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PHD in Humanities at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Visakhapatnam?
This PhD in Humanities program at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) focuses on fostering advanced critical inquiry and original research across diverse humanistic disciplines. It emphasizes a rigorous academic approach to understanding culture, society, and human experience, preparing scholars to address complex societal questions with nuanced perspectives. The program is designed to cultivate deep analytical skills and contribute significantly to academic and public discourse in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates with a strong academic record in any humanities discipline, including English, History, Philosophy, or Sociology, who aspire to careers in academia, research, or policy analysis. It also caters to working professionals seeking to transition into scholarly roles or deepen their expertise for intellectual leadership within cultural and educational institutions across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as university professors, researchers, cultural critics, or policy advisors within think tanks and government bodies in India. They will be equipped with advanced research methodologies and critical thinking abilities, commanding competitive salaries (ranging from INR 6-15 LPA for entry to experienced academic positions) and influencing intellectual discourse in diverse Indian contexts, often aligning with national research priorities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Academic Writing- (Semester 1)
Dedicate intensive effort to understanding research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and academic integrity. Simultaneously, hone academic writing skills crucial for literature reviews, research proposals, and eventually thesis writing, leveraging GITAM''''s library and writing center resources.
Tools & Resources
GITAM Central Library, Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Strong methodological foundations are essential for successful research, securing grants, and publishing in reputable journals, critical for academic career progression.
Engage Deeply with Subject Specific Coursework- (Semester 1)
Utilize the ''''Subject Specific Course'''' to thoroughly explore the foundational theories and contemporary debates relevant to your chosen research area within Humanities. Actively participate in seminars and discussions to refine your research question and identify knowledge gaps, consulting with your supervisor regularly.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Departmental seminars, Supervisor meetings
Career Connection
A well-defined and theoretically grounded research problem is key to producing impactful original research, enhancing your profile for future academic roles.
Develop a Comprehensive Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, embark on an exhaustive and critical review of existing literature in your proposed research area. This involves identifying key scholars, theoretical paradigms, and methodological approaches, culminating in a structured literature review document or chapter, a core component of your thesis proposal.
Tools & Resources
Shodhganga (Indian theses repository), Google Scholar, ResearchGate
Career Connection
A robust literature review demonstrates scholarly depth and provides the intellectual scaffolding for your thesis, crucial for gaining acceptance and recognition in academia.
Intermediate Stage
Present Research at National/International Conferences- (Year 2-3)
Prepare papers or posters based on your literature review or early research findings and present them at national or international conferences. This builds presentation skills, allows for peer feedback, and expands your academic network, crucial for visibility in the Indian research landscape.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List journals, Academic conference calendars, GITAM Research Grants for presentations
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your CV, provide opportunities for publication, and establish your presence within the scholarly community, leading to collaborations and recognition.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 3-4)
Work diligently to transform your research findings into publishable articles. Aim for Scopus/WoS indexed or UGC CARE List journals relevant to your humanities discipline. Seek guidance from your supervisor for manuscript preparation and submission processes.
Tools & Resources
Journal Finder tools, Thesis committees for feedback, University research support cells
Career Connection
Publications are the cornerstone of an academic career in India, directly impacting eligibility for faculty positions, promotions, and research funding.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaboration- (Year 2-4)
Seek opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines within GITAM or external institutions, particularly on projects that benefit from a humanities perspective. This broadens your intellectual horizons and develops skills in cross-functional team research, increasingly valued in contemporary Indian academia.
Tools & Resources
Internal research groups, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between GITAM and other institutions
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary work expands your research portfolio, makes you a more versatile scholar, and opens doors to new funding avenues and research areas.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Year 4-5)
Systematically organize your research, write and refine your thesis with meticulous attention to detail, argumentation, and evidence. Practice your presentation and anticipate questions for the viva voce, engaging in mock defenses with your research committee and peers.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guidelines, Presentation software, Peer review groups
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the final academic hurdle, validating your research and enabling you to earn your doctoral degree, which is fundamental for any advanced academic or research role.
Network Strategically for Post-Doctoral/Faculty Positions- (Year 5-6)
Actively network with established scholars and departmental heads at various Indian universities and research institutions. Attend academic job fairs, utilize professional social media platforms like LinkedIn for academics, and tailor your applications to specific institutional requirements.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., University Grants Commission - UGC website), LinkedIn, Professional associations
Career Connection
Proactive networking is crucial for identifying and securing post-doctoral fellowships or faculty positions in India''''s competitive academic job market, often leading to early career opportunities.
Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Year 5-6 (concurrent with thesis submission))
Begin exploring and practicing the art of writing research proposals for external funding agencies such as ICSSR, ICHR, or international grants. Understanding project management is also vital for leading future research initiatives, positioning you as a research leader.
Tools & Resources
Funding agency websites (e.g., ICSSR, ICHR), University research and development cell for grant assistance, Online courses on project management
Career Connection
The ability to secure research grants is highly valued in academia, distinguishing you as an independent researcher and enabling you to establish your own research agenda and team.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree or M.Phil. with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade) from a recognized university. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently abled, EWS candidates. Admission through GITAM Admission Test (GAT) and interview, or direct interview for UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET/GPAT qualified candidates.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: 8 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD101 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory for all PhD candidates) | 4 | Introduction to Research and Ethics, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Research Report Writing and Presentation |
| PHD102 | Subject Specific Course (Humanities) | Core (Specific to candidate''''s research area) | 4 | Advanced Theoretical Frameworks in Humanities, Contemporary Debates in Literary/Cultural/Historical Studies, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Humanities Research, Review of Scholarly Literature in Humanities, Critical Thinking and Argumentation in Research |
