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PHD in Analytical And Applied Economics at Cochin University of Science and Technology
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Analytical and Applied Economics at Cochin University of Science and Technology Ernakulam?
This PhD in Analytical and Applied Economics program at Cochin University of Science and Technology focuses on rigorous theoretical foundations, advanced quantitative methods, and their application to real-world economic problems. It equips scholars with sophisticated tools for policy analysis, empirical research, and academic inquiry, addressing critical economic challenges within the Indian context and globally. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to economic research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an MPhil or Master''''s degree in Economics seeking to pursue advanced research. It also suits working professionals from government, public policy think tanks, and research organizations aiming to deepen their analytical capabilities and contribute to evidence-based policy formulation, as well as faculty members aspiring to enhance their research credentials and academic careers in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as economists, research fellows, policy analysts in government bodies like NITI Aayog or RBI, and in leading academic institutions as Assistant Professors across India. Opportunities also exist in national and international research organizations, economic consultancies, and data analytics firms, with typical entry-level salaries ranging from INR 6-12 LPA, progressing significantly with experience and publications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic Theories and Research Methods- (Semester 1 (coursework phase))
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly understand advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and research methodology. Engage actively in coursework, review seminal papers, and build a strong foundation in statistical software like R or Stata early on. Utilize university library resources for foundational texts and research articles.
Tools & Resources
University Library Databases, R/Stata for data analysis, Textbooks on Advanced Micro/Macroeconomics
Career Connection
A robust theoretical and methodological foundation is critical for developing a strong PhD proposal, producing publishable research, and excelling in academic and research roles.
Cultivate Critical Literature Review Skills- (Semester 1 and early research phase)
Actively engage in reading and critically analyzing a wide range of academic literature pertinent to potential research interests. Attend departmental seminars and workshops to grasp current research frontiers. Practice synthesizing complex ideas and identifying research gaps to prepare for thesis proposal development.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Strong literature review skills are essential for defining a unique research problem, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and demonstrating intellectual independence, which are vital for academic positions.
Engage with Faculty and Peer Network- (Throughout the PhD program, especially during coursework)
Regularly interact with faculty members for guidance on coursework, research interests, and potential thesis topics. Participate in informal study groups and departmental discussions with peers. Seek mentorship and feedback proactively to refine your academic and research trajectory.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Faculty office hours, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network is invaluable for collaboration, receiving constructive criticism, and identifying future academic or research opportunities post-PhD.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (After coursework, typically Year 1-2)
Focus intensely on formulating a clear, concise, and original research proposal for your doctoral thesis. This involves defining the research problem, outlining methodology, and detailing expected contributions. Seek extensive feedback from your supervisor and research committee.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Previous successful PhD proposals (if available), Supervisor meetings
Career Connection
A strong proposal is the blueprint for a successful thesis and demonstrates the ability to conceptualize and execute independent research, a core requirement for research positions.
Acquire Advanced Econometric and Data Handling Skills- (Year 2-3)
Beyond basic coursework, specialize in advanced econometric techniques relevant to your research area (e.g., panel data, time series, microeconometrics). Gain proficiency in programming languages like Python for data manipulation, cleaning, and advanced statistical modeling. Explore big data tools if relevant.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX), Advanced econometrics textbooks, Python with Pandas/NumPy/Scikit-learn
Career Connection
Advanced quantitative skills are highly sought after by policy institutions, research organizations, and the private sector for empirical analysis and data-driven decision-making in India.
Present Research at Conferences and Workshops- (Year 2-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. This helps in refining your arguments, receiving feedback from experts, and establishing your presence in the academic community. Start targeting regional conferences first.
Tools & Resources
Conference call for papers websites, Departmental travel grants, Presentation software
Career Connection
Presenting research builds communication skills, expands your academic network, and adds credibility to your resume, crucial for academic job market success.
Advanced Stage
Prioritize Timely Thesis Completion and Publication- (Year 4-6)
Maintain a disciplined approach to writing and revising your thesis chapters. Aim to convert at least one or two thesis chapters into publishable journal articles. Focus on high-quality, impactful research that contributes significantly to the field of Analytical and Applied Economics.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing centers, Journal submission platforms, Peer feedback on drafts
Career Connection
A completed thesis and peer-reviewed publications are paramount for PhD graduation and securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, or senior research roles.
Engage in Teaching and Mentoring Activities- (Year 3-5)
Seek opportunities to serve as a teaching assistant or lecturer for undergraduate or postgraduate courses. This experience enhances pedagogical skills, reinforces your understanding of core concepts, and strengthens your CV for academic career paths. Mentor junior research students if opportunities arise.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistantships, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Teaching experience is a significant advantage for academic job applications and demonstrates leadership and communication abilities, highly valued in educational institutions.
Strategic Career Planning and Networking- (Year 4-6)
Begin formulating a post-PhD career strategy well in advance of graduation. Network actively with faculty, alumni, and professionals in your target sectors (academia, government, industry). Prepare your CV, cover letters, and research statements tailored to specific job applications.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Professional conferences and workshops
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking are crucial for identifying and securing suitable employment opportunities in a competitive job market within India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree in Economics or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade (B+), and typically a valid score in CUSAT Admission Test (DAT) or UGC-NET/JRF/GATE/M.Phil qualification.
Duration: Typically 3-6 years (coursework is 1 semester)
Credits: 12 (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (20% for continuous assessment + 20% for test papers), External: 60% (University Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECO 0101 | Research Methodology and Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Science Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Hypothesis Testing and Significance, Statistical Software Applications, Academic Writing and Ethics |
| AECO 0102 | Advanced Microeconomics | Core | 4 | Consumer Theory with Uncertainty, Theory of the Firm and Production, Market Structures and Pricing Strategies, General Equilibrium and Welfare, Game Theory and Strategic Interaction, Information Economics |
| AECO 0103 | Advanced Macroeconomics | Core | 4 | Theories of Consumption and Investment, Business Cycles and Economic Fluctuations, Monetary and Fiscal Policy Analysis, Open Economy Macroeconomics, Theories of Economic Growth, New Classical and New Keynesian Models |
