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PHD in Health Sciences at Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a premier Institution of Eminence and Deemed to be University established in 1953, stands as India's top private university. Located in Manipal, Karnataka, it is globally recognized for its academic strength, diverse programs, and research. MAHE boasts an A++ NAAC accreditation and ranks 4th among universities in NIRF 2024, empowering over 40,000 students.

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location

Udupi, Karnataka

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About the Specialization

What is Health Sciences at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?

This Health Sciences PhD program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced research across diverse medical, paramedical, and public health domains. It addresses critical health challenges pertinent to the Indian context, fostering innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, epidemiology, and health policy. The program distinguishes itself by integrating interdisciplinary approaches with a strong emphasis on translational research to improve healthcare outcomes in India.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for medical and paramedical graduates, master’s degree holders in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, or allied health sciences seeking advanced research careers. It attracts fresh post-graduates passionate about contributing to healthcare knowledge, as well as working professionals like clinicians, public health specialists, and researchers aiming to elevate their expertise and leadership in health-related fields.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as research scientists, academicians, public health consultants, or policy advisors within leading Indian healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong foundation for leadership roles and potential for global research collaborations.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Research Methodology and Biostatistics- (Year 1)

Thoroughly understand the principles of research design, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for advanced statistics modules and join university-led workshops on research software (e.g., SPSS, R). Building a strong conceptual foundation is crucial for successful research.

Tools & Resources

NPTEL online courses, Coursera/edX for specialized modules, SPSS, R, STATA workshops offered by MAHE, MAHE Library''''s research databases

Career Connection

Strong analytical skills are fundamental for publishing high-impact research, securing grants, and are highly valued in academic and industry research roles, significantly improving thesis quality and employability in India''''s growing healthcare research sector.

Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Year 1)

Work closely with your assigned supervisor to identify a significant and novel research gap, formulate clear, achievable objectives, and outline a feasible methodology. Attend departmental seminars and present preliminary ideas for constructive feedback from faculty and peers. Refine the proposal based on expert input.

Tools & Resources

MAHE PhD research proposal guidelines, Supervisor mentorship and regular meetings, Departmental seminar series for peer feedback, Scientific databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science

Career Connection

A well-defined research proposal demonstrates critical thinking, strategic planning, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, which are essential for securing research grants and leading independent projects in future roles within research institutions or pharmaceutical R&D.

Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Year 1-2)

Actively participate in seminars, journal clubs, and workshops organized by different departments within MAHE''''s broader health sciences ecosystem (e.g., medical, pharmacy, public health). This broadens your scientific perspective and fosters potential collaborative research ideas across disciplines.

Tools & Resources

MAHE academic calendar for inter-departmental events, Networking with faculty and students from diverse health fields, Accessing cross-disciplinary journals in MAHE library

Career Connection

Interdisciplinary exposure prepares you for tackling complex real-world health problems that require multifaceted solutions. It enhances your ability to work effectively in diverse research teams, a highly sought-after skill in modern healthcare and public health organizations in India.

Intermediate Stage

Cultivate Scientific Writing Skills- (Year 2-3)

Dedicate significant time to writing and publishing review articles or preliminary findings in peer-reviewed national or international journals. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and utilize university writing centers or online resources to refine your academic prose, clarity, and adherence to scientific standards.

Tools & Resources

Grammarly or similar writing assistance tools, MAHE''''s scientific writing workshops, Supervisor''''s detailed feedback on drafts, Reference management software (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero)

Career Connection

High-quality publications are critical for academic progression, securing research funding (e.g., from ICMR, DBT), and demonstrating research acumen to potential employers in India and abroad. They are vital for building a strong research profile.

Actively Seek Mentorship Beyond Primary Supervisor- (Year 2-3)

Network with other senior faculty members or industry experts whose research aligns with your area. Seek their advice on specific methodological challenges, career pathways, or potential collaborations. Attend guest lectures and reach out to speakers.

Tools & Resources

Departmental faculty directory and research profiles, National and international scientific conferences, Professional associations like the Indian Medical Association or Public Health Foundation of India

Career Connection

A strong network provides diverse perspectives, opens doors to collaborations, and can lead to valuable recommendations for post-doctoral positions, research fellowships, or industry roles within India''''s extensive healthcare and biotech sectors.

Present Research at National Conferences- (Year 2-3)

Prepare compelling abstracts and present your research findings at national-level scientific conferences, symposia, or workshops. This hones your presentation skills, allows for peer feedback on your work, and keeps you abreast of the latest research trends and advancements in your field.

Tools & Resources

MAHE research grants or travel funds for conference participation, Professional body websites for conference listings, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote), Practice sessions with peers and supervisor

Career Connection

Presenting at conferences builds visibility for your research and your institution, expands your professional network, and is a key indicator of research productivity and communication skills for future employers, academic institutions, or funding agencies in India.

Advanced Stage

Strategic Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Year 4 onwards)

Structure your thesis rigorously, ensuring logical flow, comprehensive analysis of results, and adherence to MAHE''''s formatting guidelines. Practice your thesis defense presentation extensively, anticipating challenging questions from internal and external examiners to ensure a confident and articulate defense.

Tools & Resources

MAHE PhD thesis guidelines and templates, Mock defense sessions with faculty and peers, Supervisor''''s critical review and feedback on thesis drafts, Presentation design tools and techniques

Career Connection

A well-written, impactful thesis and a confident defense are the ultimate demonstrations of your research capabilities and independence. This directly influences your academic reputation and opens doors to post-doctoral fellowships, senior research positions, or academic roles.

Explore Post-PhD Career Pathways- (Year 4-5)

Proactively research job opportunities in academia, industry (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare consulting), public health organizations, and government research bodies in India. Tailor your CV and cover letter for specific roles, highlighting transferable skills gained during your PhD.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and other Indian job portals, Academic job boards (e.g., Current Science, Nature Careers), MAHE career services and alumni network for insights, Informational interviews with professionals in target roles

Career Connection

Early and strategic career planning maximizes the chances of securing a desirable position post-PhD, whether in research leadership, teaching, or specialized roles within India''''s dynamic healthcare and scientific sectors, aligning your research expertise with market demand.

Develop Grant Writing and Project Management Skills- (Year 4-6)

Assist your supervisor in preparing grant proposals for national funding agencies (e.g., ICMR, DST, DBT) or volunteer for project management tasks within your lab. Attend workshops focused on securing research funding, budget management, and leading complex scientific projects from inception to completion.

Tools & Resources

ICMR, DST, DBT funding guidelines and calls for proposals, MAHE''''s research administration office for grant support, Online courses or workshops on project management (e.g., PMP certification basics), Reviewing successful grant applications

Career Connection

The ability to write successful grant proposals and manage projects effectively is crucial for aspiring independent researchers, group leaders, and senior positions in both academic and industry settings in India, enabling you to secure funding and drive research initiatives.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Master''''s Degree (M.Phil. / Master''''s degree by Research / Master''''s degree by Course work) or equivalent in relevant Health Sciences areas (e.g., Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Life Sciences) with a minimum of 6.5 CGPA out of 10 or 60% aggregate marks. Selection through entrance examination and interview.

Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)

Credits: 8-12 credits (for coursework component only) Credits

Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
PHDHSM1Research MethodologyCore4Formulation of Research Problem, Literature Review and Hypothesis, Research Design and Methods, Sampling Methods and Data Collection, Ethical Considerations in Research, Scientific Writing and Presentation
PHDHSB1Biostatistics / Data AnalysisCore (for Health Sciences)4Descriptive Statistics, Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing and p-values, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Non-Parametric Tests, Statistical Software Applications
PHDHSA1Advanced Topics in Health SciencesElective / Research Area Specific4Emerging Trends in Medical Research, Advanced Diagnostic Techniques, Therapeutic Development and Modalities, Public Health Challenges in India, Health Policy and Systems Research, Translational Research Principles