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PHD-DEFENCE-STRATEGIC-STUDIES in Research Areas As Per Faculty Expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
Rohtak, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is Research Areas as per faculty expertise at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This PhD Defence & Strategic Studies program at Maharshi Dayanand University focuses on advanced research and critical analysis of defence policies, international security, strategic theories, and conflict resolution within an Indian context. The program delves into contemporary challenges, geopolitical dynamics, and the evolving nature of warfare, emphasizing indigenous defence capabilities and regional security concerns, crucial for national development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic background in Defence Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or History, who aspire to careers in academia, think tanks, defence analysis, and strategic policy formulation. It also attracts armed forces personnel seeking advanced strategic insights and civil servants engaged in national security roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to contribute significantly to strategic thought and policy in India, pursuing careers as professors, defence analysts, policy advisors, and researchers in government bodies, strategic research institutions, and universities. They develop critical thinking, research acumen, and specialized knowledge vital for shaping India''''s security discourse and contributing to its defence preparedness.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Coursework Stage)
Thoroughly grasp the principles of research design, data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. Utilize university workshops and online platforms like NPTEL for advanced learning in quantitative and qualitative methods. This forms the bedrock for your doctoral thesis and ensures academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
MDU Research Methodology Workshops, NPTEL courses on research methods, Statistical software tutorials (e.g., SPSS, R), Plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology is critical for producing publishable research and is highly valued in academic and analytical roles.
Deep Dive into Specialization Literature- (Coursework Stage)
Actively engage with the vast body of literature in your chosen research area within Defence & Strategic Studies. Identify key scholars, theories, and ongoing debates. Utilize MDU library resources and access leading journals through J-STOR, EBSCOHost, and national defence archives. This will inform your topic and develop initial research questions.
Tools & Resources
MDU Central Library, J-STOR, EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Ministry of Defence publications, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) reports
Career Connection
Early mastery of literature allows for the identification of research gaps, which are crucial for a novel and impactful thesis, enhancing your profile for research positions.
Engage with Faculty and Departmental Seminars- (Coursework Stage and beyond)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, research presentations, and interact with faculty members. Seek their guidance on refining your research proposal and understanding different theoretical perspectives. This builds a strong academic network within the university.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Seminar Schedule, Faculty office hours, Research colloquia
Career Connection
Networking with faculty can lead to mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and strong recommendation letters essential for academic and professional advancements.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Present Research Proposals- (First 1-2 years post-coursework)
Formulate a clear, concise, and original research proposal outlining your problem statement, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Present this proposal to your Departmental Research Committee (DRC) and incorporate feedback rigorously. Participate in university-level research presentation competitions.
Tools & Resources
MDU PhD Ordinance guidelines for proposal submission, Departmental Research Committee (DRC) meetings, University research presentation events
Career Connection
Successfully defending your proposal is a major milestone and demonstrates your ability to conceptualize and plan complex research, a core skill for any research-oriented career.
Attend National and International Conferences- (Years 2-4)
Present your preliminary research findings or literature reviews at relevant national and select international conferences (e.g., those organized by IDSA, ICWA, universities specializing in strategic studies). Network with scholars, receive feedback, and stay abreast of new research. Seek travel grants from MDU or other bodies.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts websites, MDU Research Grant Cell, Travel grants from ICSSR, UGC
Career Connection
Conference participation boosts your academic visibility, builds a professional network, and is crucial for developing a strong CV for academic and research roles.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Years 2-5)
Convert significant portions of your literature review, methodology, or initial findings into publishable articles. Target UGC CARE listed journals in Defence & Strategic Studies or allied fields. Seek co-authorship with your supervisor where appropriate. This is mandatory for PhD submission as per UGC norms.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List website, Reputable journals in Defence & Strategic Studies (e.g., Strategic Analysis, Journal of Defence Studies), MDU Research Publication Cell
Career Connection
Publications are the cornerstone of an academic career and significantly enhance prospects for faculty positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and research grants.
Advanced Stage
Thesis Writing and Defence Preparation- (Years 4-6)
Focus intensely on writing and refining your doctoral thesis, ensuring coherence, analytical depth, and originality. Work closely with your supervisor for regular feedback and revisions. Prepare thoroughly for the pre-submission seminar and the final viva-voce examination, anticipating potential questions and refining your presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guidelines from MDU, Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Mock viva sessions with departmental faculty
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the ultimate output of your PhD, opening doors to advanced research, academic positions, and expert roles in policy-making.
Build a Professional Digital Presence- (Years 3-6)
Create and maintain a professional online profile on platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn. Showcase your publications, research interests, and expertise. This increases your visibility to potential employers, collaborators, and funding agencies. Engage in academic discussions online.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar profile, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, ORCID iD
Career Connection
An active professional digital presence is vital for networking, showcasing expertise, and attracting job opportunities in a globally connected research environment.
Explore Post-Doctoral and Career Opportunities- (Final year of PhD)
Actively research and apply for post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, and strategic analyst roles in government, think tanks, or defence industries. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each opportunity, highlighting your specific research skills and contributions to Defence & Strategic Studies. Attend career fairs relevant to research and policy.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., University Grants Commission (UGC) career portal, individual university websites), Think tank career pages, Defence sector job boards, MDU Placement Cell (if applicable for researchers)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and application lead directly to successful transitions into academic, research, or policy-making roles post-PhD, capitalizing on your specialized knowledge.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Defence & Strategic Studies or a cognate subject with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade ''''B'''' in UGC 7-point scale). A relaxation of 5% of marks (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled/Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories as per UGC regulations.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: 8 credits (for coursework only; excludes thesis submission and research work) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
