.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Sociology at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Sociology at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College Unnao?
This PhD in Sociology program at Dayanand Subhash National Post Graduate College, Unnao, affiliated with CSJMU Kanpur, focuses on advanced sociological theory, research methodology, and empirical studies to address complex societal issues. Given India''''s diverse social fabric and rapid transformations, the program provides a critical lens to analyze social structures, inequalities, and development challenges within an Indian context. It emphasizes independent research, fostering original contributions to the field and addressing pressing social questions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students in Sociology or related social science disciplines who aspire to academic careers, advanced research roles, or leadership positions in social development organizations. It attracts individuals with a strong theoretical foundation, a keen interest in empirical social research, and a commitment to contributing to social knowledge in India. Professionals in public policy, NGOs, or social research institutions seeking to deepen their analytical skills and engage in impactful research will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as university professors, independent researchers, policy analysts, or consultants for government bodies and international organizations in India. With a robust understanding of Indian society, they are well-equipped to undertake large-scale social surveys, develop evidence-based policies, and contribute to public discourse. While salary ranges vary widely, an entry-level academic researcher might earn INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals potentially reaching INR 10-20 lakhs or more, depending on institutional and organizational roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Advanced Research Methodology- (Coursework Semester)
Dedicate significant time during coursework to deeply understand quantitative and qualitative research designs, data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo), and statistical concepts. Actively participate in methodology workshops and seminars.
Tools & Resources
CSJMU PhD Course Work Syllabus, Advanced textbooks on social research methods, Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL) on statistics/qualitative analysis, SPSS/R/NVivo tutorials
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are crucial for designing rigorous studies, securing research grants, and producing high-quality publishable work, essential for academic and research roles.
Extensive Literature Review and Research Gap Identification- (Coursework Semester & first 6-12 months of research)
Undertake a comprehensive review of existing literature in your chosen area of sociological inquiry. Systematically identify research gaps, unanswered questions, and theoretical lacunae to formulate a compelling and original research problem. Engage with faculty mentors early on.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), Google Scholar, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), CSJMU PhD Ordinance, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Developing the ability to critically review literature and identify research gaps is fundamental for thesis development and demonstrating intellectual contribution, crucial for academic and policy-oriented roles.
Cultivating Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Ongoing throughout coursework and early research)
Regularly write short academic papers, review articles, and practice presenting your nascent research ideas to peers and faculty. Seek constructive feedback to refine your academic writing style, clarity, and oral communication skills.
Tools & Resources
University writing center (if available), Academic writing guides, Departmental seminars, Mock presentations, Feedback from supervisor/peers
Career Connection
Effective communication of complex research findings through written publications and oral presentations is vital for academic publishing, conference participation, and teaching careers.
Intermediate Stage
Engaging in Fieldwork and Data Collection with Ethical Rigor- (Months 12-30 of PhD)
Meticulously plan and execute your primary data collection, whether through surveys, interviews, ethnography, or other sociological methods. Ensure strict adherence to research ethics, data privacy, and obtaining necessary institutional approvals. Maintain detailed field notes.
Tools & Resources
Research Ethics Committee guidelines, University''''s research methodology support, Data collection tools (e.g., ODK, SurveyMonkey, voice recorders), Transcription software
Career Connection
Hands-on experience with ethical data collection and fieldwork is invaluable for becoming an accomplished social researcher and gaining credibility in academic and non-academic research positions.
Presenting Research at National/Regional Conferences- (Months 18-36 of PhD)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national or regional sociology conferences, seminars, or workshops. This helps in networking, receiving feedback from a wider academic community, and refining your arguments.
Tools & Resources
Conference call-for-papers announcements (e.g., ISA, Indian Sociological Society), Departmental travel grants, Faculty connections
Career Connection
Conference presentations build academic reputation, provide networking opportunities for future collaborations or post-doctoral positions, and strengthen the publication pipeline.
Building a Strong Mentoring Relationship- (Throughout the entire PhD program)
Regularly interact with your supervisor, discuss challenges, seek guidance on theoretical frameworks, methodological issues, and career planning. Proactively engage in departmental activities and connect with senior researchers.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled meetings with supervisor, Departmental research colloquia, University research support services
Career Connection
A strong mentor provides invaluable guidance, opens doors to opportunities, helps navigate academic politics, and is crucial for successful thesis completion and future career trajectory.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Thesis Writing and Chapter Development- (Months 36 onwards, until submission)
Approach thesis writing systematically, setting clear chapter-wise deadlines. Focus on developing a coherent narrative, rigorous argumentation, and clear articulation of your original contribution to sociological knowledge. Aim for publication-quality chapters.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing workshops, Academic writing software (LaTeX, MS Word advanced features), Grammar/plagiarism checkers (Turnitin, Grammarly), Peer review groups
Career Connection
A well-structured, theoretically sound, and empirically rich thesis is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, opening doors to post-doctoral research, faculty positions, and influential research roles.
Preparing for Viva Voce and Manuscript Submission- (Final 6-12 months of PhD)
Thoroughly prepare for your thesis defense (viva voce) by anticipating questions, practicing presentations, and understanding the nuances of your research. Simultaneously, work on converting thesis chapters into publishable journal articles.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with faculty/peers, Detailed review of thesis, Understanding journal submission guidelines, Feedback from supervisors
Career Connection
A successful viva marks the culmination of the PhD. Publications stemming from the thesis are critical for building an academic CV, securing faculty positions, and establishing research authority.
Networking and Post-PhD Career Planning- (Final year of PhD)
Actively network with senior scholars, potential employers, and alumni in your field. Explore diverse career paths beyond academia (e.g., policy, social impact, data analysis). Prepare your CV/resume tailored for specific job applications.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Alumni networks, LinkedIn, Professional associations (Indian Sociological Society), Academic job portals
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking during the final stages of PhD significantly enhance job prospects in a competitive market, whether in academia, policy, or research organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Sociology or a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled candidates), qualifying university entrance test (RET) or UGC NET/JRF/SLET.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: 12 (for coursework, total PhD credits for entire program are not specified in the found source) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for coursework papers), External: 70% (for coursework papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Social Research, Research Design and Hypotheses, Sampling and Data Collection Methods, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Research Ethics and Report Writing |
| PHD-RLE | Review of Literature and Research Ethics | Core | 4 | Techniques of Literature Review, Identifying Research Gaps and Questions, Understanding and Preventing Plagiarism, Principles of Research Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights in Research |
| PHD-DS-SOC | Discipline Specific Elective (Sociology) | Core | 4 |
