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PH-D in Humanities And Social Sciences English Philosophy Psychology Sociology Fine Arts at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Sciences (English, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Fine Arts) at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) PhD program at IIT Kanpur focuses on rigorous, interdisciplinary research across English, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, and Fine Arts. It emphasizes critical thinking, robust theoretical grounding, and advanced research methodology to address complex societal issues. The program is highly relevant in the Indian context, contributing to a deeper understanding of cultural shifts, human behavior, public policy, and national development. Its unique positioning within a premier technical institution fosters innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in HSS or related disciplines, aspiring academics, policy analysts, and social researchers. It suits individuals with strong analytical abilities, a profound interest in social phenomena, cultural studies, human cognition, and ethical considerations. Candidates seeking to contribute original, impactful research to their field, including those with engineering or science backgrounds who demonstrate a strong inclination towards HSS, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and impactful career paths in India. These include academic roles as professors and researchers in universities, positions in national think tanks and policy formulation bodies (both government and NGOs), social research organizations, and cultural institutions. The growing demand for HSS PhDs in India''''s expanding higher education sector provides significant faculty opportunities. Potential salary ranges for entry-level academics typically fall between INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 25+ LPA, depending on the role and institution.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Theories and Research Methods- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate early semesters to building a strong foundation in foundational HSS theories and advanced research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods). Actively attend departmental seminars and workshops on research design and ethical considerations.
Tools & Resources
IITK HSS Department Seminars, Library databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Statistical software (SPSS, R, NVivo), Research methodology textbooks
Career Connection
A strong theoretical and methodological base is crucial for developing a sound research proposal, conducting rigorous studies, and publishing impactful papers, which are fundamental for academic and research careers.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively participate in interdepartmental workshops, lecture series, and consider taking relevant courses from other departments like Management, Design, or Engineering. This broadens your perspective and enhances problem-solving skills for complex issues.
Tools & Resources
IITK''''s broad course catalog, Inter-departmental research groups, Guest lectures by experts from various fields
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic perspective essential for addressing multifaceted societal challenges in India, and develops collaborative skills highly valued in multidisciplinary research and policy formulation roles.
Develop Strong Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on crafting clear, concise, and persuasive academic arguments for research papers, proposals, and presentations. Seek feedback regularly from peers and faculty and utilize available resources to refine your communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Peer review groups, Online writing resources (e.g., Purdue OWL), Internal departmental colloquia for practice presentations
Career Connection
Exceptional communication skills are vital for publishing in reputed journals, securing research grants, and effectively disseminating research findings to academic, policy-making, and public audiences.
Intermediate Stage
Formulate a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 3-5)
Work diligently with your supervisor to define a unique, impactful, and feasible research question. Develop a comprehensive literature review and design a sound methodology, preparing for your comprehensive examination and thesis proposal defense.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Advanced research methodology workshops, Grant writing seminars, Previous thesis examples
Career Connection
A strong research proposal is the essential blueprint for a successful thesis, forming the foundation for future independent research projects and applications for funding or post-doctoral positions.
Participate in National and International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Present your preliminary research findings at academic conferences within India and globally. This provides invaluable feedback, networking opportunities with leading scholars, and keeps you abreast of current developments in your field.
Tools & Resources
IITK travel grants for research presentation, Academic conference listings (e.g., Indian Social Science Congress, international HSS bodies), Presentation skills workshops
Career Connection
Conference participation builds academic visibility, which is critical for establishing a strong research profile and securing post-doctoral fellowships or faculty positions in competitive Indian universities.
Initiate Collaborative Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with faculty members, fellow PhD students, or researchers from other institutions on joint papers, projects, or publications. This expands your network and enriches your research experience.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research groups, Faculty-led projects, Research seed funding opportunities at IITK, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Collaborative research significantly enhances your publication record, develops essential teamwork skills, and expands your professional network, all of which are invaluable for diverse career paths in research and policy.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Thesis Writing and Publication- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate substantial time to writing, revising, and refining your thesis, aiming for chapters that are of publishable quality in reputed journals. Seek regular and constructive feedback from your supervisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated writing retreats, Editorial feedback from supervisor and peers, Journal submission platforms, Citation management software
Career Connection
A meticulously crafted thesis and a strong record of publications are paramount for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and establishing yourself as a recognized expert in your specialized area.
Prepare Thoroughly for Comprehensive Examination and Thesis Defense- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically review all core concepts and research findings, meticulously prepare for your comprehensive examination, and practice presenting your thesis work. Anticipate and prepare for challenging questions from internal and external examiners.
Tools & Resources
Mock defense sessions with faculty/peers, Review of previous comprehensive exam questions (if available), Presentation coaching
Career Connection
Successfully navigating these critical milestones is essential for degree completion and demonstrates intellectual rigor, comprehensive knowledge, and research independence to prospective employers in academia and beyond.
Network Proactively for Career Opportunities- (Semester 6-8)
Actively engage with potential employers in your target fields (academia, policy, industry), attend relevant job fairs and workshops, tailor your CV/resume to specific roles, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
Tools & Resources
IITK career services (if applicable for PhDs), Academic job portals (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, higheredjobs.com, faculty positions in India), LinkedIn networking, Professional associations in HSS fields
Career Connection
Strategic networking and customized applications significantly increase your chances of securing a fulfilling career path immediately after graduation, whether in academic institutions, government bodies, or the private sector in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or 6.0 CPI (on a 10-point scale) or equivalent. OR B.Tech/M.Tech/BS/MS from IITs/IISc with a minimum CPI of 8.0 (on a 10-point scale). A valid GATE/NET/UGC JRF/Lectureship is desirable.
Duration: Minimum 2 years, Maximum 7 years (Coursework typically completed in 1-2 years)
Credits: Minimum 48 credits (with at least 32 credits from HSS courses) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester pool
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSS601 | Foundations of Philosophy | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Logic, Philosophy of Mind |
| HSS604 | General Linguistics | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics |
| HSS610 | Social Psychology | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Social Cognition, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Dynamics, Prejudice and Discrimination, Interpersonal Attraction |
| HSS611 | Cognitive Psychology | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Perception and Attention, Memory Systems, Language Processing, Problem Solving, Decision Making |
| HSS620 | Literary Theory & Criticism | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Marxism and Feminism, Postcolonialism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Reader-Response Theory |
| HSS631 | Methods in Social Sciences | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Research Design, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, Data Analysis Techniques, Ethics in Social Research |
| HSS632 | Economic Sociology | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Markets and Institutions, Firms and Organizations, States and Economy, Global Economic Processes, Social Inequality |
| HSS640 | History of Art | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | Western Art History, Indian Art History, Modern Art Movements, Contemporary Visual Culture, Aesthetics |
| HSS651 | English Language Teaching | Elective / Core (Area Specific) | 3 | ELT Methodologies, Curriculum Design, Materials Development, Language Assessment, Second Language Acquisition |
| HSS701 | Advanced Research Methods in HSS | Elective / Core (PhD Level) | 3 | Advanced Statistical Techniques, Mixed Methods Research, Survey Design and Analysis, Experimental Design, Academic Writing and Publication Ethics |
| HSS7XX | Advanced Topics in English | Elective (PhD Level) | 3 | Specific Authors and Works, Literary Periods, Genre Studies, Critical Approaches, Cultural Studies |
| HSS7XX | Advanced Topics in Philosophy | Elective (PhD Level) | 3 | Contemporary Debates in Philosophy, Specific Philosophical Schools, Advanced Ethics, Current Epistemology, Metaphysical Speculations |
| HSS7XX | Advanced Topics in Psychology | Elective (PhD Level) | 3 | Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Positive Psychology |
| HSS7XX | Advanced Topics in Sociology | Elective (PhD Level) | 3 | Urban Sociology, Political Sociology, Global Sociology, Gender Studies, Environmental Sociology |
| HSS7XX | Advanced Topics in Fine Arts | Elective (PhD Level) | 3 | Art Theory and Aesthetics, Art History Methodologies, Visual Culture Studies, Creative Practice as Research, Digital Art and Media |
