality but only demonstrates correlation will be corrected in the peer review at the very latest.
Admission and requirements
The faculty’s doctoral regulations are binding. Institutions in this subject area regularly check the following points:
The typical hurdles
Without written authorisation for data collection and publication, your work will come to a standstill later on. This needs to be sorted out before you start designing your research, not afterwards.
A good analysis is not the same as a dissertation. It needs to be linked to the academic debate and identify a proven research gap.
Can be refreshed, but not as an afterthought. Anyone working quantitatively should set aside a specific block of time for this in their first year.
A main question with a few sub-questions takes you further than a catalogue that can’t be worked through at any stage.
What the degree means in your career
In consultancy, association work and supervisory bodies, the degree serves as proof of professional depth, particularly where third parties make decisions about you without knowing you. In operational line roles, the effect is less pronounced and usually only becomes apparent when there is a change of role.
Regardless of this, the work itself has an impact: anyone who spends three years working systematically on a single question will argue differently afterwards. Many report that this becomes apparent in committees and negotiations sooner than the title does.
How we support you
We refine the research question, test it against the current state of research, scrutinise the methodology for feasibility, analyse the PhD regulations of your target faculty and facilitate contact with a supervisor. We align the timetable with your actual schedule.
You write the thesis yourself. The university alone decides on admission, examination and the award of the degree. All the institutions we work with are listed in anabin with H+ status.
Frequently asked questions.
What degree will I receive in economics?+
Depending on the faculty, this will be Dr. rer. pol., Dr. rer. oec., Dr. sc. oec. or a PhD. The title is determined by the doctoral regulations.
Can I carry out research within my own company?+
Yes, this is common. The requirements are written authorisation for data use and publication, and a research question that goes beyond the individual case.
Do I need a Master’s degree in Economics?+
Generally, a relevant degree is required. For degrees in unrelated subjects, faculties often require additional coursework in methodology and theory.
Is a DBA the same as a doctorate?+
No. The DBA is an independent, practice-oriented doctoral degree. Whether and how it may be awarded in Germany depends on its origin and the procedures involved.
How much statistics do I need?+
As much as your research question requires. A sound knowledge of statistics is essential for quantitative research designs; qualitative research, on the other hand, requires methodological rigour in other areas.
Can I complete a PhD on a cumulative basis?+
At many faculties of economics, yes – through several peer-reviewed papers. The eligibility criteria are set out in the doctoral regulations.
How do I find a suitable faculty?+
Through the publications on your topic. Researchers working in this field will be able to contextualise your research question and assess whether it is viable.
Related.
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