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PH-D-MASS-COMMUNICATION-MEDIA-STUDIES in Mass Communication Media Studies at Mahatma Gandhi Central University
East Champaran, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Mass Communication & Media Studies at Mahatma Gandhi Central University East Champaran?
This Ph.D. Mass Communication & Media Studies program at Mahatma Gandhi Central University focuses on advanced research in media theory, practice, and policy, with a keen eye on the evolving Indian media landscape. It aims to cultivate critical thinkers and scholars capable of contributing significantly to academic discourse and industry insights, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within India''''s diverse media ecosystem.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, media researchers, and professionals with a Master''''s degree in relevant fields who possess a strong aptitude for critical inquiry and an interest in making substantial contributions to the field of Mass Communication. It caters to those seeking to delve into in-depth theoretical and empirical studies, particularly within an Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in academia as professors and researchers, or in policy-making bodies, media organizations, and think tanks across India. The program equips scholars with advanced research skills, enabling them to analyze complex media phenomena and influence media policy, offering a pathway to impactful roles with significant intellectual contributions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodology- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Dedicatedly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Actively participate in seminars, discuss readings, and practice applying diverse research paradigms to media studies. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing a robust Ph.D. proposal.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus Readings, Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R for social sciences), Qualitative Data Analysis Software (e.g., NVivo)
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are indispensable for any academic or research role, ensuring the credibility and rigor of future publications and studies, which are key for faculty positions and research grants.
Undertake Comprehensive Literature Review- (Semester 1-2 (Post-coursework, Pre-proposal))
Beyond coursework, commit to an exhaustive literature review within your chosen area of interest. Utilize university library resources, online databases, and academic search engines to identify gaps in existing research, which will form the basis of your thesis. Systematically annotate and synthesize findings.
Tools & Resources
University Library Databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), Reference Managers (Mendeley, Zotero), Google Scholar
Career Connection
A thorough literature review establishes your expertise in a specific domain, a critical asset for academic specialization and for identifying relevant research problems that attract funding and intellectual interest.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal- (Semester 2-3)
Work closely with your assigned supervisor to draft and refine your Ph.D. research proposal. Focus on articulating a clear research question, methodology, and theoretical framework. Attend departmental workshops on proposal writing and seek feedback from peers and other faculty members to strengthen your arguments.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor Guidance, Departmental Workshops, Sample Ph.D. Proposals
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the gateway to beginning your doctoral research, demonstrating your capability to conceive and execute an independent scholarly project, essential for securing academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Academic Publishing and Presentation- (Year 2-4)
Transform parts of your literature review or preliminary findings into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals or presentations at academic conferences. Starting early helps in refining your research, receiving constructive feedback, and building your academic CV, which is vital for recruitment in Indian universities.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE Listed Journals, National/International Academic Conferences, Journal Submission Platforms
Career Connection
Publications and conference presentations are key performance indicators for academic career progression in India, demonstrating research productivity and engagement with the scholarly community.
Network and Collaborate with Scholars- (Year 2-5)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and inter-university research discussions. Seek opportunities to collaborate with faculty members or fellow researchers on projects related to your area of interest. Building a strong academic network can lead to future research opportunities and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Events, Academic Social Media (ResearchGate, Academia.edu), Professional Associations (e.g., IAMCR India Chapter)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to postdoctoral fellowships, joint research projects, and helps in gaining insights into various academic cultures and opportunities within India and globally.
Seek Interdisciplinary Perspectives- (Year 3-5)
Explore connections between Mass Communication & Media Studies and other relevant disciplines like Sociology, Political Science, Economics, or Digital Humanities. This interdisciplinary approach can enrich your research, offer novel perspectives, and broaden your intellectual horizons, making your work more robust and impactful.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary Seminars, Books and Journals from Allied Fields, Consultation with faculty from other departments
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary research is highly valued in contemporary academia, allowing for more comprehensive analyses and increasing the scope of your research''''s applicability in diverse policy and industry contexts in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Refinement- (Final 1-2 years)
Dedicate significant time to systematically writing your thesis, adhering to academic conventions and university guidelines. Regularly share drafts with your supervisor, incorporating feedback rigorously. Emphasize clarity, coherence, and originality in your arguments and presentation.
Tools & Resources
University Thesis Guidelines, Grammar Checkers (Grammarly), Plagiarism Detection Software (Turnitin)
Career Connection
A well-written and rigorously argued thesis is the ultimate output of your Ph.D., crucial for successful defense and a testament to your capability as an independent scholar, directly impacting academic appointments.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Defense- (Last 6-12 months)
Anticipate potential questions and criticisms for your viva voce examination. Practice defending your research findings, methodology, and theoretical contributions. Seek mock viva sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to build confidence and refine your responses, ensuring a strong defense.
Tools & Resources
Mock Viva Sessions, Supervisor''''s Guidance, Previous Viva Questions (if available)
Career Connection
A successful viva voce is the final hurdle for degree conferral, solidifying your academic credentials and preparing you for presenting and defending research in professional settings.
Strategize Post-Ph.D. Career Path- (Last 6-12 months)
Alongside thesis completion, begin planning your post-Ph.D. career, whether in academia, research, or industry. Update your CV, prepare teaching statements or research proposals for job applications, and network with potential employers. Consider postdoctoral fellowships or entry-level academic positions in India.
Tools & Resources
Career Services Cell, Academic Job Portals (e.g., University websites, Naukri.com for academia), Mentors and Senior Scholars
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from doctoral candidate to a professional role, leveraging your specialized research skills for continued growth and contribution in your chosen field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree in Mass Communication / Journalism / Electronic Media / Social Science / Humanities / Arts or an allied discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/Differently-abled/EWS). UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship/M.Phil. (regular mode) holders are exempted from the Entrance Test but must appear for Interview/Viva-voce.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including coursework of at least 1 semester)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework (can range from 8 to 16 credits) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
