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PHD in Social Medicine And Community Health at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Social Medicine and Community Health at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This Social Medicine and Community Health PhD program at Jawaharlal Nehru University focuses on critically examining health issues from a societal, cultural, and political perspective. It delves into disease prevention, health promotion, policy analysis, and community-level interventions. Given India''''s diverse epidemiological and social challenges, the program''''s interdisciplinary approach is highly relevant for addressing health disparities and contributing to robust public health solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring researchers, public health professionals, medical graduates seeking advanced social science perspectives, social scientists, and epidemiologists. It caters to individuals committed to impactful research, contributing to health policy, program evaluation, and academic scholarship within the Indian context, requiring strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in national health agencies (e.g., ICMR, NIHFW), government health ministries (MoHFW), leading public health organizations (e.g., PHFI, WHO India), NGOs focused on health, and academic research institutions. Entry-level research roles might offer INR 7-15 LPA, with senior policy or academic positions potentially reaching 20-40+ LPA. Growth trajectories include becoming lead researchers, policy advisors, and public health consultants.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodology- (undefined)
Dedicate significant time to comprehensively understanding and applying quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs pertinent to social medicine and public health research. Participate in university workshops and online courses.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R/Stata, NVivo/Atlas.ti, Textbooks on Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Qualitative Research Methods, JNU Research Methodology Workshops
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for designing rigorous studies, which is essential for thesis completion and securing future research positions in India''''s public health sector.
Conduct Exhaustive Literature Review- (undefined)
Systematically review existing national and international research in social medicine, community health, health policy, and relevant social sciences to identify research gaps and build a strong theoretical framework for your thesis.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Jstor, JNU Library Databases, Reference Management Software (Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
Establishes your expertise in the field, informs your research direction, and is vital for academic credibility and identifying areas for impactful contributions in India.
Develop Grant Writing Proficiency- (undefined)
Actively seek training and practice in writing compelling research proposals and grant applications. Understand funding priorities of Indian and international health research bodies.
Tools & Resources
JNU Research Office Workshops, Sample Grant Proposals, Guidelines from ICMR, DBT, Wellcome Trust (India Alliance)
Career Connection
Securing research funding is a critical skill for any academic or senior researcher in India, enabling independent projects and career advancement.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Ethical Fieldwork and Data Collection- (undefined)
Actively participate in real-world data collection, including community-based studies, surveys, and in-depth qualitative interviews, while strictly adhering to ethical guidelines and institutional review board protocols.
Tools & Resources
Open Data Kit (ODK), SurveyCTO, Audio Recorders, Informed Consent Forms, JNU Ethics Committee Guidelines
Career Connection
Develops practical skills in public health program evaluation and data management, highly valued in Indian government, NGO, and international health organizations.
Present Research at National/International Forums- (undefined)
Regularly present your preliminary research findings, theoretical frameworks, or methodological approaches at relevant national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Tools & Resources
Calls for Papers from Public Health/Social Science Conferences (e.g., IAPSM, IPHA), Presentation Software, JNU Seminar Series
Career Connection
Builds your academic profile, provides critical feedback on your work, expands your professional network in India and globally, and enhances your communication skills for future roles.
Seek Collaborative Publication Opportunities- (undefined)
Actively seek opportunities to co-author papers with your supervisor or peers on research related to your specialization, even before your thesis submission, contributing to academic journals.
Tools & Resources
Academic Journals in Public Health/Social Sciences, Citation Management Tools, Co-authoring Guidelines
Career Connection
Enhances your publication record, which is crucial for securing post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, and demonstrating research productivity in the Indian academic landscape.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Writing and Defense Skills- (undefined)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and rigorous academic writing, structuring your thesis logically, and preparing effectively for your comprehensive examination and viva-voce defense.
Tools & Resources
JNU Thesis Guidelines, Academic Writing Workshops, Mock Viva Sessions, Feedback from Supervisors
Career Connection
Leads to a successful thesis defense and a high-quality research output, which is the cornerstone for all future academic and research career opportunities in India.
Network with Policy Makers and Practitioners- (undefined)
Actively engage in policy dialogues, seminars, and stakeholder meetings organized by government bodies, NGOs, and public health forums to understand real-world application of research and build connections.
Tools & Resources
Public Health India Networks, Government Health Department Events, LinkedIn, Professional Associations
Career Connection
Facilitates the translation of your research into actionable policy, opens doors for policy advisory, advocacy roles, and positions within public health program management in India.
Strategize for Post-PhD Career Transition- (undefined)
Begin actively exploring and preparing for various post-PhD career paths, including postdoctoral positions, faculty roles in universities, or leadership roles in public health organizations, tailoring your application materials.
Tools & Resources
JNU Career Services, Academic Job Portals (e.g., jobs.ac.in, higheredjobs.com), LinkedIn, Mentorship from Supervisors/Alumni
Career Connection
Strategic planning ensures a smoother transition into your desired professional role, leveraging your specialized knowledge and research skills gained during your PhD for maximum impact in India''''s health sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Social Sciences/Humanities/Public Health/Community Health Nursing or M.B.B.S. with 55% marks or equivalent Grade ''''B'''' in UGC 7-point scale. OR M.Phil. Degree with 55% marks or equivalent Grade ''''B'''' in UGC 7-point scale.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years
Credits: Minimum 8, maximum 16 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
