A major emphasis of the Swiss Leading House VPET-ECON is the advancement of young researchers.

Young economists are offered a wide range of study and research options as they work through the structured doctoral program in the economics of education. Reputed international researchers are systematically integrated into course offerings. Through required courses in microeconomics, business economics, econometrics and institutional settings, doctoral students are introduced to current theories, empirical methods and themes relevant to the economics of education. In required elective courses, students learn about latest theoretical or methodological developments from the world’s experts in the respective field (for examples see list of previous courses below).

Doctoral students are also familiarized from the outset with current research projects in the field. This research is carried out within the framework of thematically specialized seminars or literature colloquia in which students discuss seminal and most recent publications with experts in the field of economics of education. Beyond that, students are expected to participate intensively in current research discussions. This is ensured by a regular research colloquium in which guest speakers - but also students or their tutors - present and discuss current research. To improve the networking effect, a number of courses are offered as off-site courses, giving students the possibility to discuss their work with internationally renowned scholars in a more leisurely atmosphere like for example a skiing trip.

The new Course Program of the Swiss Leading House VPET‒ECON, a research center on the Economics of Education, Firm Behavior and Training Policies, will start in the Spring term 2022. More information about the application can be found here.

The former course programs started in winter term 2006/2007, fall term 2009, fall term 2013, fall term 2015, fall term 2017, and fall term 2019 and consisted of four core courses and a variety of electives. For detailed information about the previous courses please visit the course archive and for a preview of the upcoming core courses please visit the current schedule.

General Structure of the Program:

Core Courses

Electives