

PH-D in Human Sciences at International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad


Hyderabad, Telangana
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About the Specialization
What is Human Sciences at International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad Hyderabad?
This Ph.D Human Sciences program at International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and humanistic inquiry. It explores areas like Computational Social Science, Digital Humanities, Cognitive Science, and Public Policy, leveraging technological advancements to understand complex human systems. The program stands out for its strong emphasis on computational methodologies applied to traditional social science and humanities questions, addressing growing needs in India''''s technology-driven research landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for candidates holding Master''''s degrees in various disciplines (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics, Sociology, Computer Science) or B.Tech/M.Tech degrees with demonstrated research aptitude in relevant areas. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for academic or research roles, as well as working professionals seeking to delve deeper into advanced computational social science or digital humanities research. Strong analytical skills and an interest in interdisciplinary approaches are key prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue highly sought-after careers in academia, advanced research institutions, and R&D divisions within Indian tech companies and government bodies. Potential roles include Research Scientist, Data Ethicist, Computational Social Scientist, UX Researcher, or Policy Analyst, with entry to experienced salary ranges from INR 8-25 lakhs annually depending on the sector and specific role. The program prepares individuals for leadership in emerging research domains in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Interdisciplinary Research Methods- (Semester 1-2)
Engage rigorously with core coursework in research methodologies, statistics, and computational tools relevant to human sciences. Actively participate in seminars and workshops on qualitative, quantitative, and computational research methods to build a strong foundational toolkit for your Ph.D. This initial phase is critical for defining your research framework.
Tools & Resources
R/Python for statistical analysis, NVivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative data, IIIT-H Library databases, Methodology workshops
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are indispensable for any research role, enabling effective project design and execution, directly impacting the quality of your thesis and future employability as a research scientist.
Identify and Engage with Research Areas- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore various research groups and faculty expertise within the HSS department and related interdisciplinary centers at IIIT-H. Attend departmental colloquia, faculty presentations, and research fairs to identify potential supervisors and refine your research interests. Early engagement helps in aligning your work with institutional strengths.
Tools & Resources
Departmental website faculty profiles, IIIT-H Research Portal, Academic conferences (local/national)
Career Connection
Defining a focused research problem early on is crucial for timely thesis completion and aligns your expertise with specific industry or academic needs, opening doors to niche research positions.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to developing advanced critical thinking and academic writing skills. Practice synthesizing complex ideas, articulating arguments clearly, and adhering to academic conventions. Seek feedback on research proposals, literature reviews, and early drafts from peers and mentors to enhance scholarly communication.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Grammarly/Turnitin, Reference management software (Zotero/Mendeley), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are vital for publishing research, grant applications, and presenting at conferences, boosting your profile for academic appointments and research leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Pass the Comprehensive Examination Strategically- (Semester 3-4)
Prepare systematically for the comprehensive examination by reviewing coursework, engaging in study groups, and simulating exam conditions. Focus on demonstrating a broad and deep understanding of your chosen sub-fields within Human Sciences, as this milestone validates your readiness for independent research.
Tools & Resources
Past exam papers (if available), Study groups with seniors, Faculty consultation hours, Relevant textbooks and papers
Career Connection
Successfully clearing the comprehensive exam is a critical step towards formalizing your Ph.D candidacy, demonstrating your foundational knowledge and analytical rigor to future employers.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 3-5)
Work closely with your supervisor to formulate a clear, original, and feasible research proposal. This involves an extensive literature review, precise problem statement, well-defined methodology, and expected outcomes. Practice presenting and defending your proposal to gain confidence and refine your ideas.
Tools & Resources
Research grant proposal guidelines, IIIT-H Ph.D guidelines, Departmental review panels, Mock proposal defenses
Career Connection
A strong research proposal highlights your ability to conceptualize and plan complex projects, a key skill for roles in R&D, strategic planning, and academic research.
Publish and Present Research Findings- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to publish your research in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences. Start with conference papers or workshop submissions based on your literature review or preliminary findings. This builds your academic profile and network.
Tools & Resources
Scopus/Web of Science for journal identification, Call for Papers (CfP) databases, Conference travel grants, Presentation skills workshops
Career Connection
A strong publication record significantly enhances your employability for academic positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and research roles, demonstrating your contribution to the field.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Data Analysis and Tool Development- (Semester 6 onwards)
Deepen your expertise in advanced analytical techniques (e.g., machine learning for social data, complex network analysis, NLP for humanities) and potentially develop novel computational tools or models relevant to your research. Engage with coding communities or open-source projects if applicable.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Python/R libraries, GitHub, Cloud computing platforms (AWS/GCP), Specialized software for specific research areas
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced computational methods is highly valued in data science, AI research, and tech industry roles, particularly in interdisciplinary fields, commanding higher salaries and leadership opportunities.
Prepare and Defend Your Ph.D Thesis- (Semester 6 onwards)
Focus intensely on writing and refining your doctoral thesis, ensuring it presents original research, compelling arguments, and rigorous analysis. Collaborate closely with your supervisor for continuous feedback. Practice your thesis defense (viva-voce) extensively with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
IIIT-H Thesis Submission Guidelines, Academic writing software, Presentation tools (PowerPoint/Keynote), Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of your doctoral journey, certifying your expertise and readiness for independent research. It''''s the ultimate credential for academic and high-level research positions.
Strategize Post-Ph.D Career Pathways- (Semester 6 onwards)
As you approach thesis submission, actively network with professionals in your target sectors (academia, industry, policy). Prepare a compelling CV, cover letters, and research statements tailored to specific job opportunities. Attend career workshops and leverage IIIT-H''''s alumni network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional academic job boards (e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education, Naukri for industry), IIIT-H Career Services, Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D, helping you secure desirable positions aligned with your expertise and career aspirations, whether in research, academia, or industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (M.A., M.Sc., M.Phil.) in relevant discipline (e.g., Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Literature, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, Management, etc.) with a consistent and good academic record. OR B.Tech/B.E/B.Des/B.Arch or M.Tech/M.E/M.Des/M.Arch in any discipline with a consistent and good academic record and demonstrated research aptitude in relevant areas. Eligibility also typically includes a valid score in national level examinations like UGC-NET/CSIR-JRF, or equivalent for some cases, or IIIT Hyderabad''''s own entrance exam.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 7 years
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSE418 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | Coursework/Elective (Representative for Ph.D) | 3 | Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Survey Design, Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Research Ethics |
| HSE413 | Foundations of Cognitive Science | Coursework/Elective (Representative for Ph.D) | 3 | Mind-Body Problem, Computational Theory of Mind, Representation and Computation, Language and Cognition, Decision Making, Consciousness |
| HSE416 | Introduction to Computational Social Science | Coursework/Elective (Representative for Ph.D) | 3 | Social Computing, Big Data for Social Research, Agent-Based Modeling, Network Science, Text Analysis, Simulation and Prediction |
| HSE501 | Foundations of Data Science for Social Science | Coursework/Elective (Representative for Ph.D) | 3 | Data Collection, Data Cleaning, Statistical Inference, Machine Learning Basics, Visualization, Ethics in Data Science |
| HSE410 | Digital Humanities: Theory and Practice | Coursework/Elective (Representative for Ph.D) | 3 | Digital Archiving, Text Mining, Network Analysis in Humanities, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Data Visualization, Computational Narratives |




