

PHD-DOCTOR-OF-PHILOSOPHY in Art Design at Chitkara University


Patiala, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Art & Design at Chitkara University Patiala?
This Art & Design PhD program at Chitkara University focuses on advanced research, critical inquiry, and innovation across diverse design disciplines. It aims to cultivate design leaders and academicians equipped to address complex challenges within the evolving Indian creative industries and global design landscape, fostering original contributions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in art, design, or related fields aspiring to academic research or leadership roles in design innovation. It suits individuals keen on deep scholarly investigation, professionals seeking to contribute theoretical or practical advancements, and those aiming for a significant impact in design education or industry R&D.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect esteemed careers in academia as professors or researchers, lead design teams, or establish their own design consultancies in India. The program equips them for roles in design strategy, innovation management, and cultural institutions, commanding competitive salaries and shaping the future of Indian art and design.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Research Methodology and Proposal Development- (Coursework Phase (typically Semester 1-2))
Thoroughly engage with the ''''Research Methodology'''' coursework, focusing on crafting a robust research proposal. Utilize university library resources, academic databases (e.g., Jstor, Scopus, Web of Science), and attend workshops on research proposal writing and literature review, seeking continuous supervisor feedback.
Tools & Resources
University Library, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, ResearchGate, PhD supervisors
Career Connection
Essential for a strong thesis, securing research grants, and demonstrating foundational academic rigor, crucial for future academic or R&D roles. It builds the analytical skills demanded by research careers.
Engaging with Departmental Research Seminars and Peer Groups- (Coursework Phase to First Year End (Semester 1-2))
Actively participate in departmental seminars, present preliminary research ideas, and engage in constructive discussions. Form a peer study/discussion group with fellow PhD scholars to share progress, challenges, and receive feedback, fostering a collaborative research environment and sharpening critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Online collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Meet), Peer networks
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, critical thinking, networking within academia, and exposes to diverse research perspectives, vital for academic conferences and team-based industry research.
Early Identification of Key Research Gaps and Supervisor Alignment- (Coursework Phase to First Year End (Semester 1-2))
Work closely with your assigned supervisor to identify significant research gaps within your chosen Art & Design domain. Dedicate extensive time to in-depth literature review to pinpoint areas for original contribution, ensuring your research is innovative, relevant, and impactful for the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor meetings, Academic journals, Research databases (e.g., Google Scholar)
Career Connection
A well-defined and original research problem leads to a stronger thesis and increases the likelihood of high-impact publications, enhancing academic reputation and research funding prospects.
Intermediate Stage
Cultivating a Strong Research Writing and Publication Habit- (Second to Fourth Year (Semesters 3-8))
Regularly dedicate time to writing research papers and submitting to reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals or conferences relevant to Art & Design. Focus on clarity, academic rigor, and originality, treating each publication as a step towards your final thesis and building a strong portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, LaTeX/Overleaf, Journal/conference submission guidelines, University publication support cells
Career Connection
Builds a strong publication record, crucial for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles in India and abroad, and establishing expertise in the field. Publications are key for academic progression.
Participating in National/International Conferences and Workshops- (Second to Fifth Year (Semesters 3-10))
Present your research findings at relevant academic conferences and actively participate in workshops focused on advanced research methodologies or specific Art & Design sub-fields. This broadens your academic network, exposes you to current trends, and gathers valuable feedback for your research.
Tools & Resources
Conference proceedings platforms, Travel grants (from university/UGC), Professional body memberships (e.g., Design History Society)
Career Connection
Enhances visibility, hones presentation skills, facilitates networking with potential collaborators and employers, and keeps research current, which is vital for academic and industry leadership roles.
Developing Interdisciplinary Research Skills and Collaborations- (Second to Fifth Year (Semesters 3-10))
Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with other departments (e.g., Engineering for design technology, Humanities for critical studies, Management for design strategy). This expands your research scope, provides novel perspectives, and addresses complex real-world problems.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental research groups, University research hubs, Collaborative project platforms
Career Connection
Develops a versatile skill set, highly valuable in complex problem-solving roles in industry R&D, innovation consulting, and opens pathways to broader academic opportunities and cross-functional teams.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Fourth to Sixth Year (Semesters 7-12))
Focus intensely on drafting, refining, and structuring your doctoral thesis, ensuring it presents an original contribution to knowledge in Art & Design. Seek regular, structured feedback from your supervisor and engage in mock defense panels. Pay meticulous attention to coherence, argumentation, and adherence to university guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing workshops, University formatting guidelines, Professional editing services (if needed), Mock viva panels
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of the PhD, opening doors to all advanced career opportunities, demonstrating high-level research capabilities and the ability to articulate complex ideas.
Building a Professional Academic/Industry Profile- (Fifth to Sixth Year (Semesters 9-12))
Develop a strong online presence including an updated LinkedIn profile, academic social media (e.g., Academia.edu, ResearchGate), and a personal academic website showcasing your publications, research interests, and design portfolio. Network actively with senior academics and industry leaders at relevant events in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Personal academic website builders (e.g., Google Sites, WordPress), Professional networking events
Career Connection
Crucial for job searches, attracting collaborators, and establishing your professional identity for academic positions or high-level industry roles in India and globally. It enhances your discoverability and impact.
Exploring Post-Doctoral Opportunities and Grant Applications- (Fifth to Sixth Year (Semesters 9-12))
Actively research post-doctoral fellowships, research grants, and faculty positions relevant to your specialization, both in India and internationally. Begin preparing application materials well in advance of your thesis defense, tailoring them to specific institutional or funding body requirements.
Tools & Resources
Funding agency websites (UGC, DST, various international foundations), University career services, Research grant writing workshops
Career Connection
Securing a post-doc or research grant immediately after PhD provides continuity in research, enhances expertise, and is a strong stepping stone to permanent academic positions or advanced R&D roles in design innovation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA, or an equivalent professional degree. Candidates must also qualify the Chitkara University Research Entrance Test (RET) or be exempted (e.g., UGC NET/CSIR JRF/GATE qualified).
Duration: Minimum 6 months (post-coursework) to Maximum 6 years (for thesis submission and defense)
Credits: 8 credits (for mandatory coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified




