Doctor of Philosophy research degreeEQF / MQF Level 8 qualification levelEight phases from intent to conferralDistance learning research-based delivery
What this doctorate is for
Analyze the reciprocal forces between political institutions and economic systems.
An interdisciplinary field connecting economics, politics, public policy, institutions, development, trade, inequality, and the distribution of resources and power.
An interdisciplinary field connecting economics, politics, public policy, institutions, development, trade, inequality, and the distribution of resources and power.
Research territories
Where an original political economy contribution can begin.
These source-grounded areas demonstrate the breadth of possible inquiry. They are not prescribed dissertation titles.
01
The Political Economy of Climate Change Policy
If you choose to specialise in the political economy of climate change policy, you'll investigate the economic and political factors which influence the adoption and effectiveness of climate change policies. You'll analyze the role of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and nation-states in shaping global climate agreements. This analysis will aid in your study the economic impacts of climate policies on different sectors and regions, particularly in developing countries.
02
Economic Inequality and Political Stability
When you conduct research into economic inequality and political stability, you'll have the opportunity to examine the relationship between these two factors and how they function within various countries. You'll use the political theory expertise that you have gained to explore how income and wealth disparities influence political behavior, voter turnout, and policy preferences, as well as investigating the role of redistributive policies in mitigating political unrest and fostering social cohesion.
03
The Political Economy of Trade Agreements
If your research interests lie in the political economy of trade agreements, you'll analyze the economic and political drivers behind the formation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. This analysis will form the basis for your study into the impact of trade agreements on domestic economies, labor markets, and economic institutions, and allow you to explore the influence of lobbying and interest groups on trade policy decisions.
04
Public Sector Reforms and Economic Development
If you choose to direct your research into public sector reforms and economic development, you'll investigate how the changes and reforms made by those working in the public sector will impact the economic and political development of regions and nations. You'll study the effectiveness of different reform strategies, such as privatization, deregulation, and decentralization, in improving public sector efficiency. To carry out this research, you'll examine case studies of countries that have undergone significant public sector transformations.
05
Political Economy of Health Care Systems
When choosing to study a PhD in Political Economy, you'll have the opportunity to explore the economic and political determinants of health care system design and performance across different countries. This will involve the analysis of the impact of health care policies on economic outcomes, such as labor productivity, income distribution, and poverty reduction. You can also choose to investigate the role of political institutions and interest groups in shaping health care reforms and policies.
Questions worth carrying
A viable doctorate begins with a problem that stays important under scrutiny.
Q01
How do political incentives shape economic rules and distribution?
Q02
Which institutional reforms improve development and public performance?
Q03
How do trade, inequality, and policy alter political stability?
Professional relevance
What advanced research authority can enable.
A doctorate strengthens research credibility and subject-matter authority. It does not guarantee a specific role, regulated right, promotion, or career outcome.
01
University Professor
Join the ranks of other faculty members and each political economy, economics, political science, or other academic units at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
02
Research Fellow
Work at research institutions or think tanks to conduct in-depth studies on political and economic issues, publishing papers, and contributing to academic knowledge.
03
Policy Analyst
Use your skills with comparative politics to analyze and develop public policies, advise government agencies on economic and political strategies, and assess the impact of these policies.
04
Economic Advisor
Work with governmental bodies to provide expertise on economic development policy, fiscal management, and economic development strategies.
05
Economist or Political Advisor
Utilise your skills with international relations to secure positions at international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations, or the World Trade Organization (WTO), where you will have the opportunity to analyze global economic and political trends and advise on international policies.
06
Development Consultant
Collaborate with international NGOs and development agencies to design and implement projects aimed at improving economic and political conditions in developing countries.
Formal PhD structure
Your field changes. The eight academic gates do not.
Political Economy research follows the same governed path of proposal development, supervision, transfer review, thesis examination, oral defence, and final conferral.
01
StageResearch intent
Turn an area of interest into an academically viable direction.
01
1,000-word Letter of Intent
Developing a Letter of Intent
Submit a Letter of Intent of around 1,000 words. It establishes the proposed field, research problem, initial relevance, and the candidate’s readiness to begin doctoral work.
02
Research proposal of around 3,000 words
Developing a Research Proposal
Develop the research direction into a proposal of around 3,000 words, clarifying the question, literature context, intended methodology, and potential contribution.
02
StageCandidacy
Test the proposal, confirm supervision, and formally enter the doctorate.
03
Committee presentation, interview, and Q&A
Research Proposal Interview
Present the proposal to the Doctorate Committee and respond to academic questions. The review tests coherence, feasibility, doctoral scope, and the candidate’s command of the proposed inquiry.
04
Approved title, supervisors, and timeframe
Commencement of Studies
Following approval, the title, supervisory team, and indicative timeframe are confirmed. The candidate formally enters supervised doctoral research.
03
StageResearch progression
Demonstrate doctoral progress and develop the original contribution.
05
MPhil-to-PhD transfer review
Transfer from MPhil to PhD Interview
Demonstrate sufficient progress, methodological clarity, and emerging contribution through the MPhil-to-PhD transfer review before proceeding to full PhD candidature.
06
Quarterly seminars, supervision, and thesis chapters
Writing of the Thesis
Develop the thesis through sustained supervision, formal progress reporting, doctoral seminars, chapter development, scholarly exchange, and relevant academic engagement.
04
StageExamination & award
Submit, defend, complete corrections, and pass final verification.
07
Thesis of around 100,000 words and oral defence
Submission of Thesis, Evaluation & Oral Defence
Submit a thesis of around 100,000 words to an appointed Board of Examiners. Complete the oral defence and address any revisions or corrections required by the examination process.
08
Corrections verified and degree conferred
Doctor of Philosophy degree is Conferred
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is conferred after the Board of Examiners confirms a successful outcome and all required corrections or amendments have been formally verified.
Clarify the route before you commit to the research.
What are the benefits of studying an online PhD in Political Economy?+
An online PhD in Political economy will allow you to study from anywhere, and fit your learning around your schedule and personal commitments. This makes online learning particularly beneficial for working professionals or those with family responsibilities. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, you will develop important skills in digital communication, time management, and self-discipline.
How do I know if a PhD in Political Economy is right for my graduate studies?+
A PhD in Political Economy is ideal for graduate students who have an interest in Interdisciplinary Research. You should consider whether your career aspirations align with the potential career paths of a political economy PhD, such as academia, policy analysis, government, international organizations, or consulting. It’s also beneficial for prospective students to have a strong foundation in the formal theory of political science, economics, or a related field, so before you apply, you should evaluate your previous academic and research experience to ensure you are prepared for the rigorous training and demands of the program.
How do I study a doctoral degree Political Economy online?+
You’ll identify a research topic, develop a dissertation proposal, and conduct original research under the guidance of your faculty advisor. Regularly communicate with your advisor and committee members for feedback and support. Take advantage of opportunities for online teaching assistantships and professional development workshops to gain teaching experience and build your academic profile. Finally you’ll write your dissertation, ensuring it meets the academic standards of your program, and then defend your research before a committee, which may also be conducted virtually.
This program is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority.+
Accreditation License Number 2019-014
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