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PHD in Social Work at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Social Work at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This Social Work PhD program at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) focuses on advanced theoretical understanding and rigorous empirical research in social welfare, policy, and practice within the Indian context. It prepares scholars to address complex societal challenges, contribute to evidence-based interventions, and shape policy, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement to foster impactful social change.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong background in social work or allied fields, seeking to pursue advanced research. It also suits working professionals in NGOs, government agencies, or academia who aspire to deepen their expertise, contribute original knowledge, and assume leadership roles in social development and policy formulation across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading researchers, academics, policy analysts, and social development practitioners in India. Career paths include university professorships, research positions in think tanks, senior roles in international development agencies, and social policy advisory roles. Potential salary ranges vary widely, but experienced PhD holders can earn INR 10-25 LPA in academia or research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with coursework on Research Methodology and Research Ethics. Focus on understanding diverse research paradigms, quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations crucial for social work research. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on research methods and platforms such as ResearchGate for foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Research Methods, ResearchGate, Academic Writing Workshops
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is critical for producing high-quality doctoral thesis work and future publishable research, essential for academic and research roles in India.
Proactively Engage with Research Supervisors- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a regular meeting schedule with your research supervisor from the outset. Actively seek feedback on literature reviews, concept notes, and research proposals. Discuss emerging social work research trends and potential areas for your thesis, ensuring alignment with your interests and supervisor''''s expertise.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled one-on-one meetings, Drafting research proposals
Career Connection
Effective mentorship is invaluable for navigating the complexities of PhD research, leading to a well-guided thesis and stronger academic networking for future opportunities.
Immerse in Social Work Literature- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond assigned readings, extensively explore contemporary and classical literature in social work, Indian social policy, and related disciplines. Utilize university library resources, JSTOR, and Google Scholar to identify gaps in research and refine your research questions. Participate in departmental seminars and presentations.
Tools & Resources
University Digital Library, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Departmental Seminars
Career Connection
A comprehensive understanding of the existing body of knowledge helps in developing original research contributions, a key requirement for a successful PhD and a research career.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Statistical/Qualitative Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Enroll in advanced workshops or online courses in data analysis software relevant to social work research, such as SPSS, R for quantitative analysis, or NVivo for qualitative analysis. This builds specialized skills beyond basic coursework. Look for workshops offered by other universities or research institutes in India.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R programming language, NVivo, MOOCs on Coursera/edX
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced data analysis tools significantly enhances research capabilities, making graduates highly competitive for research and data-driven roles in government and NGOs.
Network with Indian Social Work Scholars & Practitioners- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in national and international social work conferences, seminars, and workshops in India. Present your research work, engage in discussions, and connect with established scholars and practitioners. Join professional bodies like the Indian Association of Social Work Educators (IASWE) for broader exposure.
Tools & Resources
Academic Conferences (e.g., IASWE annual conferences), Professional networking events
Career Connection
Building a strong network provides opportunities for collaborations, mentorship, and invaluable insights into the Indian social work landscape, aiding future placements and research partnerships.
Draft and Refine Research Papers for Publication- (Semester 3-5)
Begin converting sections of your literature review, methodology, or preliminary findings into publishable journal articles. Target reputable peer-reviewed journals, especially those focusing on social work in India or South Asia. Seek supervisor feedback rigorously before submission.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Work), Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Publications are crucial for academic career progression and strengthening your research profile, demonstrating your capability to contribute original scholarship.
Advanced Stage
Present and Defend Research Progress- (Semester 5-6 (or beyond, leading to thesis submission))
Regularly present your ongoing research work at departmental colloquia, institutional review meetings, and external conferences. Actively solicit and incorporate feedback to strengthen your thesis arguments and prepare for the final viva voce. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Departmental colloquia, Mock viva sessions, Conference presentations
Career Connection
Refining presentation and defense skills is essential for successfully completing the PhD and for future roles requiring public speaking, lecturing, or policy advocacy.
Engage in Grant Writing and Project Development- (Semester 5-6 (or beyond, leading to thesis submission))
Explore opportunities to assist faculty members with grant applications or develop small-scale research proposals. Understanding the grant writing process is vital for securing funding for future independent research projects, particularly in the Indian non-profit and research sectors.
Tools & Resources
Grant application guidelines (e.g., ICSSR, UGC), Faculty research projects
Career Connection
Developing grant writing skills is a significant asset for post-doctoral research, leading academic positions, or leadership roles in social development organizations.
Prepare for Post-PhD Career Transition- (Final year/leading up to thesis submission)
Actively explore academic job markets in India, preparing your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statements. Attend career development workshops focused on academic and non-academic roles for PhDs. Seek networking opportunities with potential employers or collaborators for post-doctoral work.
Tools & Resources
University Career Services, Professional CV templates, LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Strategic career planning in the final stages ensures a smoother transition into suitable academic, research, or policy-related positions post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Postgraduate degree (Master''''s Degree) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade B in UGC 7-point scale). A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is provided for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates as per UGC norms. Candidates with UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship holder/M.Phil. degree are preferred. Foreign nationals are also eligible under specific criteria.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-time) / Minimum 4 years (Part-time); Maximum 5 years (Full-time) / Maximum 6 years (Part-time)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 16 credits for the coursework component (typically completed within the first 1-2 semesters) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% for coursework papers, External: 50% for coursework papers
