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PHD in Town And Regional Planning at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Town and Regional Planning at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah?
This PhD program in Town and Regional Planning at IIEST Shibpur focuses on advanced research in urban and regional development, policy formulation, and sustainable planning practices. With India experiencing rapid urbanization, the program addresses complex challenges like smart city development, affordable housing, infrastructure planning, and environmental sustainability, equipping scholars to contribute significantly to national growth.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate degree holders in Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, or related fields who aspire to a career in academia, research, or high-level policy-making roles. It also suits professionals from government agencies, urban local bodies, and planning consultancies seeking to deepen their expertise and contribute to evidence-based planning solutions in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, researchers in national and international organizations, or high-ranking planning officers in central and state governments. Opportunities exist in urban development authorities, smart city missions, and private planning consultancies, with potential salary ranges for entry-level researchers typically starting from INR 6-10 LPA and growing significantly with experience.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Tools- (First 1-2 semesters)
Thoroughly engage with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on quantitative and qualitative analysis, ethical considerations, and scientific writing. Utilize statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python) and GIS tools relevant to urban planning and spatial analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R programming language, Python libraries for data analysis, ArcGIS/QGIS, Research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Develops critical research skills essential for any academic or research role, ensuring rigor and validity in future publications, policy recommendations, and grant applications.
Deep Dive into Literature Review and Identify Research Gaps- (First year)
Systematically review existing literature in your chosen specialization within Town and Regional Planning, identifying significant research gaps and establishing a strong theoretical and empirical foundation for your study. Utilize academic databases and citation management tools effectively.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Mendeley, Zotero, IIEST digital library
Career Connection
Builds deep expertise in the field, helps in formulating a strong and original research proposal, and positions you as a knowledgeable contributor to academic discourse and policy formulation.
Formulate a Robust and Defensible Research Proposal- (First 1.5 years)
Work closely with your supervisor to define a clear, impactful research question and develop a detailed research proposal outlining objectives, proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and a realistic timeline. Prepare for and effectively present it to your Doctoral Committee.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Doctoral Committee feedback, Institutional guidelines for proposal submission, Proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
Essential for successful thesis completion and demonstrates the ability to conceptualize, plan, and articulate complex research projects, a key skill for securing research grants and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Rigorous Data Collection, Management, and Analysis- (Second to Third year)
Implement your chosen methodology for data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews, spatial data, archival research). Maintain meticulous records and organize data effectively using appropriate software. Continuously refine analytical skills using advanced statistical or qualitative methods.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey/Google Forms, Interview transcription software, GIS software, Excel/Google Sheets, NVivo/ATLAS.ti for qualitative analysis, R, Python
Career Connection
Ensures the credibility and reproducibility of your research, which is vital for publications, building a strong academic profile, and making reliable policy recommendations.
Publish Research Findings and Attend Conferences- (Throughout the research period, especially from end of second year onwards)
Actively aim to publish preliminary research findings in peer-reviewed national and international journals, and present your work at academic conferences. This provides valuable feedback, disseminates your research, and expands your professional network.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals in urban planning/architecture/development studies, Conference proceedings, IIEST research promotion grants for travel, Professional planning associations
Career Connection
Builds your academic reputation, fulfills requirements for PhD completion, and is crucial for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, or research grants.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Workshops- (Second to Third year)
Seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within IIEST or with other institutions, particularly in areas like environmental engineering, economics, or social sciences. Attend workshops to learn new skills or perspectives relevant to your research.
Tools & Resources
IIEST departmental seminars, Inter-institutional research groups, Specialized workshops on advanced research methods or software, MOOCs from platforms like Coursera/edX
Career Connection
Broadens your research horizons, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and develops a holistic understanding crucial for tackling complex urban and regional challenges in India.
Advanced Stage
Structured Thesis Writing and Iterative Revisions- (Third to Fourth year)
Develop a systematic approach to writing your thesis, breaking it down into manageable chapters and sections. Seek regular, constructive feedback from your supervisor and Doctoral Committee, diligently incorporating revisions to refine arguments and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, Institutional formatting guidelines, Collaboration tools like Google Docs or Overleaf (for LaTeX), Grammarly/ProWritingAid
Career Connection
Leads to a successful thesis defense and a high-quality final document, which is a testament to your research capabilities and crucial for future career progression in academia or research.
Strategic Networking and Career Path Planning- (Penultimate to Final year)
Proactively network with academics, policy-makers, and industry professionals in Town and Regional Planning. Attend seminars, webinars, and job fairs. Strategically explore post-doctoral opportunities, academic positions, or leadership roles in government, NGOs, or private consulting firms.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., Institute of Town Planners, India), IIEST alumni network, Career services and placement cells, Academic job portals
Career Connection
Opens doors to relevant job opportunities, mentorship, and future collaborations, ensuring a smooth and impactful transition into your chosen career path within India''''s planning sector.
Impact-Oriented Research Dissemination and Policy Advocacy- (Final year and beyond)
Beyond the thesis, consider how your research findings can be translated into policy briefs, public presentations, or workshops to maximize their impact on urban and regional development in India. Engage with relevant stakeholders to advocate for evidence-based planning.
Tools & Resources
Policy think tanks, Government agencies for potential collaboration, Public speaking platforms, Academic outreach programs, Social media for academic dissemination
Career Connection
Establishes you as a thought leader and an expert capable of influencing real-world outcomes, particularly valued in India''''s dynamic planning landscape and contributes to national development goals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Town & Regional Planning/Science/Humanities or equivalent with 6.5 CGPA/60% marks. OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Town & Regional Planning with 7.5 CGPA/70% marks and 5 years experience. OR Direct admission for B.Tech/B.Arch from IIEST with 8.5 CGPA.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including coursework), maximum 6 years (8 years for women and PwD candidates)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits and maximum 16 credits (for Master''''s degree holders); Minimum 16 credits and maximum 20 credits (for Bachelor''''s degree holders) for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
