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PHD in Social Work at Cochin University of Science and Technology
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Social Work at Cochin University of Science and Technology Ernakulam?
This Social Work PhD program at Cochin University of Science and Technology focuses on advanced research in social development, policy, and intervention strategies, crucial for addressing complex societal challenges in India. It aims to cultivate researchers who can contribute to evidence-based social work practices, policy formulation, and academic discourse, aligning with India''''s diverse social landscape and developmental goals. The program emphasizes critical inquiry and methodological rigor.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for experienced social work professionals, academics, and researchers holding a Master''''s degree in Social Work or allied fields, seeking to contribute original knowledge. It caters to those passionate about deep scholarly inquiry into social issues, aiming to lead research initiatives, influence policy, or teach at university levels, particularly those with a strong inclination towards impactful field-based research in the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as social scientists, policy analysts, research directors, academic faculty, or high-level consultants in governmental and non-governmental organizations across India. With potential starting salaries for PhD holders in academia or research roles ranging from INR 6-12 LPA, and significant growth opportunities based on experience and impact, graduates are poised to shape social welfare policies and drive community development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodologies- (Year 1)
Diligently engage with the coursework on research methodology, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative techniques, ethical considerations, and data analysis software. Practice writing literature reviews and research proposals.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, NVivo, R Studio, CUSAT Library databases (JSTOR, Scopus), NPTEL courses on research methods
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are fundamental for any research career, enabling design and execution of impactful studies in academia, policy think tanks, and NGOs.
Deep Dive into Social Work Theories & Concepts- (Year 1)
Actively participate in advanced social work theory seminars, critically analyzing different theoretical perspectives and their applicability to Indian social realities. Engage in discussions with faculty and peers to refine understanding.
Tools & Resources
Core social work textbooks, Academic journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Social Work), CUSAT Departmental seminars
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation is crucial for developing sophisticated research questions and contributing to theoretical advancements in the field, essential for academic and research leadership roles.
Proactive Thesis Topic Refinement & Guide Interaction- (Year 1)
Begin early engagement with your research supervisor to refine your broad area of interest into a specific, researchable thesis topic. Regularly discuss initial literature findings and potential research gaps.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, CUSAT faculty mentorship, Departmental research colloquia
Career Connection
Early topic finalization and strong mentor relationship are critical for efficient thesis completion and ensure the research aligns with impactful areas, increasing academic and professional relevance.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Extensive Literature Review and Gap Identification- (Year 2-3)
Systematically conduct comprehensive literature reviews using advanced search techniques. Focus on identifying significant research gaps in your chosen area, which will form the core contribution of your thesis.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CUSAT''''s digital library, Workshops on advanced literature searching
Career Connection
Mastering literature review skills is vital for developing original research and demonstrating expertise, a key attribute for research and academic positions.
Develop and Pilot Research Instruments- (Year 2)
Design and pre-test data collection instruments (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides) relevant to your research methodology. Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers to refine them before full-scale data collection.
Tools & Resources
Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Academic supervisors, Peer review groups within the department
Career Connection
Practical experience in instrument design and piloting enhances fieldwork readiness, a valuable skill for research positions in NGOs, government, and market research firms.
Participate in National/International Conferences & Workshops- (Year 2-4)
Present your research proposal or preliminary findings at relevant academic conferences and workshops. Network with researchers and gain exposure to current trends and feedback.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcement portals (e.g., SWA-India, international social work associations), CUSAT travel grants
Career Connection
Conference participation builds academic visibility, allows for critical feedback, and expands professional networks, essential for future collaborations and job opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Data Analysis & Interpretation- (Year 3-5)
Apply appropriate statistical or qualitative data analysis techniques to your collected data. Focus on robust interpretation of findings, linking them back to your research questions and theoretical framework.
Tools & Resources
Advanced training in SPSS/R/Python for quantitative analysis, ATLAS.ti/Nvivo for qualitative analysis, Statistical consultation services if available
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are highly valued across all sectors, enabling evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving, critical for leadership roles in research and policy.
Strategic Thesis Writing and Manuscript Preparation- (Year 4-6)
Systematically write and revise your thesis, adhering strictly to academic writing standards and CUSAT''''s guidelines. Aim to publish key chapters as research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, LaTeX, Academic writing workshops, Journal submission guidelines, CUSAT thesis formatting rules
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and publications enhance your academic profile, crucial for securing faculty positions, research grants, and demonstrating scholarly impact.
Proactive Viva-Voce Preparation and Career Planning- (Final Year (Year 5-6))
Prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce examination, anticipating potential questions and articulating your research contributions clearly. Simultaneously, actively engage in career planning, networking, and job applications.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with faculty/peers, CUSAT Career Guidance Cell, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), CV/Resume building workshops
Career Connection
Confident thesis defense secures the degree, while concurrent career planning ensures a smooth transition into the desired professional role, leveraging the advanced skills acquired.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Social Work or a cognate subject with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point-scale wherever the grading system is followed) from a recognized University. A relaxation of 5% of marks (from 55% to 50%) or an equivalent relaxation of grade shall be allowed for those belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories as per the decision of the Commission from time to time.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: 8 credits (for mandatory coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by course, typically 40-50%, External: Varies by course, typically 50-60% (end-semester examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWPHD C1 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and Paradigms, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Quantitative & Qualitative), Sampling Techniques and Ethics in Research, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Computer Applications in Research |
| SWPHD C2 | Advanced Social Work: Theories, Perspectives and Practices | Core | 4 | Historical and Contemporary Social Work Theories, Social Development, Human Rights and Justice, Advanced Intervention Models and Strategies, Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Professional Ethics and Values in Social Work Practice, Emerging Issues and Trends in Social Work Research |
